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

Apparently it was for the Army. I was an E-7 at 24.5 years old, with 7 years in. The Army refused to promote me to E-8 for 8 years, I had all my ducks in a row but couldn't even break through the "secondary" promotion. All things considered, I should have been promoted to E-8 at the 10 to 12 year TIS time frame. Anyway, decided to stay in anyway, and retired as an E-9 in a difficult career field, the AG Corps.

I was an Army E-1 at 18 and an O-1 at 21(OCS). THAT was too fast. I was fortunate not to go to jail or get my young ass whipped. But I was fortunate to have a bunch of mostly seasoned NCO's around me. I think a 10-12 year E-7 is the sweet spot. But that was in the 1960's. Take it for what it's worth!!!

I can only respond from my experience in the Army. I was an E-1 at 18 and an O-1 21. That was too fast!!! I was lucky not go to jail or get my ass whipped. I was fortunate to have a seasoned group of NCO's around me. To me a 10-12 year E-7 is the sweet spot. But then that was in the 1960's. So take it for what it's worth.

Certainly, in my service career, AF, I saw several incidents of "too much, to soon" and the NCO Corps suffered as did mission accomplishment. The individuals concerned suffered also, some never figured it out/some did and they recovered well.

Was Spec4 in Vietnam, C.O. Offered to make me an E5 on the spot if I would extend or re-up. Could have been E6 with two years time in grade if I would have taken the deal.

I made E6 in 5, lost it in one. I got it back within 1.5 years. I got into a situation where my friends in lower rank didn’t understand that I had to make tremendous changes. I had to change my environment with lower subordinates.

I am pretty sure to get promoted to SSG/E6 in the Army you have to have 48 months in the secondary zone so 3 years is to early. For SFC the earliest you can get promoted is 6 years TIS.

Not sure of the Navy, but I am aware of one in the C.DG. who made E-7 in under 4. The wouldn't let him in the CPO club as a slick sleeve. The rate was ET which had a huge shipping over bonus too. Didn't have near enough to fill the billets. My Dad was Navy and made Chief in 4, but that was during WWII. He said that at the time he was the youngest CPO in the Navy. My Brother was Navy and made E-5 in under 4 ( ADJ ). He may have had enough time to make E-6. In the Coast Guard, if you meet all the requirements and do well on the Servicewide Exam, if you are a short timer, you won't get the promotion unless you ship over.

Not really, what is wrong is having those difrent standards/point depending on MOS

I made rank quickly because Leadership saw my potential and it help me to excel. It all depends all how good the senior nco’s and immediate NCo’s