DEFCON and HPCON: An explanation of Conditions

The status of military readiness can change rapidly, and in today's world of sudden nuclear and biological events, Atlantic uses two readiness systems. The first is DEFCON, or Defense Condition, and the second is HPCON, or Health Protection Condition. These two indicators are intended to provide information about the expected readiness of the region and its member nations in response to global or local threats.

DEFCON
Defense Condition has 5 readiness levels, which indicate varying levels of readiness in response to a perceived nuclear or invasion threat. The possible levels and their conditions are as follows:

DEFCON 1: Nuclear War or Regional Invasion is imminent or already occurring.
DEFCON 2: Nuclear War or Regional Invasion is expected within 48 hours.
DEFCON 3: Heightened readiness due to a possible threat within one week.
DEFCON 4: Intel indicates a possible threat with no immediate timeline.
DEFCON 5: Peacetime readiness, no expected threats.

HPCON
Health Protection Condition refers to the possibility of health-related risks that could affect the region or member nations. These risks can range from infectious disease to biological agents or chemical contamination. Health-related responses will vary depending on the threat and condition level as follows:

HPCON Delta: Severe, widespread community effects. Complete lockdown, emergency travel only.
HPCON Charlie: Substantial community effects. Region borders closed, travel limited to first responders and essential workers only.
HPCON Bravo: Moderate community effects. Region borders restricted with quarantine measures, internal travel unrestricted.
HPCON Alpha: Limited community effects. No regional restrictions.
HPCON Zero: Routine, no community effects or restrictions.