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

I enlisted at age 17. Made E7 in 7 years, made E8 on my 11th anniversary, E9 on my 14th anniversary, and CSM when I had 15 years. Became a CSM when I was 33 years old. I don't believe I moved up too fast. I was able to handle all my positions well. I believe it has to do with the maturity of the individual. Some individuals that enlisted with me only made it to E6 and E7. I think they were not quite as mature as they needed to be. Also, they lacked some leadership skills. I have heard that about 7% of the populace are leaders, the remaining 93% are followers. Anyone else have any thoughts on leadership?

I made Sergeant E-5 in two years from my enlistment in Korea. Promoted to E-6 four years later, and to E-7 three years later (1969). I had a very low number for E-8 and was promoted in August 1979 but declined it because of a fractured back and family situation.
The deciding factor that gave me great assistance was attending the 3rd Army NCO Academy at Fort Jackson in 1963 and keeping the NCO Guide handy. I maintained a STRAC attitude through the remainder of my career.

Certainly, there were a few times when my mouth shot off when silence was best but I managed throughout the career. No Article 15s at all. I might relate a story of what might have happened to end my career but that will come later.

My son went from a fuzzy to E5 in 3 years. But it was planned and calculated. We talked about his career path. He didn’t want to be a jackass. So he learned as he went along. He found a really awesome SSGT that took him under his wing. Taught him different ways to to speak to his lower ranks especially if they were hard to educate with policy and procedure.
He has done very well. I have had LTs and PLs tell me that I raised an excellent potential leader.

Shake and Bake in the 60s turned out E5s in under a year. Top graduate made E6. We were needed due to the McNamara 100,000 impact on what was moving through the system. Most Cat 1 draftees didn't reenlist. The members of McNamara 's that weren't court martialed, had a propencedy to stay. I had one couldn't read the side of a beer can. BUT, he could run a mine sweep team!

I don't believe so. People that work hard and have a greater maturity level deserve the increased responsibility and authority, especially if you are already operating in the next ranks capacity while others are riding out there time until EAOS or retirement. I'm only 27 years old and have been an E-6 for over 2 years now. I made E-6 in 6 up for E-7 with a good shot...at least I hope. lol.

I believe in W.W.2, if you were certified in your trade and had so many years experience, as a welder, electrician, etc., you were given up to an E-6, right after graduation from Boot Camp.

Just like on combat you must consider all things before deciding. When I went to Vietnam and joined an mechanized infantry platoon as a 2nd LT the first ting I had to do was pick a squad leader to be platoon SGT. Since I just arrived I asked MY CO for advice. He said I had 2 choices. A 19 year old E5 or a 37 year old E5. Based on input from another platoon leader I choose the 19 year old. He was promoted to E6 and performed extremely well. We were in combat 77 days in a row during the TET offensive. We never lost a man (a lot of wounded) mostly because of my platoon SGT. I must say for his age he was very mature. A long story made short, based on his performance 2 weeks before he left Vietnam I had him promoted to E7. right after his promotion he signed up for a 2nd tour. Age is not the only reason a person should or should not be promoted. Many many other items must be considered.

Allan Lobeck
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Depends on the individual. I made E-6 in just under 4 years due to a perfect set of circumstances. I enlisted as an E-3 because I had 3 years of college. I was a hospital corpsman during Vietnam and because of this rate’s mortality rate, all required time in grade was halved. The only less than desirable aspect of being rapidly advanced was going to Vietnam with the Marines who treated us just great. The increased pay was really nice and allowed me to go back to college for 3-1//2 years, complete a pharmacy degree, an graduate with only a $3000 debt.

I watched a guy get promoted several times and in the process didn't have a chance to gain the proper knowledge. I think for some it's ok but most.id say slowly

Awesome question and that is fast. I have served AD, Reserve, and Guard. Our traditional players make rank fast, but don't have the job practical experience to meet the rank sometimes. Maturity is another story. I have served with many that could not cut it- but there are the chosen few that do an excellent job and deserve to wear it. Would have to gauge directly to the individual.