USAD The Pentagon

• Origin During WWII: The Pentagon was conceived in 1941 to consolidate the rapidly expanding War Department during World War II, as staff were scattered across 17 buildings in Washington, D.C. • Record Construction Speed: The building was constructed in just 16 months, starting in September 1941 and officially dedicated on January 15, 1943. • World’s Largest Office Building: Covering 6.5 million square feet, the Pentagon is the world’s largest office building by floor area, with about 17.5 miles of corridors. • Initial Design to Avoid Swamp: The original site was a swampy area, and the unique five-sided shape was chosen to fit the available land, although the final location changed, the design remained. • Symbol of U.S. Military: "The Pentagon" is commonly used as a metonym for the entire U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. military leadership. • Attack on September 11, 2001: The Pentagon was hit by American Airlines Flight 77 during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, killing 125 people in the building and 59 on the plane. • Pentagon Papers: The term "Pentagon Papers" refers to the secret Department of Defense study of U.S. political and military involvement in Vietnam, leaked in 1971, causing a major political scandal. • Secret Underground Bunkers: The Pentagon has extensive underground tunnels, a bunker complex, and secure communications facilities, some of which remain classified. • Eco-Friendly Features: The Pentagon was originally built with ramps instead of elevators due to a steel shortage in WWII, making it more accessible and energy-efficient. • Largest Memorial Chapel: After 9/11, the Pentagon Memorial Chapel was built inside the building, serving as a place of reflection for all faiths and the largest such chapel in a U.S. federal building.