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

Okay, I'm confused. In my time in service, there was a required Time in each Rate to allow for growth maturity and knowledge of that particular Rating. It went something like this:
E1 thru E3= Could be attained through Boot camp or ROTC program at high school lever. Also a minimum of 12 months if entering the fleet as E1, to become an E3.
E4- One must spend at least 24 months as an E4 before even being considered for E5. Though we had programs where one could be frocked or Advanced for Stellar Performance.
E6- There was a minimum of 3 years as an E5 one Had to fulfill before you could be eligible for E6. This TIR was mandatory for the growth wisdom and knowledge necessary to hold this esteemed position. Three years and promoted to E6...Waaayyy too soon! This is the equivalent to Sergent Senior Airman or NCO. I would NOT follow someone who made E6 in three years into combat or a bar fight. Sorry, that's just me! I've seen far too many o these types Fall Fail and Falter throughout their careers, if they were fortunate enough to actually have one.

I think making E-6 in 3 years is WAAAYYY too fast! There is maturity to think about. If someone enlists at 18, that means a 21 year old SSG/PO1/TSgt. Some people may have enough maturity for the responsibilities of the rank, but most people do not. I might have been a "late bloomer" but Life didn't make sense to me until I was 23 years old. Before then I was a confused "kid" bumbling through life.

I enlisted at 35 years old and made E-6 in 7 years. I don't feel that I had enough E-5 time, as I spent 5 1/2 years as a E-4 SPC, and then less than 2 years at E-5 SGT before being promoted to E-6 SSG. I was a "Team Leader" in charge of three Soldiers while a SGT, but that time was mainly at a desk job and leading my Soldiers was monthly counselings and ensuring accountability. However, I think my E-4 time gave me a lot of perspective on following and noticing what made both good and bad leaders. I've been a SSG (E-6) for 6 years now and have lots of leadership time. I am pretty confident about the upcoming USAR SSG-SFC Promotion Board in September.

I made E7 in 7 years, but I was also prior service with a 6 year gap. Sometimes there are those who make the rank fast but don't have the experience and/or maturity to fill the responsibilities of that rank. I'm sure most of us have served with/under someone that fell into that category. Not good for anyone.

yeah and i screwed the pooch on my comment i had to go back and correct it. i actually made E6 in about 3 1/2yrs. recalling my promotions kicks my butt sometimes. i made E4 in one year almost to the date. then E5 the following year again almost to the date. then E6 SSG came in mid 1969 after attending the 6th Army NCO Academy at Ft Lewis.

For a Specialist it's just a pay grade, go for it.

I made E4 (Army) in just under 4 years and at the time I thought that was kind of quick.

I can't speak for every case, but I have seen a lot of service members fail when given too much responsibility too early, usually because they had a high pt score and did well at the board too.

I honestly don’t know. If you’re qualified, that’s all that matters.

E6 in three years is incredible.

Congratulations to everyone here who has done it

I agree. The same thing happened to me. I feel I was not ready to lead because I advanced so quickly. Having said that, I wouldn't trade my time in the Navy for anything. It saved me.

Made the LDO list but retired and went in the Merchant Marine