Raised Alert Levels
Current DEFCON levels for all tracked commands. Commands below DEFCON 5 are considered "raised."
Understanding Raised Alert Levels
This page displays the current estimated DEFCON level for each of the 14 tracked commands (11 official U.S. Combatant Commands plus 3 monitoring commands). A "raised" status means the command is operating below DEFCON 5 -- indicating increased readiness due to regional tensions or active threats. Only commands at DEFCON 5 are at normal peacetime readiness.
The U.S. military organizes global operations through Geographic Commands (responsible for specific regions like Europe, the Middle East, or the Indo-Pacific) and Functional Commands (responsible for specialized missions like nuclear deterrence, special operations, or cyber warfare). Different commands can operate at different alert levels simultaneously -- STRATCOM might hold DEFCON 3 while SOUTHCOM remains at DEFCON 5, depending on current threats.
These are OSINT-based estimates. Official readiness levels are classified and not disclosed publicly. We base our assessments on confirmed military activity, official statements, and verified intelligence reports. Click any command card to view regional alerts and detailed analysis for that area of responsibility.
Verified vs OSINT Estimates
Verified (Confirmed) Changes
Verified DEFCON changes are those confirmed through declassified government records, official statements, or congressional testimony. These are rare and typically only revealed years after the fact for national security reasons.
The last publicly confirmed DEFCON change was on September 11, 2001, when the U.S. military elevated to DEFCON 3 following the terrorist attacks.
OSINT-Based Estimates
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) estimates are our assessment of current readiness levels based on publicly available information. These include military deployments, satellite imagery, official press releases, diplomatic communications, and verified intelligence reports.
All levels shown on this page are OSINT estimates unless specifically labeled as "Verified." Our methodology weighs multiple sources before adjusting any estimate.
Important: Official DEFCON readiness status is classified. The levels displayed here are intelligence estimates based on open-source information and should not be interpreted as confirmed government classifications. For verified historical changes, visit our History page.
Current Nuclear Risk Level For United States (OSINT Estimate)
Increased intelligence watch and strengthened security measures. Above normal readiness.
This is an OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) estimate of nuclear risk for the United States. Confirmed nuclear readiness status is classified and not disclosed. This assessment is based on confirmed open-source information, geopolitical analysis, and intelligence monitoring.
Command Alert Status
Geographic Commands
Functional Commands
Trend Analysis
Commands at Elevated Status
14 of 14
One or more commands are operating above normal readiness.
Recent Escalations
4
Level increases in the recent change history (lower DEFCON number = higher alert).
Recent De-escalations
1
Level decreases in the recent change history (higher DEFCON number = lower alert).
Trends reflect OSINT estimate adjustments, not confirmed government-level changes. A single geopolitical event can trigger multiple command-level adjustments simultaneously.
Recent Level Changes
30 level adjustments recorded in the recent change history, including 4 escalations and 1 de-escalation.
Most Recent Change
Global DEFCON: Adjusted to DEFCON 3 on July 14, 2026. CENTCOM Resumes Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports, Continues To Carry Out Strikes On Iran. During a five hour mission, U.S. forces struck military targets across Iran, including within Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas.
Related Pages
Level Changes
Track all OSINT-based level adjustments across commands
View Changes →Current Level
See today's global DEFCON estimate and assessment
View Current →Confirmed History
Verified DEFCON changes from declassified records
View History →All Commands
View all 14 tracked commands and their missions
View Commands →