Revolutionary armies did not use the "colonel" rank, nor the regiment.

The Ancien Régime "regiment" (2 battalions of professional soldiers), led by a "mestre de camps", was replaced in 1793 by "demi-brigades" (1 battalion of professional soldiers + 2 of volunteers), led by a "chef de brigade".

The Consuls in 1803 will reestablish the regiment led by the colonel.