Colonel vs. Captain: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 23, 2024
A colonel is a senior military officer ranking above a lieutenant colonel, while a captain is a mid-level officer ranking below a major.
Key Differences
A colonel is a senior field-grade military officer who typically commands a regiment or brigade-sized unit and holds significant responsibilities within the military hierarchy. Colonels are often involved in high-level strategic planning and administration. On the other hand, a captain is a mid-level officer who generally commands a company or battery-sized unit and is more directly involved in the operational aspects of military missions.
Colonels usually have a considerable amount of experience and have often served in various capacities over many years. They are expected to lead large groups of troops and manage complex operations. Captains, while also experienced, are earlier in their careers compared to colonels. They often serve as company commanders and are responsible for the direct supervision and training of soldiers.
The rank insignia for a colonel typically includes a silver eagle, whereas a captain’s insignia features two silver bars. This difference in insignia reflects their respective positions within the military hierarchy. Colonels have a broader scope of command and authority, whereas captains have a more focused command within smaller units.
In terms of career progression, becoming a colonel often requires a longer service period and a track record of leadership and excellence. Captains, conversely, may still be advancing their careers with the potential to rise to higher ranks such as major and eventually colonel. The career paths of both ranks highlight different stages and levels of responsibility within the military structure.
Comparison Chart
Rank
Senior field-grade officer
Mid-level officer
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Typical Command
Regiment or brigade
Company or battery
Insignia
Silver eagle
Two silver bars
Experience Level
Highly experienced
Moderately experienced
Career Progression
Near peak of military career
Mid-career with potential to advance
Colonel and Captain Definitions
Colonel
An officer typically in command of a regiment or brigade.
The colonel issued orders to prepare the troops for deployment.
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Captain
A position within the mid-range of the military hierarchy.
The captain's orders were crucial during the operation.
Colonel
A senior military officer ranking above a lieutenant colonel.
The colonel led the brigade with strategic precision.
Captain
The officer in command of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.
Colonel
A rank often achieved after significant military service and experience.
After 25 years in the army, he was promoted to colonel.
Captain
A precinct commander in a police or fire department, usually ranking above a lieutenant and below a chief.
Colonel
A role involving strategic planning and high-level decision-making.
The colonel participated in the planning of the major offensive.
Captain
The designated leader of a team or crew in sports.
Colonel
A leadership position in the military hierarchy.
The colonel's leadership was crucial during the mission.
Captain
A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above first lieutenant and below major.
Colonel
A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant colonel and below brigadier general.
Captain
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
Colonel
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
Captain
A commissioned rank in the US Navy or Coast Guard that is above commander and below rear admiral.
Colonel
An honorary nonmilitary title awarded by some states of the United States.
Captain
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
Colonel
A commissioned officer in an armed military organization, typically the highest rank before flag officer ranks (generals). It is generally found in armies, air forces or naval infantry (marines).
Captain
A figure in the forefront; a leader
A captain of industry.
Colonel
(intransitive) To act as or like a colonel.
Captain
A district official for a political party.
Colonel
The chief officer of a regiment; an officer ranking next above a lieutenant colonel and next below a brigadier general.
Captain
A restaurant employee who is in charge of the waiters and usually attends to table seating.
Colonel
A commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
Captain
A bell captain.
Captain
To act as captain of; command or direct
Captained the football team.
Captain
A chief or leader.
Captain
The person lawfully in command of a ship or other vessel.
The captain is the last man to leave a sinking ship.
Captain
An army officer with a rank between the most senior grade of lieutenant and major.
Captain
A naval officer with a rank between commander and commodore.
Captain
A commissioned officer in the United States Navy, Coast Guard, NOAA Corps, or PHS Corps of a grade superior to a commander and junior to a rear admiral (lower half). A captain is equal in grade or rank to a United States Army, Marine Corps, or Air Force colonel.
Captain
One of the athletes on a sports team who is designated to make decisions, and is allowed to speak for his team with a referee or official.
Captain
The leader of a group of workers.
John Henry said to the captain, "A man ain't nothing but a man."
Captain
The head boy of a school.
Captain
A maître d', a headwaiter.
Captain
(southern US) An honorific title given to a prominent person. See colonel.
Captain
(intransitive) To act as captain
Captain
(transitive) To exercise command of a ship, aircraft or sports team.
Captain
A head, or chief officer
A trainband captain eke was he.
The Rhodian captain, relying on . . . the lightness of his vessel, passed, in open day, through all the guards.
Captain
A military leader; a warrior.
Foremost captain of his time.
Captain
To act as captain of; to lead.
Men who captained or accompanied the exodus from existing forms.
Captain
Chief; superior.
Captain jewes in the carcanet.
Captain
An officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
Captain
The naval officer in command of a military ship
Captain
A policeman in charge of a precinct
Captain
An officer who is licensed to command a merchant ship
Captain
The leader of a group of people;
A captain of industry
Captain
The pilot ins charge of an airship
Captain
A diningroom attendant who is in charge of the waiters and the seating of customers
Captain
Be the captain of a sports team
Captain
A mid-level military officer ranking below a major.
The captain led his company through the challenging exercise.
Captain
An officer typically in command of a company or battery.
The captain ensured his unit was well-prepared and disciplined.
Captain
A rank achieved after several years of military service.
She was promoted to captain after demonstrating exceptional leadership.
Captain
A role involving direct supervision and training of soldiers.
The captain conducted daily drills with his troops.
FAQs
What unit does a colonel typically command?
A colonel typically commands a regiment or brigade.
What insignia represents a colonel?
A colonel is represented by a silver eagle insignia.
What unit does a captain typically command?
A captain typically commands a company or battery.
What kind of responsibilities does a colonel have?
A colonel has strategic planning, high-level decision-making, and command of large units.
What is the main difference between a colonel and a captain?
A colonel is a senior officer with broader command responsibilities, whereas a captain is a mid-level officer with more direct operational duties.
What insignia represents a captain?
A captain is represented by two silver bars.
What kind of responsibilities does a captain have?
A captain is responsible for direct supervision, training of soldiers, and command of smaller units.
How long does it typically take to become a colonel?
It usually takes over 20 years of service to become a colonel.
Which rank is higher, colonel or captain?
Colonel is a higher rank than captain.
How long does it typically take to become a captain?
It typically takes 4-10 years of service to become a captain.
Do colonels participate in direct combat?
Colonels usually focus on strategy and command but may be involved in combat depending on circumstances.
What is the primary role of a colonel?
The primary role of a colonel is to lead and manage large military units and participate in strategic planning.
Is becoming a colonel more difficult than becoming a captain?
Yes, becoming a colonel generally requires more experience and a longer service period than becoming a captain.
What is the primary role of a captain?
The primary role of a captain is to lead and manage company-sized units and ensure their operational readiness.
Are colonels part of the senior leadership in the military?
Yes, colonels are considered part of the senior leadership.
Are captains considered senior officers?
Captains are mid-level officers, not considered senior officers.
What educational requirements are there for a captain?
Captains typically have completed basic and intermediate military training, and many have a bachelor's degree.
Can a captain become a colonel?
Yes, with experience and successful service, a captain can be promoted to colonel.
What educational requirements are there for a colonel?
Colonels often have advanced military training and sometimes higher education degrees.
Do captains participate in direct combat?
Yes, captains are more likely to be involved in direct combat operations.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
