Force Protection Condition, or 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. This system is defensive in nature but proactive enough to give the commander the flexibility to protect the DoD elements, personnel resources and interests.
The FPCON level is set by each major command and applied to its theater of operations. These commands use all available threat intelligence to help make an informed decision.
The FPCON system does two things to counter terrorists or other hostile adversaries:
(1) It sets the FPCON level at Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, or Delta.
(2) When an FPCON level is set, certain force protection measures are implemented. For example, if an Army garrison elevates to FPCON Charlie, you might see increased security measures at the gates, or even gate closures and the presence of additional security forces.
For additional information, contact your supervisor or military counterintelligence point of contact.
FPCON NORMAL
Applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist threat activity exists and warrants a routine security posture.
FPCON ALPHA
Occurs when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of the threat are unpredictable.
FPCON BRAVO
Applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.
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.
100% ID CARD CHECK REQUIRED.
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.
100% ID CARD CHECK REQUIRED.
When are FPCON levels raised?
The FPCON levels are raised as a threat increases or if an attack has occurred.
How do I know the FPCON?
The Force Protection Condition level is posted at each gate entrance and all entrances to installation facilities. Additionally, FPCON levels are posted on this page. It is also recommended to sign up for the Alert! Notification System.
READ MORE ABOUT THE DOD ALERT! NOTIFICATION SYSTEM >>>
How will I know what measures are implemented as the FPCON increases of decreases?
While specific FPCON measures are not releasable in the interest of security, there are some key tips to keep in mind:
- The FPCON level has been set at Bravo or higher since 2001.
- FPCON Charlie — which indicates that a threat is likely — sets into motion curtailment plans for nonessential personnel.
- FPCON Delta, the highest and most protective level, limits installation access to mission-essential personnel and other personnel as determined by the commander.
How do I know if I'm nonessential or mission-essential personnel?
If you are unsure if you are essential or nonessential personnel, contact your supervisor.
What if you need to get on-post during FPCON Charlie or Delta?
If you’re off-post and you live on-post, have children at school or need to get to the clinic, for example, and the Force Protection Condition has elevated to Charlie or Delta, stand by for further directions. Contact your supervisor or unit leadership for guidance. Make sure to connect to the USFK Facebook page at www.facebook.com/myusfk and your local installation's social media pages.
How will I know if the levels have changed?
Make sure to contact your supervisor or unit leadership for guidance and to connect to the USFK Facebook page at www.facebook.com/myusfk and your local installation's social media pages.
Additional tips and things to consider
- No matter what the FPCON is, always carry two forms of photo ID when entering U.S. military installations.
- Increased force protection measures do not necessarily indicate an increase in an FPCON.
- Practice good Operations Security (OPSEC). Practicing good OPSEC is not only for military personnel, but for everyone.
- For personnel, make sure to complete your Level I Antiterrorism Training every year as well as any other security-related trainings.