Squadron leader Squadron leader Squadron leader (Sqn Ldr in the RAF ; 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. An air force squadron leader ranks above flight lieutenant and immediately below wing commander and it is the most junior of the senior officer ranks. The air force rank of squadron leader has a
Commandant (rank) (Comdt) () is a military rank in both the Irish Army and Irish Air Corps. It is equivalent to major and squadron leader. In the Irish Naval Service, the equivalent rank is lieutenant commander. Commandant (shortened from "capitaine-commandant", i.e. a "captain commanding" (a battalion)), is an officer-grade rank of the Military of France, specifically the French Army and the French Air Force, which is equivalent to major. The "commandant" is also styled "chef de bataillon" ("battalion head") in the infantry, "chef d'escadrons" ("squadrons head") in the armoured cavalry and "chef d'escadron" ("squadron head") in the artillery and the "Gendarmerie". "Commandant"