Why Is Colonel Called Kernal? The Origin of American Ranks and Insignia

The American military has a long and storied history, and its ranks and insignia have evolved over time to reflect the changing needs of the armed forces. But one question that has puzzled many people is why the rank of Colonel is often referred to as Kernal.

WHY IS A COLONEL CALLED A “KERNAL”? The Origin of American Ranks and Insignia

by Jim Morris

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Language	:	English
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The answer to this question lies in the early history of the United States. When the Continental Army was first formed in 1775, there was no official rank structure. Instead, each colony raised its own troops and appointed its own officers. As a result, there was a great deal of variation in the ranks and titles used by different units.

In 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution that established a more standardized rank structure for the army. The resolution created the ranks of General, Lieutenant General, Major General, Brigadier General, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, and Major. However, the resolution did not specify how these ranks should be spelled.

As a result, many different spellings of the rank of Colonel were used during the Revolutionary War. Some common spellings included "Collonel," "Colonel," and "Kernal." The spelling "Kernal" was particularly popular in the Southern colonies.

After the Revolutionary War, the United States Army adopted a more standardized spelling of the rank of Colonel. However, the spelling "Kernal" continued to be used in some parts of the country, particularly in the South. In fact, the official rank insignia for Colonel in the United States Army still includes the spelling "Kernal."`enter code here`

So, why is the rank of Colonel sometimes called Kernal? The answer lies in the history of the United States Army. The spelling "Kernal" was once a common way to spell the rank, and it continued to be used in some parts of the country even after the army adopted a more standardized spelling.

The Evolution of American Military Ranks and Insignia

The ranks and insignia of the American military have evolved over time to reflect the changing needs of the armed forces. The first uniforms worn by the Continental Army were simple and utilitarian, consisting of a blue coat and white trousers. However, as the army grew in size and complexity, so too did the need for a more standardized uniform and rank structure.

In 1779, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution that established a new uniform for the army. The resolution specified the color and style of the uniform, as well as the insignia that would be worn by officers of different ranks. The insignia included epaulettes, which were worn on the shoulders, and gorgets, which were worn around the neck.

The rank insignia established by the Continental Congress has been modified over time, but it has remained largely unchanged. The current rank insignia for the United States Army is based on the system that was adopted in 1821. This system uses a combination of stars, bars, and eagles to denote different ranks.

The evolution of American military ranks and insignia is a reflection of the changing needs of the armed forces. The ranks and insignia that are used today are the result of centuries of history and tradition. They are a symbol of the authority and honor of those who serve in the United States military.

The rank of Colonel is often referred to as Kernal due to a spelling variation that was common in the early history of the United States Army. The spelling "Kernal" continued to be used in some parts of the country even after the army adopted a more standardized spelling. The ranks and insignia of the American military have evolved over time to reflect the changing needs of the armed forces. The current rank insignia is based on the system that was adopted in 1821 and uses a combination of stars, bars, and eagles to denote different ranks.

WHY IS A COLONEL CALLED A “KERNAL”? The Origin of American Ranks and Insignia

by Jim Morris

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	152 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	80 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE