&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Question_book-new.svg){kind=small} | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009) |
| Colonel | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:British_Army_(1920-1953)_OF-5.svg) &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:British_Royal_Marines_OF-5.svg) Colonel Insignia | |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Service branch |  British Army Royal Marines |
| Abbreviation | Col |
| NATO rank code | OF-5 |
| Formation | Mid-16th century |
| Next higher rank | Brigadier |
| Next lower rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Equivalent ranks | |
Colonel (Col) is a rank of the British Army and Royal Marines, ranking below brigadier, and above lieutenant colonel. British colonels are not usually field commanders; typically they serve as staff officers between field commands at battalion and brigade level. The insignia is two diamond-shaped pips (properly called "Bath Stars") below a crown. The crown has varied in the past with different monarchs; Elizabeth II's reign used St Edward's Crown. The rank is equivalent to captain in the Royal Navy and group captain in the Royal Air Force.