Pentagon Press Passes
On the web:
http://www.defense.gov/news/press_passes.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 571-3343
How to Request a Pass
We grant Pentagon press passes to media in the D.C. area, who are at the Pentagon on a recurring basis. To request a pass, do the following:
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Have your editor fax a letter on company letterhead, addressed to Mr. James Turner, Deputy Director, Press Office, to (703) 697-3501.
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See the example for what type of information needs to be included in the letter.
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Call to ensure we received your fax.
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Call us at (703) 697-5131 in 5 days to see if your pass was approved.
Once the pass office approves a press pass, it must be picked up within 10 working days. If not, we will need to re-accomplish the request and you will have to wait for re-approval.
If you do not have a background investigation, you will be granted a temporary (6 months) pass. After you've had two temporary passes, you may request a permanent (1 year) pass in the next request letter.
Foreign Press Passes
In addition to the request letter from your editor, we also require a letter from your embassy, and your immigration number.
Reasons for Possible Denial of a Press Pass
The Deputy Director may deny your request for the following reasons:
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Your organization has too many passes already
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You are not here often enough to merit granting a pass
Picking Up Your Pass
Bring two forms of photo ID and government issued identification to verify your social security number to the Press Office. We will have you sign some paperwork, and you'll take it down to the Pass Office. The Pass Office closes at 3:30 p.m. and there is often a long wait. Please plan accordingly. (the wait gets longer as you head to the end of the month)
Expired Passes
Please be sure to pay attention to when your pass expires, and give yourself plenty of time to renew it. Don't wait until the last day of the month!
Parking
Press parking is reserved in the Connector Parking Lot, off Boundary Channel Drive. Once in the parking lot, the extreme left lanes are marked press. Be sure to call the press office at (703) 697-5131 to call your car in. You'll need to provide your license plate number and state.
Useful Phone Numbers/Information
Press Office: (703) 697-5131
Press Office Fax Number: (703) 697-3501
Pass Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.