To what rank should custody be turned over?

• A. E-7 or above
• B. E-5 or above
• C. W-2 or above
• D. O-3 or above

Answer: (A)

When custody needs to be handed over, you want someone with proven leadership, authority, and reliability to supervise and document the handover. A senior noncommissioned officer at E-7 or above fits that role, providing the experience to enforce rules, maintain accountability, and oversee safety. Lower enlisted ranks, like E-5, typically lack the same level of authority and supervisory track record. A Warrant Officer (W-2) is a specialized track, not the standard for routine custody handovers, and while an officer at O-3 or above could supervise, the common practice emphasizes a senior NCO for day-to-day custody duties. So the best choice is E-7 or above, reflecting the need for a trusted, capable supervisor to oversee custody.