Command and Doctrine
Readiness Conditions
- DEFCON 1 Maximum readiness; nuclear war is imminent or has already begun.
- DEFCON 2 Next step to nuclear war; armed forces ready to deploy and engage in less than six hours.
- DEFCON 3 Increase in force readiness above that required for normal readiness; air force ready to mobilize in 15 minutes.
- DEFCON 4 Increased intelligence watch and strengthened security measures; above normal readiness.
- DEFCON 5 Lowest state of readiness; normal peacetime military readiness.
- FPCON Alpha Applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable.
- FPCON Bravo Applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.
- FPCON Charlie Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely.
- FPCON Delta Applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence indicates that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely.
- FPCON Normal Applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist activity exists and warrants a routine security posture.
- INFOCON 1 Information systems attack is detected with definite impacts on Department of Defense missions.
- INFOCON 2 Information systems attack has been detected with limited impact on Department of Defense operations.
- INFOCON 3 Indications and warning indicate a specific system, location, unit, or operation may be targeted.
- INFOCON 4 Increased risk of attack indicated either by intelligence or ongoing events.
- INFOCON 5 Routine operating condition; no significant activity beyond normal threat levels.
- MOPP 0 Lowest level of CBRN protective posture; protective equipment is carried or available but not worn.
- MOPP 1 Protective overgarment is worn; mask, gloves, and overboots remain carried.
- MOPP 2 Protective overgarment and overboots are worn; mask and gloves remain carried.
- MOPP 3 Protective overgarment, overboots, and mask with hood are worn; gloves remain carried.
- MOPP 4 Highest level of CBRN protective posture; all protective equipment is worn, including gloves.
- REDCON 1 Unit is fully alert, manned, and ready to move and fight immediately.
- REDCON 2 Unit is ready to move and fight with minimal preparation; full alert but reduced manning at key positions.
- REDCON 3 Unit is at a reduced alert posture; ready to move and fight on order with moderate preparation time.
- REDCON 4 Unit is at a reduced alert posture requiring significant preparation time before it can move and fight.
- REDCON 5 Unit is not ready and is not prepared to move or fight; engaged in reconstitution or refit.