SENTINEL // AO OVERWATCH

MODULE 01 · SENTINEL

OPSCON Level Definitions

Define the five readiness conditions — what each one means, what the overall threat picture looks like, and how personnel should orient themselves.

SENTINEL is modeled on the DEFCON system — five numbered levels from normal baseline to immediate action. Level 5 is your normal day-to-day posture. Level 1 is immediate threat response. Define what each level means to your specific group and AO. Vague levels get ignored. Specific levels get followed.

+ ADD ENTRY

MODULE 02 · SENTINEL

Trigger Events

Document the specific observable events or intelligence indicators that cause you to move from one OPSCON level to the next.

Trigger events are the observable, specific conditions that justify a level change — not feelings or general unease. "Civil unrest spreading to neighboring county" is a trigger. "Things feel tense" is not. Write your triggers before the crisis, not during it.

+ ADD ENTRY

MODULE 03 · SENTINEL

Actions by Level

For each OPSCON level, document the specific actions required — what to activate, what to stage, what to suspend, who to notify.

Actions are what makes SENTINEL actionable. Without defined actions, a level change is just a number. For each level, document: what systems are activated, what gear is staged or moved, what personnel posture changes, which other AO Overwatch modules should be consulted, and what communications are initiated.

+ ADD ENTRY

MODULE 04 · SENTINEL

Current Status Log

Log every OPSCON level change with date, time, who called it, and why.

The status log creates accountability and a record that can be used for after-action review. When you look back at a crisis, you want to know what you knew, when you knew it, and what decisions were made. Log every level change — even routine returns to baseline.

+ ADD ENTRY

MODULE 05 · SENTINEL

Laminate Card Data

Data for the compact laminated pocket reference that all group members carry.

Every group member should carry a laminated OPSCON reference card — wallet-sized, with the five levels, their plain-language meaning, and the key action items for each. This card is the entire point of the module. Build the data here and print it from the Outputs panel.

+ ADD ENTRY

OUTPUTS · SENTINEL

Generate Documents

Print-ready reference outputs.

OUTPUT 1

OPSCON Laminate Card

Wallet-sized card with all 5 levels, triggers summary, and key actions. One per member.

OUTPUT 2

Level Action Checklist

Full action checklist for each OPSCON level. Post in operations center.

OUTPUT 3

Status Log Report

Printed record of all level changes with timestamps. For AAR use.

OUTPUT 4

Full OPSCON Document

Complete readiness condition framework — all levels, triggers, and actions.

Data Management

Key: ao_sentinel_v1 · Export before clearing.