Tactical alert

Tactical alert was a security protocol instituted by Malcolm Reed under the influence of dangerous mind-affecting radiation aboard the Enterprise NX-01, in response to the perceived number of threats that were being encountered by the ship in their deep space exploration mission. The protocol was kept due to its usefulness. It was a precursor to the alert system used on later Starfleet vessels.

The alert was designed to automatically bring the ship to battle-ready status when a pre-programmed set of circumstances occurred (for instance, an impact to the hull, or an order from the captain). When a tactical alert was initiated, the hull plating would be polarized, the weapons were automatically charged, and critical systems such as the warp core were secured. In addition, all crewmembers would report to battle stations upon initiation of the alert. The tactical alert was initially accompanied by a loud, grating klaxon, which aggravated Captain Jonathan Archer and which Commander Tucker felt sounded like "a bag full of cats." The klaxon was not retained in future uses of the alert.

While in the process of naming the new condition, the terms "Reed alert", security protocol and condition red were suggested. The term "Reed alert" was sarcastically suggested by Commander Tucker as the name for the new tactical alert system Reed was working on, but was later dismissed by Lieutenant Reed as being "a bit narcissistic," whereas security protocol was deemed "not very dynamic." (ENT: "Singularity")

By the 23rd century, tactical alert was replaced in Starfleet by the red alert, yellow alert and blue alert conditions. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, et al.)

The Pralor Automated Personnel Unit's utilized the tactical alert status aboard their vessels during the 2370s. (VOY: "Prototype")

In an alternate timeline where Chakotay and Harry Kim attempted to alter history in 2390, the Delta Flyer's computer signalled a Tactical Alert when the USS Challenger approached to apprehend them. (VOY: "Timeless")

Notable tactical alerts

• Enterprise NX-01
  • 2154 - Lieutenant Reed ordered tactical alert when a Xindi-Insectoid starship opened a subspace vortex off the port bow of the Enterprise. (ENT: "Hatchery")
  • 2154 - Commander Tucker ordered tactical alert when Vulcan starships tried to force the Enterprise from orbit of Vulcan. (ENT: "Awakening")
  • 2154 - Commander Tucker ordered tactical alert after Reed discovered that Soval was captured by the Andorians. (ENT: "Kir'Shara")

• Voyager
  • Captain Janeway put Voyager on 24-hour tactical alert when they were under constant attack by Krenim vessels. (VOY: "Year of Hell")
  • Captain Janeway initiated tactical alert when Voyager was approaching a Species 8472 station in an attempt to rescue Commander Chakotay. (VOY: "In the Flesh")