What defines DEFCON 2?

DEFCON 2 represents a state of military readiness that is characterized by a further increase in preparedness just short of maximum alert. In this condition, armed forces are prepared to respond to threats effectively and rapidly, reflecting heightened tensions and readiness for conflict without reaching the most extreme level of alert, which is DEFCON 1. The emphasis is on an elevated state of readiness in anticipation of possible military action, indicating that while a full-scale war may not be imminent, the situation demands increased vigilance and response capability.

In the context of the other options, while set levels of readiness during peacetime refer to a normal operational status, DEFCON 2 is clearly beyond that baseline. Complete military alert describes DEFCON 1, which signifies preparing for immediate combat operations. Lastly, a potential attack highlighted in one of the choices relates more to intelligence assessments rather than the defined military readiness status indicated by DEFCON levels.