Qumar U.S. Bases Defense Condition Three

Bartlet directs U.S. bases in Qumar to adopt Defense Condition Three, a step up from standard readiness that signals imminent threat response without full mobilization. He pairs this with maintaining overall U.S. forces at DEFCON Four during the heated Saybrook briefing. Leo erupts against concessions beforehand; Fitzwallace flags Qumar's aggression and Israeli risks; the Joint Chiefs witness the restrained order amid palpable tension.

2 appearances

Purpose

Raises alert level of U.S. bases in Qumar to heightened defensive readiness against potential attack

Significance

Bartlet's choice diffuses Leo's fury, exposes administration rifts on concessions, and ramps military pressure in the standoff with Qumar

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E5 · Debate Camp

Barn Briefing — Qumar Escalation and Measured DEFCON Orders

The concept 'Qumar U.S. Bases Defense Condition Three' is the concrete posture Bartlet orders — it functions as the operational lever to deter further action in the region while signaling seriousness without full mobilization.

Before: Normal/unspecified readiness prior to Bartlet's order.

After: Elevated to Defense Condition Three as ordered by the President.

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S4E5 · Debate Camp

No Concessions — Leo's Blowup and the Calm Order

Defense Condition Three is the specific posture Bartlet orders for U.S. bases in Qumar; referenced as the calibrated step up in readiness intended to signal seriousness without full mobilization.

Before: Qumar bases at a lower readiness level (implicitly below DEFCON 3).

After: Raised to Defense Condition Three for the Qumar bases as ordered by the President.

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