Presidential Inaugurations

The inaugural period typically spans 10 days around Jan. 20. Historically, support has included musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons, and ushers.

Military involvement in the Presidential Inauguration is a centuries-old tradition in which the armed forces celebrate democracy, honor the new commander-in-chief, and recognize civilian control of the military.
 
U.S. Armed Forces support to official presidential inaugural ceremonies dates back to April 30, 1789, when members of the Continental Army escorted George Washington to the first U.S. presidential swearing-in ceremony at Federal Hall in New York City.
 
The Department of Defense (DoD) formally established the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC) to serve as the central coordinating function for all military support to inaugural ceremonies and activities in 1953 – which was the first inauguration for Dwight D. Eisenhower. 
 
Between 1953 and 2003, AFIC coordinated all military support as the DoD liaison to the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).
 
In 2003, the AFIC mission transitioned to Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region (JTF-NCR) - a joint-service organization established in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001.  In keeping with tradition, JTF-NCR assumed the role of DoD liaison to the PIC and JCCIC along with the responsibility for coordinating military participation and support to presidential inaugurations.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is responsible for the planning and execution of the swearing-in ceremony and the luncheon for the Inauguration of the President of the United States at the U.S. Capitol.

Historically, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has made a limited number of tickets available for public distribution. Contact your local Congressional Office for information on how to request these tickets.

Historically, public distribution tickets provide standing room only access to the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address.
 

Tickets to observe the Inaugural Parade along the parade route are not required. Additional information for public participation in the Inaugural Parade will be posted at http://inauguration.dc.gov/.

Press credentialing for inaugural events (i.e., the inaugural parade, inaugural balls, etc.) are coordinated by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. This does not include access to the Inauguration Ceremony at the United States Capitol and the swearing-in of the President.

Media credentials for the next inauguration should be issued by the House and Senate Press Galleries.

Additional information on where to apply for media credentials will be posted as it becomes available.

Submit interview requests and questions regarding the military’s support to presidential inauguration to the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region Public Affairs Office.

The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region partners with a number of federal, state, county, and local agencies to coordinate support to Inaugural events. 

Architect of the Capitol
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for the inaugural platform on the Capitol’s West Front, setting up the necessary seating and fencing on the grounds, and coordinating other logistical support for the Presidential Inauguration with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).

D.C. Presidential Inaugural Committee

Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) is responsible for the planning and execution of the Inaugural Ceremonies of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States at the Capitol.

National Park Service
The National Park Service is responsible for the care, maintenance and preservation of some of the most important locations used during inaugurations, from viewing areas on the National Mall to the inaugural parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue to the site of the presidential reviewing stand near President's Park. 

Presidential Inaugural Committee
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is a non-profit organization representing the president-elect, and is organized following the November election. The PIC has responsibility for official Inaugural events other than those held at the Capitol. This includes organizing and funding the inaugural parade and any official inaugural balls and galas.

United States Capitol Police
The United States Capitol Police is responsible for event security, credentialing, and visitor screening at the U.S. Capitol, and coordinating with its numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that the event proceeds safely and securely as planned for Inaugural Ceremonies.

U.S. Park Police
The U.S. Park Police works closely with other law enforcement and security agencies during the inauguration to address safety and security issues for inauguration events.

U.S. Secret Service
Secret Service serves as the lead federal agency responsible for overall security  and coordinates with JTF-NCR. Together, they coordinate efforts such as securing the parade route, managing access control, conducting rehearsals, and integrating federal, state and local resources to support this high-profile national event.