Which insignia corresponds to the rank Colonel?

• A. Silver eagle
• B. Silver oak leaf
• C. 2 stars
• D. Gold bar, 3 red inserts

Answer: (A)

Colonel is identified by a silver eagle insignia. This emblem is the symbol used for that rank on the shoulders or collars, sitting above the lieutenant colonel’s silver oak leaf and below general-officer stars. The silver oak leaf belongs to lieutenant colonel, a rank just below colonel, while stars denote general officers (one star for Brigadier General, two for Major General, and so on). The gold bar with red inserts doesn’t match the standard insignia for colonel. A bar is associated with lower ranks, such as captain, and isn’t the symbol used for colonel. So the silver eagle is the correct insignia for colonel.