Coronel

Coronel is a military rank used in many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking armed forces, equivalent to colonel in English. A coronel is typically a senior field officer who commands at the regimental level or leads a large formation, and sits above the rank of lieutenant colonel and below general officers. The exact duties and command authority can vary by country and service.

Etymology and insignia: The term derives from the Italian colonnello, via French, referring to an officer in charge of a column. Across different nations, insignia and naming conventions differ, with some using rank badges on shoulder boards or sleeves and others using local symbols such as stars or crossed devices to denote the rank. In general, coronels may be responsible for planning operations, personnel, and logistics within their unit, and may hold staff roles or serve as base commanders.

Other uses: Coronel is also a surname and toponym in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. There are places named Coronel, including a city and commune in the Biobío Region of Chile. As a surname, it appears in historical records and contemporary contexts across Latin America and Iberia.