DEFCON 3

DEFCON 3: ROUND HOUSE

#EAB308 Alert

What This Means

Increase in force readiness above normal. Air Force ready to mobilize in 15 minutes.

What Is DEFCON 3 Or "Round House" Warning Level?

DEFCON 3, or Round House, is an increase in alertness and military readiness, sometimes described as a "yellow alert" status. Confirmed timelines place Air Force mobilization at roughly 15 minutes.

The alert color for DEFCON 3, or Round House, is yellow. This condition represents a state of preparedness and elevated caution.

Confirmed records indicate DEFCON 3 may be used during significant international crises or heightened threat conditions. Specific triggers and procedures are classified.

Military Posture

Above normal readiness. Increased intelligence watch. Some forces on higher alert.

DEFCON 3 Events in History

DEFCON 3 has been reached 3 times in recorded history:

September 11, 2001
September 11 Attacks

Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, U.S. forces worldwide raised to DEFCON 3.
October 6, 1973
Yom Kippur War

U.S. raised to DEFCON 3 after Soviet threats to intervene in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
August 18, 1976
Operation Paul Bunyan

U.S. forces in South Korea raised to DEFCON 3 after North Korean soldiers killed two U.S. Army officers in the DMZ.
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All DEFCON Levels

DEFCON 1 DEFCON 1 DEFCON 2 DEFCON 2 DEFCON 3 DEFCON 3 DEFCON 4 DEFCON 4 DEFCON 5 DEFCON 5
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Check Current Status

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