Military Readiness: High Alert Status Examined

The US military has been placed on high alert in response to escalating global threats and potential terrorist attacks. In 2000, US military personnel in Turkey, Bahrain, and Qatar were warned of credible and specific threats, with concerns that bases could be targeted by terrorist networks. More recently, in 2024, military leaders raised alarms about global tensions and the collaboration of adversaries such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine and Russia, increased confrontations between Iran and Israel, and China's military buildup near Taiwan have contributed to heightened alerts.

Global tensions and security risks

One of the key concerns is the situation in Taiwan. China has been undergoing the largest military modernization and expansion since World War II, with Beijing spending a significant amount of money on building up its forces in the Indo-Pacific region. This expansion aims for regional superiority and, eventually, global superiority. Beijing's priority is Taiwan, and there are fears that the Chinese Communist Party will attempt to force a reunification with the island nation through an invasion, which could lead to a wider conflict if the US intervenes.

Additionally, there have been reports of North Korean troops deploying in Russia and Ukraine to support Moscow's aggression in Ukraine. Russia has also been providing intelligence and targeting data to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, facilitating attacks on commercial shipping and Western warships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The complex security environment is further exacerbated by intensified confrontations between Iran and Israel, with direct military strikes exchanged between the two countries.

The security environment is incredibly challenging, and the US military is adapting to address these global tensions and security risks. The PACOM chief emphasizes the urgency of deterring China's increasingly aggressive behavior, particularly in the South China Sea, which could be the next flashpoint for conflict.

The heightened state of alert during these global tensions empowers governments to strengthen their defence capabilities and introduce compulsory military service if needed. Society must adapt to meet the requirements of total defence while trying to maintain ordinary functions as much as possible.

Military intervention in conflicts

When deciding whether and how to intervene militarily, several crucial questions must be addressed:

• When and Where to Intervene: The focus should be on conflicts where the scale of death and suffering is significant, and intervention is unlikely to lead to great-power conflicts. Additionally, the potential benefits in terms of lives saved should outweigh the costs, including the risk to intervening soldiers.
• How to Intervene: There are different approaches to intervention, such as providing humanitarian aid, creating safe havens, imposing ceasefire lines, or even taking sides in a conflict. The chosen approach should be carefully considered and adapted to the specific context.
• Who Should Intervene: While the US has often played a significant role in military interventions, there is a growing recognition that other countries and international organisations should also contribute. Building global capacity for conducting peace and humanitarian operations is essential to reduce violence worldwide.

Historical examples of military intervention include the US intervention in Lebanon in the 1980s, the invasion of Grenada, the punitive raid on Libya, and the Panama invasion ("Operation Just Cause"). More recent interventions include the Gulf War, the Somalia operation, the Haiti intervention, and NATO's airstrikes in Bosnia and Kosovo.

The decision to intervene militarily should be made judiciously, taking into account the potential benefits and costs of intervention. It is crucial to have a well-defined strategy and a clear understanding of the context to ensure the success of the mission and minimise negative consequences.

The US military is currently on high alert due to escalating global threats and increasing cooperation among its adversaries, including North Korea, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These developments underscore the complex and dynamic nature of global security challenges and the need for a robust and adaptable military posture.

Intelligence and information sharing

The US military has been placed on high alert in response to escalating global threats and an increasingly complex security environment. This heightened state of alert is a direct result of intelligence gathering and information sharing among various military and government agencies.

In recent years, there has been an increase in cooperation and collaboration among potential US adversaries, such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. These countries have formed what Admiral Sam Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM), describes as "symbiotic, no-limits relationships." This means that they are working together, either directly or indirectly, to undermine the established world order and counter the policies of the US and its Western allies.

A key example of this collaboration is the presence of North Korean troops in Russia and Ukraine, where they are supporting Moscow's war of aggression in Ukraine. Additionally, Russia has been providing intelligence and targeting data to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, facilitating attacks on commercial shipping and Western warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The sharing of intelligence and military resources between these countries poses a significant threat to global security and has rightfully raised alarms among US military leaders.

To counter these threats, effective intelligence gathering and information sharing are crucial. The US military relies on a network of intelligence-sharing alliances, such as the global ECHELON network, which includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. One notable example of a signals intelligence intercept facility is the Canadian Forces Station Alert (CFS Alert) in the Canadian Arctic. CFS Alert has played a vital role in intercepting Soviet and, later, Russian communications during the Cold War and beyond. By intercepting radio signals and secret communications, facilities like CFS Alert provide valuable insights into the activities of potential adversaries, including ICBM test launches and military deployments.

The intelligence gathered through these networks helps inform the decisions and strategies employed by the US military when responding to specific threats. By sharing information across agencies and countries, a more comprehensive understanding of the global security landscape can be achieved, enabling a more coordinated and effective response to potential threats and adversarial collaborations.

Military readiness and mobilisation

The first phase of mobilisation is preparation, where reservists plan, train, and prepare for their potential call to active duty. This phase typically occurs during peacetime and is essential for ensuring that reserve forces are ready for deployment when needed. The second phase is the alert phase, where reserve units receive their orders to active duty and begin their transition to an active component status. This phase is crucial for ensuring a rapid and efficient response to emerging threats.

The third phase is mobilisation at the home station, where reserve units assemble and begin their active duty assignments. This phase involves the coordination of personnel, equipment, and supplies to ensure operational readiness. The fourth phase is the movement to mobilisation stations, where reserve units depart their home base and travel to designated mobilisation sites, either within the country or overseas. This phase requires efficient logistics and transportation capabilities to ensure the timely deployment of forces.

The final phase before deployment is operation readiness improvement, where reserve units make their final preparations at the mobilisation site. This phase involves conducting training exercises, testing equipment, and ensuring that all personnel and resources are ready for their assigned missions. Once this phase is complete, the units are ready for deployment to their designated areas of operation.

The level of mobilisation depends on the type and degree of emergency or conflict a nation is facing. Selective mobilisation addresses natural disasters or civilian disturbances that do not threaten national security, such as a postal strike or an earthquake. Partial mobilisation occurs when external threats to national security are present, and the president authorises the use of force for a limited duration. Full mobilisation is initiated by Congress in response to a declaration of war or a significant national emergency, involving all reserve units. Total mobilisation, the highest level, occurs when both the president and Congress activate the entire armed forces and all national resources to address external threats to national security.

Societal impact and civil defence

When a country's military is on high alert, it means there is a heightened state of alert and a potential threat to national security. This can have a significant impact on society and civil defence protocols. Here are some key considerations and actions that may be expected:

Societal Impact:

• Public Awareness and Communication: During a high alert, it is crucial that citizens stay informed and follow the instructions of the authorities. Information about the situation is typically disseminated through official channels such as radio, television, and emergency alerts. It is important for people to pay attention to these communications and stay updated on any instructions or changes in the situation.
• Civil Defence Measures: A high alert indicates a potential threat to the country, and civil defence measures become crucial. This includes ensuring essential functions and services continue to operate, such as healthcare, transportation, elderly care, schools, and sanitation. The aim is to protect civilians and maintain a sense of normalcy as much as possible while preparing for potential emergencies.
• Shelter and Protection: In some cases, depending on the nature of the threat, there may be a need to utilise shelters to protect the population. Countries with civil defence protocols often have designated shelters in place, and these must be set up and ready to accommodate people within a specified timeframe. The public should be informed about the location of these shelters and instructed to head there if necessary.
• Psychological Impact: A high military alert can cause anxiety and fear among the population. It is important for authorities to provide clear and transparent information to help ease concerns. Psychological defence strategies may also be employed to counter attempts by external nations or organisations to influence public sentiment and spread misinformation.

Civil Defence:

• Total Defence Service: In some countries, the concept of total defence service involves the participation of all citizens aged 16 to 70 in preparing for and supporting war efforts. This includes not only military defence but also civil defence, ensuring that essential civilian services continue to function properly.
• Municipal and State Authorities: During a high alert, municipal and state authorities have a crucial role in adapting their organisation and activities to meet the special requirements of the situation. This includes continuing essential services such as elderly care, schools, and sanitation, even under difficult conditions.
• Compulsory Military Service: In some cases, a high alert may lead to the introduction of compulsory military service. Those eligible for military service must be prepared to report for duty immediately if called upon.
• Resource Allocation: The state may take over private property, including buildings, transportation, and machinery, if needed for defence purposes. This allows for the efficient utilisation of resources to strengthen the country's defence capabilities.

Frequently asked questions