Who has the discretion to open the dining facility on holidays?

The discretion to open the dining facility on holidays lies with the commander due to their authority and responsibility for the overall operations and readiness of the unit. Commanders are tasked with making key decisions that impact the welfare of their personnel, including the availability of resources and services such as dining facilities. They take into account various factors, such as the needs of the service members, logistical considerations, and the overall mission when determining whether to open the dining facility on holidays.

While other roles, such as shift leaders or enlisted members, may operate within the dining facility and manage day-to-day activities, they typically do not have the authority to make decisions regarding the facility’s opening for holidays. The food service contractor may provide services and manage aspects of food service but would usually operate under the guidelines established by the commander. Thus, commander's discretion reflects a centralized decision-making process essential to military operations.