colonel

Also known as Col.

Colonel ( ; abbreviated as Col., Col, or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations.

AI overview

A colonel is a high-ranking officer in militaries around the world, and the rank is sometimes also used in police forces and paramilitary groups. The title is important because it identifies someone with significant authority and responsibility within these organizations.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

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female form of label: colonelle
short name: płk
Commons category: Colonels
P8168: Metallurg Zhlobin
male form of label: colonel

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Article

14 sections

Contents

History and origins
Colonel-in-chief
Colonel of the Regiment
Colonel by country
Insignia
Insignia of army colonels
Insignia of air force colonels
Insignia of naval infantry colonels
Insignia of colonels of other services
Colonel as highest-ranking officer
Other uses of colonel ranks
See also
References
Bibliography

Colonel ( ; abbreviated as Col., Col, or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations.

In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge of a regiment in an army. Modern usage varies greatly, and in some cases, the term is used as an honorific title that may have no direct military relationship. In some smaller military forces, such as those of Monaco or the Vatican, colonel is the highest rank.