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sons in integrating multiagency response efforts are apparent when we analyze
the response at the Pentagon.

The emergency response at the Pentagon represented a mix of local, state,

and federal jurisdictions and was generally effective. It overcame the inherent
complications of a response across jurisdictions because the Incident Command
System, a formalized management structure for emergency response, was in
place in the National Capital Region on 9/11.

190

Because of the nature of the event--a plane crash, fire, and partial building

collapse--the Arlington County Fire Department served as incident com-
mander. Different agencies had different roles.The incident required a major
rescue, fire, and medical response from Arlington County at the U.S. military's
headquarters--a facility under the control of the secretary of defense. Since it
was a terrorist attack, the Department of Justice was the lead federal agency in
charge (with authority delegated to the FBI for operational response). Addi-
tionally, the terrorist attack affected the daily operations and emergency
management requirements of Arlington County and all bordering and sur-
rounding jurisdictions.

191

At 9:37, the west wall of the Pentagon was hit by hijacked American Air-

lines Flight 77, a Boeing 757. The crash caused immediate and catastrophic
damage. All 64 people aboard the airliner were killed, as were 125 people inside
the Pentagon (70 civilians and 55 military service members). One hundred six
people were seriously injured and transported to area hospitals.

192

While no emergency response is flawless, the response to the 9/11 terror-

ist attack on the Pentagon was mainly a success for three reasons: first, the strong
professional relationships and trust established among emergency responders;
second, the adoption of the Incident Command System; and third, the pursuit
of a regional approach to response. Many fire and police agencies that
responded had extensive prior experience working together on regional
events and training exercises. Indeed, at the time preparations were under way
at many of these agencies to ensure public safety at the annual meetings of the
International Monetary Fund and the World Bank scheduled to be held later
that month in Washington, D.C.

193

Local, regional, state, and federal agencies immediately responded to the

Pentagon attack. In addition to county fire, police, and sheriff 's departments,
the response was assisted by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority,
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Fire Department, Fort Myer Fire
Department, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Emergency
Management, the FBI, FEMA, a National Medical Response Team, the Bureau
of Alcohol,Tobacco, and Firearms, and numerous military personnel within the
Military District of Washington.

194

Command was established at 9:41.At the same time, the Arlington County

Emergency Communications Center contacted the fire departments of Fair-
fax County, Alexandria, and the District of Columbia to request mutual aid.

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THE 9/11 COMMISSION REPORT

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