DEFCON LEVELS EXPLAINED
The Defense Ready Condition levels, or DEFCON levels, are used throughout the United States Armed Forces to determine the readiness necessary based on threats to America. These levels should not be confused with the National Terrorism Advisory System from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and are generally connected to the threat of nuclear war. Each DEFCON level is going to present a new threat level, parameters that characterize the threat, and the readiness of the military. Read next:4 Tips For Veterans When People Start to Ask About Your War Experience
Understanding Each DEFCON Level
It’s important to understand each DEFCON level because there are some misconceptions involved with the system. Some of this stems from the fact that, although the system was created in 1959, it wasn’t until 2006 that it was declassified for the general public. Here are a few important points to remember when reading a DEFCON level:
- The levels applied are used by America but not the rest of the world. Though we may use the system to exchange intel, the DEFCON level system is used domestically, not internationally, as a gauge for nuclear war.
- A DEFCON level can be used to apply to the state of a worldwide nuclear war, assigned to a specific area such as a base, and anything in between.
- There’s a good chance you’re using DEFCON levels incorrectly. Contrary to popular belief, DEFCON 5 isn’t the bad one. It’s exactly where we want to be. Throughout the years, there have been many examples in popular culture where “DEFCON 5” was used to describe panic, but it is the lowest level of threat there is. DEFCON 1 is when $#!t hits the fan.
The prospect of a nuclear war between the United States and any country is not a good one. There would be no winners, just losers. It’s great that we have the DEFCON system and that it is taken seriously by our nation and others who look for ways to defer the use of such warfare at all costs. Without further ado, get to know each DEFCON level and what they mean for our safety from nuclear weapons.
DEFCON 1
Color Code: Red Exercise term: COCKED PISTOL Readiness: Maximum readiness Description: A response is expected immediately, and war is here. A nuclear weapon has either already been launched or it is imminent and inevitable at this point. Avoid at all costs.
DEFCON 2
Color Code: Orange Exercise term: FAST PACE Readiness: The Armed Forces are prepared to deploy in under six hours. Description: This is the final straw before a nuclear war. If there is a way to avoid a nuclear exchange, this is your last chance, and a credible threat is brewing.
DEFCON 3
Color Code: Yellow Exercise term: ROUND HOUSE Readiness: The U.S. Air Force is prepared to mobilize within 15 mins. Description: Our Armed Forces are ready beyond what is normal. The U.S. reached this level post-9/11 as a response to the terrorist attacks that struck our nation in 2001.
DEFCON 4
Color Code: Blue Exercise term: DOUBLE TAKE Readiness: Above normal readiness Description: Security measures and intelligence are increased. This is the level normally entered into after peacetime when intel suggests that a threat could be developing.
DEFCON 5
Color Code: Green Exercise term: FADE OUT Readiness: Normal Description: The lowest state of readiness available. This is where we want to be at all times because there is no legitimate threat of a nuclear war. DEFCON 5 represents peacetime.
DEFCON Levels During Uncertain Times
six close calls of the Cuban Missile Crisis, there were times when the government did move America into DEFCON 2. Today, by all indications, we have yet to reach such extreme levels, which is great news. Hopefully, we can stay at DEFCON 5, and world peace will continue to be the prevailing theme for America and other nations across the globe. More like this:Should We Be Worried About Russian Military Strength?
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