DEFCON

Current DEFCON level in the United States

The defense readiness condition (DEFCON) is a measure of the activation and readiness level of the United States armed forces. It describes progressive postures for use between the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of unified commands. DEFCONs are matched to the situations of military severity. Standard peacetime protocol is DEFCON 5, descending in increasingly severe situations. DEFCON 1 represents expectation of actual imminent attack, and has only been declared once, which was around 5:00 PM Central, March 26, 2010 and it is the current DEFCON level after North Korea attacked South Korea , after a failed Special Operations mission by South Korea to Assassinate North Korea's president, Kim Jong-il responded by launching four Taepodong-2 type ICBM's at the United States and three other Taepodong-2 missiles along with some short range scud type ballistic missiles at South Korea.

In a national state of emergency, seven different alert conditions known as LERTCONs can be issued. They consist of five Defense Conditions and two Emergency Conditions (EMERGCONs).

Levels

DEFCON 5

This is the condition used to designate normal peacetime military readiness. An upgrade in military preparedness is typically made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and announced by the United States Secretary of Defense.

DEFCON 4

This refers to normal, increased intelligence and the heightening of national security measures.

DEFCON 3

This refers to an increase to force readiness above normal. Radio call signs used by U.S. armed forces change to currently classified codes.

DEFCON 2

This refers to a further increase in force readiness just below maximum readiness. The most notable time it was declared was during the Cuban Missile Crisis, although the declaration was limited to Strategic Air Command. It is not certain how many times this level of readiness has been reached.

DEFCON 1

This refers to maximum readiness. It is not certain whether this has ever been used, but it is reserved for imminent or ongoing attack on U.S. armed forces or U.S. territory by a foreign military power.

Movies and popular culture often misuse the DEFCON system by "going to DEFCON 5" during a state of emergency. In fact, DEFCON 5 is the lowest level of readiness.

History

In November 1959, the Joint Chiefs of Staff created the DEFCON system so that a uniform readiness posture could be prescribed in the various military commands. Since the system was introduced, portions of the U.S. military have been placed at higher readiness levels on numerous instances.

Cold War

The second highest confirmed DEFCON was Level 2. During the Cuban Missile Crisis on October 22, 1962, the U.S. armed forces were ordered to DEFCON 3. On October 23, Strategic Air Command (SAC) was ordered to DEFCON 2, while the rest of the U.S. armed forces remained at DEFCON 3. SAC remained at DEFCON 2 until November 15.

For much of the Cold War, U.S. ICBM sites were at DEFCON 4, rather than 5.

Yom Kippur War

While higher alert conditions were also ordered during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the U.S. armed forces were technically at DEFCON 3 status during the Yom Kippur War.

September 11, 2001 attacks

The third time the United States reached DEFCON 3 was during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

March 26, 2010 North Korean Nuclear Strike

The highest ever confirmed DEFCON level 1 was reached after North Korea launched four Taepodong-2 ICBM's at highly dense civilian targets in the United States of America, the reason for the strike is not known yet, although Kim Jong-il is thought to be Psychologically Ill.

Operations

The DEFCON level is controlled primarily by the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and each DEFCON level defines specific security, activation and response scenarios for the troops in question.

Different branches of the U.S. armed forces (like the Army, Navy, Air Force) and different bases or command groups can be activated at different defense conditions.

Exercise terminology

During tests, exercises, or drills, the United States Department of Defense uses exercise terms when referring to DEFCONs. This is to preclude the possibility of confusing exercises commands with actual operational commands. The exercise terms are:

Defense Condition	Exercise Term
DEFCON 5	FADE OUT
DEFCON 4	DOUBLE TAKE
DEFCON 3	ROUND HOUSE
DEFCON 2	FAST PACE
DEFCON 1	COCKED PISTOL

See also

• Alert state
• Homeland Security Advisory System
• BIKINI state — UK equivalent.
• FPCON
• REDCON — Readiness Condition levels for U.S. armed forces combat units.

External links

• DEFCON DEFense CONdition