Who grants permission for temporary interment?

The authority to grant permission for temporary interment lies with the geographic combatant commander. This individual has jurisdiction over military operations and resources within a specific area of responsibility. When situations arise that necessitate the temporary interment of remains, such as in the context of military operations, the geographic combatant commander will evaluate the circumstances and determine whether such action is warranted. This role involves making strategic decisions regarding resource allocation, troop deployment, and overall mission management, thus requiring a higher level of authority and oversight than other options.

The other roles mentioned, while important in their respective contexts, do not typically possess the overarching authority required for making decisions on temporary interments. Unit commanders are primarily responsible for their immediate personnel and operations, base commanders manage installation activities, and mortuary affairs officers oversee the handling and disposition of remains but do so following the directives established by higher command, including that of the geographic combatant commander.