Yes, Jack works in the iconic US building, the one featured in countless movies and TV series when a quick shorthand for "US military/government" is needed. I'm sure he does a highly-ranked and important job, but he's also allowed to give tours to friends and family so I blatantly took advantage. When in Washington!
There are four or five stages of security that you have to get through before you're even allowed under the five-sided roof, beginning with visitor check-in. "Could I have your name, photo ID, and the name of the person you're here to see?" the lady behind one of many entry windows asked me. "I believe this will suffice," I said, brandishing a British passport and raising an eyebrow in my most Roger-Moore-like manner. "Name, ID, who are you seeing?" she repeated, slowly and more loudly.
That hiccup overcome, I was ushered through airport-style security, then into the visitor waiting area (with a gift shop, naturally) until called up to receive my visitor's badge. Then I had to do some kind of electronic sign-in linking me to Jack when he arrived to escort me, and finally got to walk past the armed guards at the entrance.
Inside was a shopping mall. Yes, with 26,000 workers in this place a lot of room is given to retail, including food courts, sit-down restaurants, a barber, a chocolatier, and - according to my "Pentagon Fun Facts" leaflet - the busiest Subway in the USA. An army marches on its stomach, I guess.
The place is massive of course, with 17.5 miles of corridors. In between the heavily fortified office doors a lot of the wall space is used as historical displays, detailing America's military exploits from the so-called Revolutionary War onward. Jack wanted to start me out right so took us straight to the bust of Winston Churchill, prominently displayed by the entrance. Well done America.
From there it was a dizzying tour up and down as we completed the full circuit of the building. The Navy's corridor was - of course - the most impressive, with oak paneling recalling the lower decks of a fine galleon, and oil paintings of Admirals adorning the walls. Perhaps one day visitors will stare up at a portrait of Jack's grinning face! Not Pete's - he's going to be President.
Talking of which, we wandered down the NATO corridor, the flags of all the member nations proudly displayed, United Kingdom and United States fittingly (and alphabetically) next to each other. "They're going to take all this down soon," Jack told me. Perhaps he was joking, but President Trump's official photo at the end of the corridor did not find it amusing.
(Yes, that is the actual official Presidential portrait).
We enjoyed lunch sitting at a bar, watching the pizza oven, at one of The Pentagon's restaurants. Sadly after that Jack had to go back to work because, unlike his visitor, he does have a job, defending the nation or something. It was a real privilege to be shown around by him.
The only downside? No photos allowed anywhere! As a blogger I am sure this is a breach of my First Amendment rights...but decided not to argue the case in one of the most secure, heavily guarded buildings on the planet. Instead I've had to seamlessly digitally insert myself into some library pictures below.
Me at The Pentagon!
Me outside The Pentagon!
Me in the courtyard at the centre of The Pentagon!
Me in the classy Navy hallway at The Pentagon!
To prove it all happened, I did receive a very fine visitor's medallion. Good for redemption at any Pentagon eatery or gift shop.
