Which of the following officers is authorized to grant access to classified information?

The authority to grant access to classified information typically resides with the Commanding Officer. This is due to the Commanding Officer's overall responsibility for the safety and security of the personnel and resources within their command. They are tasked with ensuring that only individuals with the appropriate security clearance and a need-to-know basis are granted access to sensitive information.

In a military context, the Commanding Officer must assess the necessity for certain personnel to access classified information and ensure that all security protocols are followed. This includes reviewing the individual’s security clearance and ensuring adherence to applicable regulations and policies regarding classified materials.

While the other roles—Executive Officer, Unit Leader, and First Lieutenant—may have various leadership and administrative responsibilities, they do not typically possess the same level of authority when it comes to granting access to classified information as the Commanding Officer does. The chain of command and security measures in place are designed to ensure that such decisions are made by those who are ultimately responsible for the command's operations and security.