Squadron leader (Sqn Ldr in the RAF and IAF; SQNLDR in the RAAF and RNZAF, formerly sometimes S/L in all services) is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these cases a squadron leader ranks above flight lieutenant and immediately below wing commander.
It has a NATO ranking code of OF-3, equivalent to a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy or a major in the British Army or the Royal Marines.
The equivalent rank in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) (until 1968) and Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) (until 1980) was squadron officer.
Read more about Squadron Leader: Origins, RAF Usage, Insignia and Command Flag, Other Air Forces, Notable Squadron Leaders, Land Forces, Fiction
Famous quotes related to squadron leader:
“Well gentlemen, this is it. This is what weve been waiting for. Tonight your target is Tokyo. And youre gonna play em the Star Spangled Banner with two-ton bombs. All youve got to do is to remember what youve learned and follow your squadron leaders. Theyll get you in, and theyll get you out. Any questions? All right thats all. Good luck to you. Give em hell.”
—Dudley Nichols (18951960)