Colonel commandant facts for kids
A Colonel Commandant is a special title used in the armies of some English-speaking countries. It's not a regular military rank like "Captain" or "Major." Instead, it's a title given to a very senior officer, usually a colonel or even a general. This person often has an important but honorary role, meaning they don't usually lead troops in battle. Their job is often to speak up for the soldiers and help them.
United Kingdom
In the British Army, the title Colonel Commandant has been around for a long time, even since the American War of Independence. Back then, it meant an officer who was in charge of a regiment (a large group of soldiers).
Over time, the role changed. For a while, from 1921 to 1928, a Colonel Commandant would lead brigades (smaller groups of soldiers than a regiment), training centers, or supply depots. This was a temporary job, and the officer would go back to their normal rank afterward. Later, the title of brigadier replaced this role.
In the Royal Marines, which are part of the British Navy, the titles of Colonel Commandant and Colonel & 2nd Commandant existed since 1755. These officers were in charge of different groups of marines. By 1957, these titles were replaced by the rank of brigadier and colonel.
Today, in the UK, the title of Colonel Commandant is mostly honorary. This means it's a special title given to a senior military leader, often a retired one, to show respect and to have them represent a specific part of the army. For example, General Sir Richard Dannatt was a Colonel Commandant for the Army Air Corps. Their role is to support the soldiers and their families.
Canada
The Canadian Armed Forces also use the title of Colonel Commandant as an honorary role. These officers act as supporters for the soldiers and give advice on important matters. In some army units, there might also be an honorary colonel or an honorary lieutenant-colonel.
Many units also have a "Colonel-in-Chief," who is often a member of the Royal Family. For example, the Queen's York Rangers (First American Regiment) had the Queen as their Colonel-in-Chief. These honorary roles are like being the head of a family for the regiment, and soldiers can often approach them.
The Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps is a special appointment given by the Governor General of Canada, who is the King's representative in Canada. This role is given to a respected retired officer from the armored forces. They serve for three years and advise the army commander on issues related to the armored corps. They travel to meet soldiers and attend military events.
In 2001, the Canadian Forces Medical Branch also created a Colonel Commandant role. This role is ceremonial, but the person acts as a link between the military medical services and civilian doctors. This position can even be given to a well-known civilian doctor, not just a former military officer.
Australia
In Australia, formations like the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police and the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) have Colonel Commandants. This is usually a retired soldier whose job is to speak up for the interests of the troops. To do this, they visit the soldiers wherever they are serving.
Pakistan
In the Pakistan Army, the post of Colonel Commandant is an honorary position. It is held by the most senior serving officer of a specific corps or regiment. These officers are usually general officers, like a major general or lieutenant general. This role exists in all corps and regiments of the army.
Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Army also has the post of Colonel Commandant as an honorary role. It is held by the most senior serving officer of a corps or regiment, usually a lieutenant general or major general. This position is found in all corps and regiments of the army.
India
In India, Colonel Commandant is a special, non-regular post. It's usually held by general officers, mostly major generals or lieutenant generals. These officers are chosen by a secret vote. The officer would typically have served in that regiment before. In this role, they represent the regiment and its soldiers at higher levels of the military, especially concerning the well-being of the troops.
Interestingly, in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which is linked to Indian universities, the vice-chancellor of a university is given the honorary rank of 'Colonel Commandant'. They can wear the NCC uniform and insignia, even if they don't have military experience. In the NCC, this appointment is purely ceremonial.
Sri Lanka
In the Sri Lankan Army, the post of Colonel Commandant is an honorary role. It is held by the most senior serving officer of a corps, usually a general officer or a brigadier. This position exists in all corps of the army, as well as in the Mechanized Infantry Regiment and the Sri Lanka National Guard. Its function is similar to that of a colonel of the regiment in other armies.
United States
In the United States Marine Corps, the highest-ranking officer used to be called Colonel Commandant. Today, that title is simply Commandant. The title Colonel-Commandant was also used for Lloyd J. Beall, who led the short-lived Confederate States Marine Corps during the American Civil War.
During the famous battle of the Alamo, William B. Travis was given the position of lieutenant colonel commandant.
