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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 personnel 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 held unless the Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment was of a senior royal position.

From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the rank of colonel. It was superseded by the rank of group captain on the following day.

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.

• British and U.S. military ranks compared
• British Army Other Ranks rank insignia
• British Army officer rank insignia

	Officer ranks of the British Armed Forces
	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		APO / Plt Off	Fg Off	Flt Lt	Sqn Ldr	Wg Cdr	Gp Capt	Air Cdre	AVM	Air Mshl	Air Chf Mshl	MRAF