What rank does a Lieutenant Colonel hold in terms of pay grade?

The correct rank for a Lieutenant Colonel in terms of pay grade is O-5. In the U.S. military, pay grades are used to classify the ranks of service members. O-5 corresponds specifically to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, which is commonly found in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The structure of military ranks is built around a tiered system, where officers advance through the ranks and associated pay grades based on experience, service time, and performance. In this system, Lieutenant Colonels typically are positioned above Majors (O-4) and below Colonels (O-6), establishing them firmly at the O-5 level.

Understanding the correct rank and its corresponding pay grade is essential for various operational and administrative processes within the military. It ensures that personnel are appropriately compensated and recognized within the hierarchy of military operations.