We are no longer observing a short protracted isolated conflict in Eastern Europe. Today, as a response to Putin’s order for Russian deterrence forces moved to their highest alert, the United States again moved the DEFCON to level 2. January 15th, 1991 when the start of operations began for the Gulf War October 22nd, 1962 at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis Level 2 was reached only twice before in the defence level history. The changed alert level means that all primary deployment forces of the United States are now prepared to mobilse within 6 hours. To understand what DEFCON 2 level indicates, you have only to review the last two times in history that the United States military DEFCON warning system was moved to level 2. However, the United States’ response to move the DEFCON (defence condition) level to 2 should immediately guide leaders, especially here in New Zealand to understand the broader implications. They are viewing it with some scepticism and pointing out that his order is not clear in its actual implications. To understand what Putin placing his deterrence forces on highest alert means in clear terms, we must look beyond the initial European leadership responses, and review the immediate result to the United States DEFCON status.Įuropean leaders have responsibly tempered reaction to Putin’s escalation, in which he has raised the alert level for Russian nuclear forces. The Move To DEFCON 2 And Implications For New Zealand Monday, 28 February 2022, 5:13 pm

What defcon level are we at