Unusual Rules People Who Work In The Pentagon Have To Follow

Parking Spots Aren't Guaranteed For Employees


At the Pentagon, parking isn't a right. As an employee, you have to get there early so that you're on time, and if you're on time, you're likely considered late. However, most employees don't even have access to the Pentagon parking lots as they encourage staffers to make use of public transportation or ride-sharing programs. Commuters who don't have a work-related need for a vehicle must park "on the other side of I-395, either in a private lot further away than Pentagon South Parking or at a metered space on the street."
At the Pentagon, parking isn't a right.

As an employee, you have to get there early so that you're on time, and if you're on time, you're likely considered late. However, most employees don't even have access to the Pentagon parking lots as they encourage staffers to make use of public transportation or ride-sharing programs. Commuters who don't have a work-related need for a vehicle must park "on the other side of I-395, either in a private lot further away than Pentagon South Parking or at a metered space on the street."

High-Ranking Employees Get An Office Window


Most offices in the Pentagon face other offices or a wall while there are a small percentage of offices with windows that are reserved for higher ranking officials. These spaces are at a premium and go to the highest-ranked civilian and military staffers. The offices with a view are located in the area of the building called the E-Ring. This is where you might find the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army, and even the Secretary of Defense.


Most offices in the Pentagon face other offices or a wall while there are a small percentage of offices with windows that are reserved for higher ranking officials. These spaces are at a premium and go to the highest-ranked civilian and military staffers. The offices with a view are located in the area of the building called the E-Ring. This is where you might find the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army, and even the Secretary of Defense.

Meetings Have Assigned Seats


Everything is so regulated at the Pentagon, that even meetings have assigned seats according to protocol. General officers, colonels, and civilians of equivalent rank will get seats at the actual conference table. Everyone else must sit behind the higher-ranking officials that they work under, usually along the walls, since most of the Pentagon's conference rooms are long and narrow.


Everything is so regulated at the Pentagon, that even meetings have assigned seats according to protocol. General officers, colonels, and civilians of equivalent rank will get seats at the actual conference table. Everyone else must sit behind the higher-ranking officials that they work under, usually along the walls, since most of the Pentagon's conference rooms are long and narrow.

You Have To Leave Your Phone Outside Of Some Rooms


At your job, you probably don't have any restrictions on having your phone in your pocket or purse, but at the Pentagon, you aren't allowed to have that privilege. Those entering secure spaces within the facility must store their phones in designated sealed containers outside restricted areas. Even visitors to the building must abide by this rule. Workers and visitors are technically still permitted to bring their cellphones to the Pentagon, but there's not much point. The building has virtually no cell reception.


At your job, you probably don't have any restrictions on having your phone in your pocket or purse, but at the Pentagon, you aren't allowed to have that privilege. Those entering secure spaces within the facility must store their phones in designated sealed containers outside restricted areas. Even visitors to the building must abide by this rule. Workers and visitors are technically still permitted to bring their cellphones to the Pentagon, but there's not much point. The building has virtually no cell reception.

If You Leak Info, You Will Be Prosecuted


If a Pentagon staffer leaks any information, they can expect to be prosecuted. In 2010, former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates said, "Leaking of classified information is against the law, cannot be tolerated, and will, when proven, lead to the prosecution of those found to be engaged in such activity." Punishment for revealing classified information can vary depending on the nature of the leak and its relationship to national security.


If a Pentagon staffer leaks any information, they can expect to be prosecuted. In 2010, former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates said, "Leaking of classified information is against the law, cannot be tolerated, and will, when proven, lead to the prosecution of those found to be engaged in such activity." Punishment for revealing classified information can vary depending on the nature of the leak and its relationship to national security.

Visistors Must Be Escorted Around


The Pentagon requires anyone who enters the building to have a valid pass. Employees must visibly display the pass while inside the Pentagon, and conceal it when outside the building. Employees and visitors without a building pass must be escorted by someone who has one. Those without a pass have to go through airport-style security screening and stay with their escort at all times while in the building.


The Pentagon requires anyone who enters the building to have a valid pass. Employees must visibly display the pass while inside the Pentagon, and conceal it when outside the building. Employees and visitors without a building pass must be escorted by someone who has one. Those without a pass have to go through airport-style security screening and stay with their escort at all times while in the building.