- NEW!
by Perryman on February 8th, 2007
Bird Colonel
A full colonel, designated by the eagle emblem on the insignia.
Full Bird, as opposed to the lower rank Lieutenant Colonel.
This slang originated in the U.S. Marines.
by Anonymous on February 8th, 2007
In the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marines, a Lieutenant Colonel has a silver oak leaf as his rank insignia. A full Colonel has, as his insignia, an eagle with a shield. The term “full-bird Colonel” refers to the eagle, which distinguishes the Colonel from the lesser Lieutenant Colonel, whose insignia does not include an eagle nor any other avian creature.
Below are the insignia for a “full-bird Colonel” and a Lieutenant Colonel, respectively.
by This Daley has a new bundle of joy on February 8th, 2007
I always find myself just adding to Perryman's answers, but....
Full Bird is a Colonel. The emblem Colonels wear is an eagle.
A Lt Colonel (one rank below Colonel) is referred to as a Light Bird.
However, (at least in the Marine Corps), it is acceptable to address a LtCol as "Colonel" when addressing him verbally. Therefore necessitating a differentiation between a Light Bird and a Full Bird.
by miGhty85 on February 14th, 2007
There are two colonels, a LT. Colonel and Colonel or "full bird" colonel. A Full bird colonel is an silver eagle, opposed to an Oak Leaf.
Should civilian agencies such as the C.I.A., F.B.I have control over military operations? Why or why not?
by Michelle J on July 12th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does the term "washout" mean? It was written on multiple days in a journal kept by a soldier during WWI. Must be a military term?
by mgprokosch on July 13th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Instead of repealing don't ask don't tell, should they have expanded it to include straights?
by Have A Nice Day on August 21st, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Does the Helmet Of Salvation look like one of those WW1 German helmets?
by Have A Nice Day on October 14th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
How many air force basses are in California ? And when does someone find out where they will be stationed at?
by bng14 on July 31st, 2011
| 1 person likes this
You're reading What exactly is a "full bird colonel" and what is the origin of the term?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/officers.html#O4
by Glenn Blaylock on February 8th, 2007