You will find; at least in my opinion; that Ma'am or Sir is best. You might mention their rank once to signify that you are familiar with their rank, but after that; Ma'am or Sir. (Fleiger close your eyes for a minute)
Basic psych 101: Subconsciously, we all generally know when something is sincere or a canned response. If you say Colonel after each statement, it will sound like a canned response. Also; only do this for the first initial greeting "If you want". After that, the entire conversation should be answered with "SIR or Ma'am". You probably don't live with a military parent which you call by rank. Therefor, you are not accustomed to using rank. So, by using rank; more than once to acknowledge that you did some research; shows canned answers. HOWEVER: Using the words Sir and Ma'am often shows that it's something you NATURALLY say. Which shows that you have a NATURAL RESPECT for other people. And that you aren't just saying it as a canned response. And trust me; there are a LOT OF APPLICANTS; who walk in and answer; yup, uh huh, yes, nope, sure, etc... They use a lot of 1 syllable words. And many never say Sir or Ma'am. And while there's no laws; there is a subconscious understanding by the person receiving. (Listening). They will decide a lot based on such responses.
Now; in case you care. Lt. Colonel is also something no one generally would ever say. e.g. "Hello Lt. Colonel Smith". Written correspondence you can get away with it. But on the phone or in person, use the common ranks for all military personnel. e.g.
Address ALL airman as: "Airman". doesn't matter if they are AB, AMN, AIC, or SRA. "Hello Airman Smith"
Address ALL NCO's as: "Sergeant". Don't say; "Hello Master Sergeant Smith". Just say "Hello Sergeant Smith".
Same with Lieutenants, Colonels, and Generals. You don't say; "Hello 2nd Lieutenant Smith"; or "Hello Lieutenant Colonel Smith"; or "Hello Brigadier General Smith". Simply Lieutenant, Colonel, or General.
But there are some people who do get a little hung up on their rank. That is why the Sir/Ma'am method is so much better. If you know of a person who is rank conscious, deal with it. If not, the general ranks are most often used. But sir/ma'am is my suggested salutations. Especially once the interview starts.
(Fleiger; you can open your eyes now.) Cool.
Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck. Mike.....