How many levels of DEFCON are there?

The Defense Readiness Condition (DEFCON) system consists of five distinct levels that indicate the readiness posture of the United States Armed Forces in response to various threats and situations. Each level corresponds to a specific state of military readiness, ranging from normal readiness to maximum coordinated readiness for nuclear war.

The five levels are as follows:

1. DEFCON 5: Normal peacetime readiness.
2. DEFCON 4: Increased intelligence and strengthened security measures.
3. DEFCON 3: Increased readiness with a heightened state of alert, preparing for potential conflict.
4. DEFCON 2: Ready to deploy and engage in operations within hours, indicating a more serious threat.
5. DEFCON 1: Maximum readiness, indicating imminent nuclear war or an active threat requiring immediate military action.

Understanding these levels is crucial for military strategies and responses to emerging threats, as they provide a structured way to assess and communicate the readiness of U.S. military forces.