DEFCOM 1

Oberon · 09-07-14, 01:54 PM

As an aside, the UK had a similar system back before our 'UK Threat levels' called the 'BIKINI States'. Honestly, I prefer the BIKINI states over this new fangled system which doesn't seem to move much beyond 'Severe'.

Bikini States:

WHITE - Situation stable, normal procedures apply.
BLACK - There has been an assessment of a possibility of an attack, but no defined target, it could also mean civil unrest meaning that safety cannot be guaranteed.
BLACK SPECIAL - There is an increased likelihood of attack but no defined target, can also mean potential terrorist threat.
AMBER - There has been information received and there is a substantial threat to government targets, it can also mean high alert which could mean a transition to war.
RED - Information has been received about an attack on a specific target, it can also mean that the UK is at war, especially if there is the risk of a nuclear strike.

NATO itself had a system-wide 'counter-surprise' alert level which went:

ORANGE - Triggered by intelligence reports suggesting that the enemy are preparing to launch an attack within 36 hours, NATO forces go to a high state of operational readiness, Communications networks, War HQs and Command and Recon manned, forces dispersed to operational locations.
SCARLET - Enemy attack expected within minutes, deployment as Orange level as permitted, SAM and AAA weapons manned, aircraft awaiting orders.

09-07-14, 01:54 PM	#11
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	As an aside, the UK had a similar system back before our 'UK Threat levels' called the 'BIKINI States'. Honestly, I prefer the BIKINI states over this new fangled system which doesn't seem to move much beyond 'Severe'. Bikini States: WHITE - Situation stable, normal procedures apply. BLACK - There has been an assessment of a possibility of an attack, but no defined target, it could also mean civil unrest meaning that safety cannot be guaranteed. BLACK SPECIAL - There is an increased likelihood of attack but no defined target, can also mean potential terrorist threat. AMBER - There has been information received and there is a substantial threat to government targets, it can also mean high alert which could mean a transition to war. RED - Information has been received about an attack on a specific target, it can also mean that the UK is at war, especially if there is the risk of a nuclear strike. NATO itself had a system-wide 'counter-surprise' alert level which went: ORANGE - Triggered by intelligence reports suggesting that the enemy are preparing to launch an attack within 36 hours, NATO forces go to a high state of operational readiness, Communications networks, War HQs and Command and Recon manned, forces dispersed to operational locations. SCARLET - Enemy attack expected within minutes, deployment as Orange level as permitted, SAM and AAA weapons manned, aircraft awaiting orders.