2023 Defender Flag emblem

Defender Nation,

Following a postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Defender Challenge is set to return Oct. 23-27, 2023, at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The event, a legacy competition between major command teams, tests physical endurance and core operational skills to crown a winning team and several individual award winners.

In addition to Defender Challenge, Defender Flag will be held simultaneously as a realistic assessment and validation of Air Base Ground Defense tactics, techniques and procedures during intense, realistic scenarios. What this space for more information!

Defender Challenge Photos

Facebook post - AF/A4S Defender Nation, As we move forward in response to COVID-19 and Recovery we must ensure we protect the force and restore operations into our new normal. Based on current planning considerations DoD wide and prioritization of missions, Defender Challenge is officially postponed to May 2021. This will allow our Defenders time to focus on missions impacted by COVID-19 and recovery operations. We will continue to build space on your range card for recovery operations to take place before putting more on your list. Details about the rescheduled competition will be released once we ensure the continued safety of our Defenders, families and mission accomplishment. Stay Safe! VR – Brig Gen Collins Defender Challenge postponed to May 2021
Defender Challenge postponed to May 2021
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Air Force Defender Challenge logo Air Force Defender Challenge logo
Air Force Defender Challenge logo
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Security Forces Airmen take part in the physical fitness test as the opening day of the Air Education and Training Command Defender Challenge team tryout at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 27, 2020. The five-day selection camp includes a physical fitness test, M-9 and M-4 weapons firing, the alpha warrior obstacle course, a ruck march and also includes a military working dog tryout as well. Tryouts begin for AETC Defender Challenge team selection
Tryouts begin for AETC Defender Challenge team selection
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Security Forces Airmen take part in the physical fitness test as the opening day of the Air Education and Training Command Defender Challenge team tryout at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 27, 2020. The five-day selection camp includes a physical fitness test, M-9 and M-4 weapons firing, the alpha warrior obstacle course, a ruck march and also includes a military working dog tryout as well. Tryouts begin for AETC Defender Challenge team selection
Tryouts begin for AETC Defender Challenge team selection
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Security Forces Airmen take part in the physical fitness test as the opening day of the Air Education and Training Command Defender Challenge team tryout at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 27, 2020. The five-day selection camp includes a physical fitness test, M-9 and M-4 weapons firing, the alpha warrior obstacle course, a ruck march and also includes a military working dog tryout as well. Tryouts begin for AETC Defender Challenge team selection
Tryouts begin for AETC Defender Challenge team selection
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Videos, photos & More

Follow us on the 2023 Defender Challenge Defense Visual Information Distribution Site! Find pre-event team hype videos as well as photos, videos and more coverage of the competition.