The National Response Framework establishes the rules for how and when DOD can contribute to a national response to disasters or emergency response.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the lead government agency, and it will often ask DOD to support state and local authorities during large-scale events, such as Hurricane Maria or Hurricane Florence.

In addition, DOD provides critical support to civil authorities during emergencies. If an individual state cannot meet its emergency response needs, it will request federal assistance.

No. In fact, almost a quarter of the people who work for the Defense Department are civilian employees. You can see our current job openings by visiting www.usajobs.gov.

Official photos and videos may not be used in a manner that could imply endorsement of an individual, for-profit business, non-profit organization or any other non-federal entity (including DOD contractors), product or service. This applies to both domestic and international users.

Endorsement of a non-federal entity, event, product, service or enterprise may be neither stated nor implied. Read the official policy here.

If you use our photos or videos for any reason, you must display the following disclaimer:

“The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.”

Yes. We provide tours to more than 100,000 people each year. Our tours last about an hour and are available on weekdays. Wear comfortable shoes — lots of walking! To schedule a tour, click here.

We are happy to fly a flag over the Pentagon for anyone who asks — just follow these three easy steps:

1. Prepare a package that includes:
   • An American flag
   • A typed or printed letter with your request and the following information:
     • Recipient’s name
     • Occasion (birthday, retirement, anniversary, etc.)
     • Date (If a specific date isn’t requested, the flag will be flown within 15 business days of receipt)
     • Your name, address and telephone number or email address
2. Return postage from the post office or another prepaid shipping method (i.e. FedEx or UPS Air Bill with an account number). Please note we can’t accept cash or checks.
3. Send your request to: Pentagon Force Protection Agency, 9000 Defense Pentagon, Room 5B890, Washington, D.C. 20301-9000. Make sure you send the request at least 5 business days before you want the flag to be flown, but no more than 15 business days in advance.

Our service members enjoy connecting with the American people they serve, and we have many community support and outreach programs that help make that happen. Guest speakers, equipment displays, concert and show bands, aerial demonstrations and flyovers – these opportunities give us the chance to thank you for your support and for you to learn a little bit more about us. The public affairs office at your nearest military installation can help answer your questions about local resources that may be available. The links below will give you an overview of the outreach programs each service offers. We hope to see you soon!

• Army Community Relations and Outreach
• Navy Office of Community Outreach
• Marine Corps Community Relations
• Air Force Outreach Request System
  • Non-Aviation Request System
  • Aerial Events Request System
• U.S. Coast Guard Community Relations

Rendering military funeral honors is one way to show the nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide and it is our commitment to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of our nation’s veterans. By law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran consists of at least two members of the U.S. armed forces, and at least one member of the detail must be a representative from the deceased veteran’s service branch. The honor detail performs a ceremony that includes the playing of taps and the folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin. Your funeral director can help you request military funeral honors. More information on military funeral honors is available here.