Colonel facts for kids

Stanisław Sosabowski was a Polish Colonel during World War II. He led a group of paratroopers.

A Colonel (pronounced like "kernel") is a very important officer in the military. It's a high rank, usually just below the top-level generals. In some smaller armies, like those in Iceland or the Vatican, Colonel can even be the highest rank! You might also find Colonels in some police forces or other similar organizations.

Historically, many years ago, a Colonel was typically the leader of a large group of soldiers called a regiment. Today, their exact duties can be different depending on the country.

What is a Colonel?

A Colonel is a senior military officer. This means they have a lot of experience and responsibility. They are usually in charge of many soldiers and important missions. It's a big step up from lower officer ranks.

Where Colonels Serve

Most Colonels serve in an army. However, this rank is also used in other groups. For example, some police forces have Colonels. Other organizations that are similar to the military, called paramilitary groups, also use this rank.

How the Rank Works

The rank of Colonel fits into a specific order within the military. It helps everyone know who is in charge and how the command structure works.

Ranks Above and Below

A Colonel is usually ranked above a lieutenant colonel. Think of it as moving up a ladder. The rank just above a Colonel is often called a brigadier or a brigadier general. These are the first ranks in the "general officer" group.

Similar Ranks in Other Forces

Different parts of the military have similar ranks.

• In the navy, an officer with a similar level of responsibility might be called a captain.
• In air forces that use the Commonwealth system (like the UK or Canada), the equivalent rank is a group captain.

The Word "Colonel"

The word "Colonel" has an interesting history! It comes from the Latin word columnella, which means "column."

Origin of the Word

The rank was first used in Italy. It was the name for the officer who was in charge of a "column" of soldiers. Later, the word traveled to French and then into English. Even though it's spelled "Colonel," it's usually said like the word kernel.

Images for kids

• 

  Israel
• 

  Brazil (coronel)

See also

In Spanish: Coronel para niños