Colonel

Colonel, abbreviated Col, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies, marine forces and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally captain. In air forces with a separate rank structure, the equivalent rank is generally group captain. It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures. A colonel was typically in charge of a regiment in an army, especially in Great Britain; but typically as of 2012 a colonel is the commander of a brigade or regiment in the United States Army or Marine Corps, and of a group or wing in the U.S. Air Force.

'Colonel' is usually the highest or second-highest field rank, and is below the general officer ranks. In some militaries, no general ranks exist and colonel is the highest-ranking military officer.