Video

Video by Sgt. Patrick Mayabb

DEFENDER 25 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) U.S. Army 690th Chemical Battalion in Northern Macedonia

U.S. Army Europe and Africa

June 2, 2025 | 1:42

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 690th Chemical Battalion 31st Chemical Brigade Alabama National Guard conducts Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) training with Army of the Republic of North Macedonia Army as a part of Immediate Response 25 during DEFENDER 25, Krivolak Training Area, Krivolak, North Macedonia, June 02, 2025. Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment, and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict.