[[Virginia]] | [[Arlington, VA]] | [[United States of America]] | [[Department of Defense (DOD)]] | [[Septemeber 11, 2001]] | [[Washington, D.C.]] | [[Operation Cannonball]] | [[Harvey Hollister Bundy (1888-1963)]] | [[Geoffrey S Morrell]] | [[Jeh Johnson]] | [[Lockheed Martin]] | [[1940s]] | [[38.8691306,-77.054076]] ### Overview of the Pentagon - **Construction**: Completed in **1943**, the Pentagon was designed by architect **George Bergstrom** and engineer **John McShain**. Its construction was driven by the need for a centralized military command structure during World War II. - **Architecture**: The Pentagon is a five-sided building, with **six concentric rings** connected by corridors, making it unique in its design. - **Size**: It covers approximately **6.5 million square feet**, making it one of the largest office buildings in the world. It houses around **23,000 military and civilian employees**. - **Symbolism**: The building represents the strength and organization of the U.S. Armed Forces and serves as a center for military planning and decision-making. --- ### Functions of the Pentagon The Pentagon plays several critical roles in national defense: 1. **Military Command and Control**: It serves as the primary command center for all branches of the U.S. military, coordinating operations and strategic planning. 2. **Policy Development**: The Pentagon develops military policy, budgeting, and resource allocation. It also engages in international military relations. 3. **Research and Development**: The Pentagon oversees R&D for military technologies, including weapon systems, communication equipment, and intelligence operations. 4. **Personnel Management**: It plays a significant role in military personnel policies, including recruitment, training, and career development. --- ### Key Components - **Secretary of Defense**: The Pentagon houses the office of the Secretary of Defense, who serves as the principal defense policy advisor to the President. - **Joint Chiefs of Staff**: This group comprises the highest-ranking officers from different military branches and acts as the principal military advisory body. - **Various Departments and Agencies**: Numerous military branches and other defense agencies operate out of the Pentagon, including the **Army, Navy, Air Force**, and the **Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)**. --- ### Security and Events - **9/11 Attack**: On September 11, 2001, the Pentagon was attacked by terrorists as part of a coordinated effort that included the World Trade Center. The impact caused significant casualties and led to substantial security upgrades. - **Security Measures**: The Pentagon is equipped with extensive security measures, including armed guards, surveillance systems, and emergency response protocols. ![[360_F_1527356845_R2vtDKgp3qjn6MI54nuY1tvRKSJZLAZs.webp]]![[aerial-view-of-the-pentagon-during-its-construction-washington-dc-november-15-1942.webp]] [[Washington, D.C.]]