Colonel Commissioned Armed Forces Officers
SaveWhat Does a Colonel Do?
Colonels serve in the staff of a military commander, and function as primary advisers in operational and strategic decision-making to senior officers.
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Where Do I Start?
Geographic Information Systems
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Colonel
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialGeographic Information Systems knowledge
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
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EssentialMilitary Code knowledge
The code language used in specific intelligence or military organisations and operations, how to use and decipher them.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialMilitary Weaponry knowledge
The types of arms used by different military organisations, such as army, navy or air force and in different nations worldwide; the weapons' aspects, damage potential and ways to defend …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialDevise Military Tactics skill
Devise the strategic and tactical components of a military operation, taking into account the available equipment and assigning tasks to the different troops, and supervising the use of weapons and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Compliance With Policies skill
Ensure compliance with legislation and company procedures in respect of health and safety in the workplace and public areas. Ensure awareness and compliance with all company policies in relation to …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Information Security skill
Ensure that the information gathered during surveillance or investigations remains in the hands of those authorised to receive and use it, and does not fall into enemy or otherwise non-authorised …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Operational Communications skill
Maintain communications between different departments of an organisation, between the staff, or during specific operations or missions, to ensure that the operation or mission is successful, or that the organisation …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Geographic Information Systems skill
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise Superiors On Military Operations skill
Advise on the strategic decisions made by superiors on deployment, mission tactics, resource allocation or other military operation specifics, to help superiors reach a better decision and to provide them …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDefend Human Rights skill
Protect human rights towards and between colleagues and also towards the civil populations one is in contact with.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 19 displayed)
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OptionalInvestigation Research Methods knowledge
The methods and strategies used to conduct police, government intelligence or military investigation research, as well as the research regulations specific to the operation.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalCamouflage knowledge
The different kinds of materials and specialised clothing used for concealment of people, vehicles or other equipment.
Recommended Books
1 bookU. S. Army Camouflage and Concealment Manual -
OptionalMilitary Combat Techniques knowledge
The fighting techniques specific to military operations, using military weapons and equipment, and the regulations concerning military combat actions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMilitary Drill knowledge
The marching techniques and use of weapons, and other disciplinary methods applied in military operations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalEnsure Compliance With Types Of Weapons skill
Use different kinds of firearms and other types of weapons and their matching ammunition, in compliance with legal requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Equipment Availability skill
Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalIdentify Security Threats skill
Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalIdentify Terrorism Threats skill
Identify the possibility of terrorism activities posing threats and danger in a specific area by monitoring activities of potentially dangerous groups of people, assessing risks in different areas, and gathering …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLead Military Troops skill
Lead the actions of military troops on the field during a mission, either combat, humanitarian or otherwise defensive, compliant with the strategies devised prior to the operation and ensuring communication …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Administrative Systems skill
Ensure administrative systems, processes and databases are efficient and well managed and give the sound basis to work together with the administrative officer/staff/professional.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Staff skill
Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Troop Deployment skill
Manage the deployment of troops to areas in conflict, or in need of aid, and oversee the deployment procedures. Manage the deployment of the troops within an area for specific …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor Military Equipment Use skill
Monitor the use by military staff of specific military equipment to ensure that no unauthorised personnel gains access to specific types of equipment, that everyone handles the equipment according to …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Resource Planning skill
Estimate the expected input in terms of time, human and financial resources necessary to achieve the project objectives.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalThink Analytically skill
Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTrain Military Troops skill
Train military troops or people in training to join the force in drill, combat techniques, weaponry, regulations, operation procedures, camouflage, and other military practices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Situation Reports skill
Write reports according to specifications and regulations of an organisation on the situation which needs to be reported on, such as the status of an investigation, of intelligence gathering, or …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Potential Threats Against National Security skill
Analyse the possibilities of potential threats and actions taken against national security in order to develop preventive measures and aid with the development of military tactics and operations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Security Clearance skill
Manage the systems and monitor the functioning of the security clearance system and staff working to ensure security of the facility, to ensure no non-authorised individuals acquire access and to …
Course recommendations coming soon.