DefCon: The Campaign To Defend the Constitution is an online grassroots movement combating the growing power of the religious right. We will fight to uphold the First Amendment's guarantee of separation of church and state and will oppose efforts to control and distort religion, education, science and culture in ways that ultimately threaten the health and well-being of American society.

DefCon will work around the clock to:

- Alert the public to the dangers and risks posed by the growing fundamentalist influence in our nation;
- Build and mobilize an online community of concerned Americans willing to raise their voices;
- Mobilize concerned scientists, political leaders, and theologians to help Americans understand what is at stake.

DEF CON is the acronym of "DEFense [Readiness] CONdition". These defense conditions describe progressive postures for use between the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of unified commands. DEFCONs are matched to the situations of military severity.

DEFCONs are phased increases in combat readiness. Expanded explanations follow below.

DEFCON 1 : Maximum force readiness.
DEFCON 2 : Increased force readiness (less than maximum).
DEFCON 3 : Increased force readiness.
DEFCON 4 : Peacetime; Increased intelligence; Strengthened security measures.
DEFCON 5 : Peacetime.