DEFCON Four

DEFCON Four sets the overall U.S. military readiness level. Bartlet orders military leaders—Fitzwallace, Mike, and others—to hold forces here while raising Qumar bases to Defense Condition Three. Leo blasts concessions that could force escalation beyond this posture. The decision cuts through heated debate in the Saybrook briefing room, signaling restraint amid Israeli strike threats and Qumar's aggression.

2 appearances

Purpose

Establish controlled U.S. military defensive readiness short of full alert status

Significance

Bartlet's order exposes Leo's hardline stance against concessions, locks in divided strategy toward Qumar, and heightens crisis pressure without broad mobilization

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

DEFCON Four is cited as the overall U.S. military readiness the President chooses to maintain — a calibrated posture signaling concern but avoiding the political and operational weight of higher DEFCON levels.

Before: Standard peacetime or baseline readiness (implied lower than Three).

After: Maintained at DEFCON Four as the President pairs regional elevation with cautious national posture.

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S4E5 · Debate Camp

No Concessions — Leo's Blowup and the Calm Order

DEFCON Four is cited as the overall U.S. forces posture that Bartlet retains even as he raises Qumar bases to DEFCON Three—this dual posture balances heightened regional alert with broader restraint.

Before: Overall forces at a baseline posture (implicitly around DEFCON Four or similar).

After: Overall U.S. forces explicitly maintained at DEFCON Four while regional bases are heightened.

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