Who has the authority to permit family members of military personnel to use the enlisted dining facility?

The installation commander has the authority to permit family members of military personnel to use the enlisted dining facility. This authority is generally established within military regulations and guidelines that designate the installation commander as responsible for ensuring proper operations and compliance at the facility. The installation commander's role includes setting policies regarding access to dining facilities, which can involve decisions about who may use the facilities beyond active duty personnel, such as family members.

The base food service manager primarily oversees day-to-day operations and management of the dining facility but typically does not have the authority to make policy decisions regarding who can access the facility. The chief of staff, while involved in broader oversight and strategic decisions, does not directly manage access to dining facilities. The unit commander may have some influence regarding their unit's personnel but does not have the overarching authority that the installation commander possesses concerning policy on family access.