E6 in 3 years? Is there such thing as making rank too soon?

I made E6 in 4 years and E7 in 9 years. Being honest, I did make rank too fast. Not so much for TIS but for my age. Since I joined right after turning 17 I started my years as a Senior NCO at the ripe old age of 27. I became big headed and let my big mouth get me in trouble. Now it was during the days in the Army where being stupid didn't cost me my career. It took another 9 years to get promoted again and I deserved to have to wait. My years as MSG/1SG then SGM/CSM were better for the humbling experience.

LTJG (Join to see) I believe there is something to be said about making rank too early. I've seen it where it has paid off and I've seen it where it has been a big mistake. I think Commanders/1SG and First Line Supervisors need to treat each individual on a case by case basis. If they are mature and have what it takes for the next rank (expertise, shows initiative, military bearing, carries themselves appropriately for the next higher grade) then move forward with your best judgment. I've even seen this backfire as well. It can go either way sometimes. I've never had a Bolo in my career that I approved for promotion ahead of the curve - not that I know if anyway!!

LTJG (Join to see)
I've seen people make Chief in 6 years, while still stationed at their first command. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your point of view), most Chief messes are not going to let a boot Chief fail just because they're so young. First Classes on the other hand... I've seen way too many fellow First Classes stab each other in the back in the hopes that they will make themselves look better to the CPO Selection Board (and unfortunately I've seen that work also).

I made E-5 in 2 years and had no problems at all. I think it is the person who makes the rank and not the rank that makes the person. If that makes any sense.

I've moved through the ranks relatively quickly... Made the E8 list with just over 13 years TIS. I joined when I was 25 so I had a little more maturity, and I think that helped somewhat. Obviously it depends on the individual, and certainly there are many who earn their early promotions. There is an inherent problem that I see through our formations currently, however, and that is one of face time with senior leaders. Soldiers depend on mentorship, and someone who has made rank as quickly as possible (myself included) must understand that their view is extremely narrow when it comes to problem solving in the military. You may know the ins and outs of your MOS, and can quote regulation like its cool, but Soldiers require the mentorship of senior leaders... the more people they work for, the wider their knowledge base is going to be for when that one weird problem shows up. I myself have struggled on numerous occasions with the extraordinarily steep learning curve required of constant upward movement through the ranks and the increased responsibility with each position, so early promotion should be looked at as a double-edged sword. The other piece of it is when Soldiers are promoted too early, they reach a point at the E7-E-9 level where they HAVE to keep moving into more and more demanding positions, particularly at E9... if an E9 gets passed over for a nominative job, they risk being tagged for separation under QSP, regardless of the fact that they made SGM in 18 years.

At least that's longer than the instant E-6s they mint because they can sing.

I made Chief in 7 1/2 and Senior Chief in 11. When I was eligible for E9, my CO (Commodore) at a new command gave me a "Promotable" on my Fitrep after two consecutive EPs and No.1 rankings at my previous command where I had acted as the Senior Enlisted Advisor on multiple occasions. When I asked him why he was short-circuiting my career, he said he felt I was too young to be a Master Chief. So, I was judged based solely on my age and my fast rise through the ranks. Even worse, the Commodore took the CMCs advice not to give an EP. Neither ever looked at my service record, my qualifications, my extensive sea time. Nothing. Yes, I asked them. I was more than ready to be a Master Chief Engineman and a great diesel inspector. I had three EOOW letters. I left the Commodore, walked down the hall and blasted the CMC for his recommendation to the Commodore and his"feet on the desk", slacker attitude. The commodore left that command a few months later and I dropped my Chief Warrant Officer application package on the new commodores desk the second day he was there. Best decision I ever made. What I learned is that there is a place for smart people that do their job well and get promoted quickly. Find your place. You may be better suited to be an officer. They make LT in four years and they have less leadership training than any E6. Congrats on making E6 in three years. Now keep your mouth zipped and your ears and eyes wide open. Listen to all your people and make well balanced decisions. You'll do great.

Have you ever heard the phrase "Made 7 in 7" - I've known a few Sergeants First Class with ~7 yrs TIS. I've also met a 19 year old SGT.

It all depends on the SM's competence and maturity alongside the mission(s) they support.

I made E6 in five years as an Infantryman, and continue to learn more and more every day. I think it depends on the person and their ability to adapt to the new job. That being said, you will not be super proficient with such little experience.

Welp, I made E-7 in 5 yrs, 10 months.
It has both risk and reward.
I was forever ahead of my peers until retirement.
Youngest SFC promoted in the Army in peacetime at that time.
It was quite a challenge from that day forward.
I had to PROVE my worth at every level to the Older, more experienced.
Alot of shunning.
Performance and setting the standard is challenging to anyone, but a 23 year old SFC PSG?
Well, it was a helluva challenge.
Definitely the exception not the rule..