What term means immediate charge and control exercised by a person or authority?

The term that refers to the immediate charge and control exercised by a person or authority is custody. Custody implies not just possession, but also the responsibility for the care and management of an item or resource. In a logistics context, custody indicates that an individual or entity has direct responsibility for security and oversight, aligning with the idea of managing resources effectively within the operational framework.

This term is particularly relevant in military and logistics operations, where it is crucial to ensure that items are not only accounted for, but also securely cared for and managed, reflecting a higher level of responsibility than simply having ownership or accountability. This distinction is important because it highlights the practical application of logistics management in ensuring items are properly maintained and ready for use.