DEFCON 3
DEFCON 3

Yom Kippur War

October 24-25, 1973

DEFCON 3 declared during the Arab-Israeli War due to Soviet military movements.

Detailed Account

During the Yom Kippur War (October War), the United States raised its military alert status to DEFCON 3 in response to intelligence indicating possible Soviet military intervention in the conflict.

The Soviet Union had threatened to intervene on behalf of Egypt and Syria, and satellite imagery showed Soviet airborne divisions being prepared for deployment. President Nixon and Secretary of State Kissinger authorized the alert to signal American resolve and deter Soviet intervention.

Commands Affected

All Commands

About DEFCON 3

DEFCON 3 - ROUND HOUSE

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

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

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