How many DEFCON levels exist?

The Defense Readiness Condition (DEFCON) system has five distinct levels, which indicate the level of threat to national security and the readiness of the United States Armed Forces. Each level ranges from DEFCON 1, which signifies maximum readiness and a direct threat, to DEFCON 5, which indicates normal peacetime readiness. The specific gradation enables the military to respond appropriately to varying degrees of threat, with each level implemented based on intelligence assessments, geopolitical events, and military readiness needs. Understanding this hierarchy helps personnel recognize how the military adjusts its posture in response to unfolding situations in the global arena.