This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009) |
Colonel | |
---|---|
![]() ![]() Colonel Insignia | |
Country | ![]() |
Service branch | ![]() ![]() |
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.