What is colonel?

Colonel

Colonel /ˈkɜrnəl/, abbreviated Col, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies 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 commander of a brigade in the U.S. Army as of 2012.

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Famous quotes containing the word colonel:

    Swan/Mary Rutledge: Oh no, no. I’m not running away. I came here to get something, and I’m going to get it.
    Col. Cobb: Yes, but San Francisco is no place for a woman.
    Swan: Why not? I’m not afraid. I like the fog. I like this new world. I like the noise of something happening.... I’m tired of dreaming, Colonel Cobb. I’m staying. I’m staying and holding out my hands for gold—bright, yellow gold.
    Ben Hecht (1893–1964)

    The Colonel went out sailing,
    He spoke with Turk and Jew
    With Christian and with Infidel
    For all tongues he knew.
    “O what’s a wifeless man?” said he
    And he came sailing home.
    William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)