Oberst

Oberst is a military rank used in several German-speaking countries, typically translated into English as colonel. It designates a senior field officer, and is used in the armies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as in historical contexts such as the Wehrmacht. The term is also encountered as a surname in German-speaking regions.

In modern German-speaking armed forces, Oberst sits above Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel) and below Brigadegeneral (brigade general). It is usually assigned NATO rank code OF-5. Officers holding the rank commonly command a regiment or serve in senior staff positions at division or higher levels, depending on the organizational structure of the service.

Geographic and historical variations: In the German Empire and the Nazi-era Wehrmacht, the rank of Oberst remained the standard designation for colonel. Some periods also featured higher general ranks such as Generaloberst (colonel general) above the senior colonel. In contemporary Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Oberst remains the standard term for the colonel rank, with insignia and specific duties varying by country and era.

Insignia and appearance: insignia for Oberst differ by service and period. In many German-speaking forces, the rank is represented on shoulder boards or collars by a combination of oak leaves and stars, with designs evolving across historical and contemporary uniforms. The exact insignia can indicate branch and era.

Overall, Oberst denotes a key leadership grade within the officer corps, responsible for significant command and staff responsibilities, and serving as a bridge between field commands and higher-level strategic roles.