Who can make the decision to unmask once a unit has masked?

The decision to unmask is primarily a responsibility of the unit commander. This is because the unit commander is accountable for the overall tactical situation and the safety of their personnel. They have the situational awareness and authority to determine the appropriate time to resume operations after a masking situation, ensuring that the element of surprise is not compromised and that the risks associated with unmasking, such as exposure to enemy fire or detection, are minimized.

The battalion commander typically oversees broader strategic considerations and may not be in the immediate situation to assess the specific conditions of the unit. Similarly, while senior sergeants and officers in charge may offer valuable advice and assessments, ultimate decision-making authority resides with the unit commander, who holds the responsibility to act in accordance with the mission objectives.