Who issues Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs)?

The issuance of Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs) is primarily the responsibility of Combatant Commanders (COCOMs) and installation commanders or facility directors. These levels of command hold the authority to assess threats to their specific areas of responsibility and implement appropriate protective measures.

FPCONs are established as a framework to respond to various levels of threat against military personnel and assets. They provide a structured approach to enhance security and are adjusted based on the assessed risk level. COCOMs, being responsible for operational command and control, are uniquely positioned to evaluate intelligence and situational awareness, allowing them to make informed decisions about the necessary level of force protection. Installation commanders and facility directors further support this by applying those directives to their specific installations and operations.

This structured command hierarchy clarifies the chain of responsibility and ensures that FPCONs are tailored to specific scenarios, which is essential for effective physical security planning and implementation. Other entities, such as local law enforcement or security forces, may support or implement specific actions based on the conditions set by COCOMs and installation commanders but do not have the authority to issue FPCONs themselves.