DEFCON 1: COCKED PISTOL

Maximum military readiness. Nuclear war is imminent or has begun. All forces are ready for immediate combat operations.

DEFCON 1, also called Cocked Pistol or white alert, is the maximum readiness condition. Confirmed records commonly cite late 1950s creation by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while operational details remain classified. Confirmed descriptions indicate this level signals imminent or ongoing nuclear conflict.

DEFCON 1 could be considered if intelligence indicates an imminent or confirmed threat of nuclear attack or major war.

The alert level color for Cocked Pistol is white. Confirmed records do not show the Department of Defense or U.S. Armed Forces raising DEFCON 1 since the system was implemented.

Maximum force readiness. All military personnel on duty. All weapons systems armed and ready. Launch authority delegated.