Who is ultimately responsible for approving Tuition Assistance?

The correct answer highlights the role of commanding officers and officers in charge in the Tuition Assistance approval process. These individuals have the authority and responsibility to review and approve requests for Tuition Assistance, ensuring that they align with the organizational policies and the educational goals of the service members under their command.

Commanding officers and officers in charge evaluate the requests based on criteria such as the eligibility of the service member, the relevance of the course to their military career, and the overall benefits to the unit. Their involvement is crucial because they possess the insight into their service members' professional development needs and can make informed decisions about funding educational pursuits.

The other choices represent various entities associated with military or educational functions but do not possess the direct authority to approve Tuition Assistance. The Department of Defense provides overarching guidelines and policies, while the Human Resources Department may handle administrative functions related to education benefits. The Education Services Officer supports educational programs and advises service members but does not have the final say in approving tuition assistance requests. Thus, the commanding officers and officers in charge play an essential role in the process.