Force Protection Condition (FPCON) is A Department of Defense (DoD) approved system standardizing DoD’s
identification of and recommended preventive actions and responses to terrorist threats against
U.S. personnel and facilities. The system is the principal means for a commander to apply an
operational decision on how to protect against terrorism and facilitates coordination among DoD
Components and support for antiterrorism activities.
FPCON
The DoD FPCON consists of five progressive levels of increasing Anti-Terrorism protective measures. The
implementing measures for each level are detailed in sections E4.4. and E4.5. The circumstances
that apply and the purposes of each protective posture are as follows:
FPCON NORMAL: Applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist
activity exists and warrants a routine security posture. At a minimum, access control will be
conducted at all DoD installations and facilities.
FPCON ALPHA: Applies when there is an increased general threat of possible
terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, and the nature and extent of the threat are
unpredictable. ALPHA measures must be capable of being maintained indefinitely.
FPCON BRAVO: Applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist
activity exists. Sustaining BRAVO measures for a prolonged period may affect operational
capability and military-civil relationships with local authorities.
FPCON CHARLIE: Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received
indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely.
Prolonged implementation of CHARLIE measures may create hardship and affect the activities
of the unit and its personnel.
FPCON DELTA: Applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred
or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is
imminent. This FPCON is usually declared as a localized condition. FPCON DELTA measures
are not intended to be sustained for an extended duration.