lieutenant colonel
A lieutenant colonel reviews a map with two other officers in a command tent.
Noun: A commissioned officer in the United States Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps holding a rank above major and below colonel. It is a senior field-grade officer rank.
The term "lieutenant colonel" is used as a formal title or to denote a specific military rank. It is often abbreviated as "Lt. Col." in written form. The rank is typically associated with command of a battalion-sized unit or serving as a senior staff officer.
- As a title:
- Lieutenant Colonel Davis will be assuming command of the battalion next week.
- The briefing was given by Lt. Col. James.
- Referring to the rank:
- He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel after fifteen years of service.
- A lieutenant colonel outranks a major but is outranked by a colonel.
- "To make/pin on lieutenant colonel": A phrase referring to the promotion ceremony where the rank insignia is pinned onto the uniform.
- After the ceremony where he made lieutenant colonel, his responsibilities increased significantly.
- Lt. Col.: The standard abbreviation for lieutenant colonel.
- Lieutenant colonelcy (noun, rare): The office or rank of a lieutenant colonel.
- Field-grade officer: A category of officer ranks that includes major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel.
- Senior field officer: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the rank's position within the military hierarchy.
- Battalion commander: A common role associated with the rank, though not all lieutenant colonels command battalions.
The term "lieutenant colonel" is specific to military rank. It should not be confused with: - Colonel: The rank immediately above. - Lieutenant: A junior officer rank, which is a separate word and not a direct abbreviation of "lieutenant colonel." - Lieutenant general: A higher, general officer rank.
A lieutenant colonel reviews a map with two other officers in a command tent.
- a commissioned officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines holding a rank above major and below colonel