Colonel (UK)
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Please see "Colonel" for other countries which use this rank
Colonel is a rank of the British forces, ranking just below Brigadier. They are not usually field commanders, instead typically serving as staff officers in between field commands at battalion and brigade level. The insignia is two diamond shaped pips (properly called stars) and a crown. The crown has varied in the past with different monarchs; the current Queen's reign has used St Edward's Crown.
In the British Army, Colonel may also refer to the ceremonial head of a regiment; this is almost always a general officer or Brigadier, often retired, with a close link to the regiment in question. Some non military personel may be appointed to the position, thereby holding a Honorary rank of Colonel for the duration of the appointment, though usually with the Territorial Army units. This position is often described as Colonel of the Regiment to distinguish it from the rank of Colonel. When attending functions as a 'Colonel of the Regiment' the officer would wear the rank insignia of a Full Colonel, regardless of their official rank. This position may also be held by members of the Royal Family, who would then be known as 'Royal Colonels'. However this position would not be hold unless the Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment was of a senior royal position.
Colonel-in-Chief is also a ceremonial title of the British Army and various Commonwealth armies. Usually a member of the Royal Family.
The Colonel of the Regiment often has a closer involvement with the regiment and its Regimental Association.
[edit] See also
- British and U.S. military ranks compared
- British Army enlisted rank insignia
- British Army officer rank insignia
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Officer ranks of the  British Armed Forces |
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| Student Officer | OF(D) | OF-1 | OF-2 | OF-3 | OF-4 | OF-5 | OF-6 | OF-7 | OF-8 | OF-9 | OF-10 | ||
| Royal Navy: | Mid | SLt | Lt | Lt Cdr | Cdr | Capt | Cdre | RAdm | VAdm | Adm | Adm of the Fleet | ||
| Royal Marines: | 2Lt | Lt | Capt | Maj | Lt Col | Col | Brig | Maj Gen | Lt Gen | Gen | |||
| Army: | OCdt | 2Lt | Lt | Capt | Maj | Lt Col | Col | Brig | Maj Gen | Lt Gen | Gen | FM | |
| Royal Air Force: | OC / SO | APO / Plt Off | Fg Off | Flt Lt | Sqn Ldr | Wg Cdr | Gp Capt | Air Cdre | AVM | Air Mshl | Air Chf Mshl | MRAF | |
