Tuesday, November 27, 2012

4 Ways to Survive Pentagon Culture Shock

                                The Pentagon January 2008.jpg

 
I went into the Pentagon for the first time yesterday.  Like going to another country, there was some culture shock.  Here's some Pentagon survival tips from one traveler to another. 

1 - Call everyone "sir" or "ma'am" because they probably are.  I saw more Generals in my first two hours at the Pentagon than I have seen in my whole career.  A four star here a three star there.  No big deal.

2 - Take a map and hire a river guide.   You wouldn't go on an expedition up the Amazon river without a river guide.  That place is huge and confusing.

3 - Be ready for less personal space.  The Pentagon is like a crowded third world country.  There's people everywhere.  In the rest of the Air Force a  "full bird" Colonel might have his own office and even a secretary.  In the Pentagon they cram four or five together around a couple of tiny desks and make them all share a phone.

4 - If you see a young Captain walking around be sure to say hello.  Because the only Captain in the Pentagon is probably me...

2 comments:

  1. I almost put you over 1000 reads. If you can get me into the Pentagon then I'll be certain to greet the Captain wandering the halls.

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  2. Philip - some day you will be one of those generals - with a big desk, and your own phone!

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