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

I feel like making rank fast can be detrimental to you and your career by promoting too fast. But then again, that’s just my opinion.

You are promoted past E-4 based on your ability, leadership and competence. Age has nothing to do with it. At 26, I was an E-5, working as installation coordinator, at a Kaserne in Germany. When the Battalion would go on maneuvers or assignment, I would be put on orders as "Acting Installation Comnander". There were E-7's, E-8's and even an O-2 Who weren't happy at first. I did my job well and showed them I was worthy. Soon, their disapproval was gone. I received an ARCOM for my efforts and many letters in my 201, that helped me gain E-6.
Age is a number. Ability and performance are what's important.

I joined the Army back in 1996 at the ripe old age of 28. I came in as a SPC since I had a college degree and got promoted to SGT in 2 years and 2 months and SSG in 4 years and 1 month. Then got promoted to SFC in 7 years and 6 months and got promoted to 1SG/MSG at 10 years and ended up retiring at 22 years at a 1SG. I took all the tough assignments and continuously looked for the leadership positions to help take care of Soldiers and families and I was very adept at leadership since I was an area store manager of 6 retail stores before I joined the Army. I believe me joining at a later age and having the maturity and experience of leadership made a huge difference and I did not "fast track in rank" to quickly. I also did see others who got promoted quickly as well who in the end were not ready for the leadership responsibilities so it truly depends on the person and their personality and maturity if they are ready for it.

Situation dictates. Rank is very nice but experience and time on the job is better. Would I take E-6 after 3 years? Yes and I bet we all would. However, there are always those salty people out there.......

In a word YES

To answer your question yes 3 years to pay grade E-6 is entirely to fast, its not about wearing the stripes its about knowing what to do and that comes from time. I made all my rank with min TIG/TIS. I also lost some rockers pretty damn fast over things that I should have known better. Took that as a life lesson and drove on. Made E06 the first time in 5 Years and the second time as well :)

McColpin
In 1971 while in Vietnam I was asked to fill in as E-8, just an E-5 at the time. I took it serious but the enlisted E-6/7's gave me hell, no support, told others I didn't really have any authority. I broke and 4 months later gave it back. Got what I didn't deserve.

I made SSG E6 just short of 4 yrs and had 2ys time in grade in my first enlistment. I did it on merit and I worked for it. I could handle it just fine.

I think so. I’m sure there are some that can handle the responsibility
But I would think you’d need to mature a little more.

Of course. Promotion needs to come with maturity as well as deeds.