DEFCON 4 was used sporadically during the War on Terror and Gulf War. DEFCON 1 has never ever been activated - if it had - you would know for sure as we would still be dealing with nuclear fallout. DEFCON 2 has only occurred once, that was during the Cuban Missile Crisis when Cuba threatened to launch missiles against the U.S mainland. The 9/11 attacks were the last time we achieved DEFCON 3. Level 3 has only occurred four times in the entire history of the country.
Level 2,3,4 are somewhat more nebulous, but maybe a little history will help illustrate just how difficult it is to move from one readiness condition to another. Level 1 means we are in an active nuclear war - not any war - but nuclear war. What does DEFCON mean as an abbreviation 8 popular meanings of DEFCON abbreviation: 28 Categories. Level 5 means we are at a normal level of readiness and no significant threats face the country. DEFCON Level 1 and 5 are the easiest to understand. That is because it is a huge deal to move from say level 5 to 4 or 3. To move from one DEFCON level to another requires Presidential orders. I suggest you call the FBI and let them know someone is violating national security.
If you hear someone factually spouting off about DEFCON levels they are either violating national security or an idiot. We are probably at DEFCON 4 today, due to the North Korea issues, but since DEFCON levels are classified, we really have no idea. Typically we are at DEFCON 5 - which is the lowest level of readiness. For example, at DEFCON 3 the U.S Air Force must be able to launch attacks or counterattacks in 15 minutes or less. Each DEFCON level is tied to a set of protocols for each branch of the military. DEFCON levels are a way to indicate our military posture or level of readiness. The levels are 1-5 (there are only 5 - if someone says we are at DEFCON 6 - they are idiots and lying). But what does that really mean? Often people quote DEFCON levels without understanding the facts.ĭEFCON stands for Defense Condition. Defcon 3 means there is an increase in force readiness above normal combat readiness.DEFCON Level: You may hear people refer to "DEFCON Level 3" or something similar in the media. Defcon 2 is the second most severe and this was reached during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Defcon 5 is the least severe and Defcon 1 means total nuclear annihilation or all out nuclear war. DEFCON 4: Above normal readiness with an increase in the gathering of intel and strengthening of security measures. DEFCON 2: Military forces stand ready to deploy and fight in six hours or less. Air Force document describes Bravo as when "an increased and more predictable terrorist threat activity exists." The level means there is information that suggests probable violence in the United States, and there must be extra precaution to deter terrorist planning.ĭefcon levels are rated from 1 to 5. The five DEFCON levels are: DEFCON 1: Maximum military readiness for immediate response to threats or attacks. It increases in severity from DEFCON 5 (least severe) to DEFCON 1 (most severe) to match varying military situations.Īccordingly, what does Bravo mean on a military base?Ī U.S. Secondly, is Defcon 1 or Defcon 5 worse? It prescribes five graduated levels of readiness (or states of alert) for the U.S. Although a cease-fire agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, Korea ha. FPCON CHARLIE: This condition applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. Read 2 reviews from the worlds largest community for readers. Threatcon Bravo means there is a medium threat of terrorist attack, though no particular threat has been identified.įPCON BRAVO: This condition applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.