USNORTHCOM Hasn't Changed the Force Protection Condition

United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) hasn't made any changes to its force protection condition, which remains at 'bravo', a spokesperson for the agency told StreetInsider.com. Earlier rumors suggested the force protection condition was being increased due to clashes between Russia and U.S. fighter jets in Syria and an escalation of tensions between the two sides in the region.

'Bravo' is the baseline established by USNORTHCOM, which is responsible for protecting the U.S. mainland against invasion. It was last changed in May 2015, moving up to the current level. There are four force protection conditions: 'alpha, 'bravo', 'charlie' and 'delta', with alpha being the lowest and delta the highest.

While bravo is the baseline, each base or instillation under the USNORTHCOM command could have its own force protection conditions based on individual circumstances. However, the minimum would be 'bravo.' An individual base or instillation could also increase a few measures to a higher force protection condition while maintaining the USNORTHCOM baseline.

While USNORTHCOM has not changed its force protection condition, it is unclear if other commands around the world have done so.

Rumors could have been started after website defconwarningsystem.com raised its own internal condition to DEFCON 3 on June 19th. The website said, "There are currently no imminent nuclear threats against the United States at this time, however the situation is considered fluid and can change rapidly...Multiple sources have confirmed unusual strategic activity in the United States and Russia. At this time, we are unable to ascertain what exactly has caused such a reaction." The website said it is a private enterprise and not affiliated with any government agency and does not represent the alert status of any military branch.

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