DEFCON
Appearance
DEFCON or Defense Readiness Condition is an alert state used by the United States Army. It also indicates how severe a threat could be.
DEFCON can be separated into 5 categories, 5 being average everyday life and 1 being the most ready.
The table below shows the varying levels of readiness.
Readiness Condition | Exercise Term | Description | Readiness |
---|---|---|---|
DEFCON 1 | COCKED PISTOL | Nuclear war is very soon or has already started | The most readiness, response happens right now |
DEFCON 2 | FAST PACE | Near nuclear war | Army ready in less than 6 hours |
DEFCON 3 | ROUND HOUSE | Heightened readiness | Air Force prepared in 15 minutes |
DEFCON 4 | DOUBLE TAKE | Increased watching and stronger security | Above regular readiness |
DEFCON 5 | FADE OUT | Lowest state of readiness | Normal readiness. |
The U.S has only reached DEFCON 2 once during the Cuban Missile Crisis.