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

I think a lot of it depends on the individual and their maturity. I've seen some folks who were prime examples of the Peter Principle when they were promoted too early. I was stationed with one guy who made E-6 after 15 years but turned it down. His rational was that he didn't know enough about being an E-5 to take on additional responsibility. Personally, I don't think he wanted the additional responsibility. I became a shift supervisor as an E-4 when I was 20 years old. Fortunately, I was surrounded by several saged NCO's who guided me through the initial phases of the transition. I also am reminded of the 2d LT's who come into the service and the difference you see in most of them by the time they make captain. In summary, I think the rapid rank climb is totally dependant on the individual. Some can handle it while others cannot.

Well, I am prejudiced I was E1,E2,E3,E5,W01,CW2,1LT,and CPT. From being a draftee in 4YRS, 4 months. So, I am not qualified to answer such a question. I was also a Rotary Wing Flight Examiner Instructor, the highest Aviation rating in the Army.

I joined the Marines in 1964. During my time in the Corps, a person usually shipped over to get E-4. I arrived in Vietnam in June of 1965 and stayed almost continuously until April 1968. I was not well trained before arriving in Nam, but I made E-5 in just over three years because of my job. I was only a combat Sargent, and because I got out when I returned from Vietnam in April 1968, I never learned what the duties of a Sargent were stateside.

It all depends on how you look at it. If theres an opening and your the next person in line to make E6 regardless of what age you are then it is what it is. Yes we have all seen the ones that shoukdnt have been promoted however, if they meet the criteria then you have to award them the rank.

It is definitely possible to progress too quickly. I was a Staff Sergeant in four years and was selected for Sergeant First Class in seven years. Luckily, I was already in the transition process to becoming a warrant officer, so I didn't have a chance to sully the rank. I am quite certain that I would have been a dirt-bag SFC - my leadership, life experience, and knowledge weren't equal the rank. I probably would have straightened myself out (or been straightened out by concerned peers) in time, but it would have been a steep learning curve. Becoming a warrant allowed me to re-look at my experience and leadership, and build a much more effective style and manner of exercising authority. A field-grade NCO carries a lot of authority and respect, and they should have the experience and knowledge commensurate with the rank.

The questioned shouldn't be making rank too soon, but whether can you perform at that level.

I made SSG E-6 in two years and 7 months, and no that wasn't too soon because of the duties I performed. I enlisted in May of 1965 and after Basic and AIT I was sent to Germany, third infantry. Within 12 months I was promoted to SGT E-5. I was then sent to Vietnam for my last 12 months. I lead my platoon into combat two many times to count. They had a shortage of Officers so I did what was asked of me. In my 7 month in country I was promoted to SSG E-6. Military life was not for me so I rotated in May 1968.

3 years is way way way too soon. It doesn't matter if your a front line soldier or a supply person. There's a certain amount of maturity that only time and many many experiences can bring. Without that maturity your people will obey you because they have no choice, but they won't respect you!

Never look a gift horse in the mouth. I joined the Army at 17. And let me say it was a good place to grow up. I made it through Basic and AIT as a PFC. When I arrived at my first permanent duty station I was ready to go. Remember this guys. There are those who make things happen and then there are those who wonder what happens. My Mos was 63F. I was on bed rest because I had a wisdom tooth pulled. And you know when you live in the barrack you always catch the weekend duty. The motor pool officer came in and gave me a direct order to go put a track from the field. So you know how that went. For the next 2 years, I stayed in trouble every day. I got written up for something. Never got promoted and never went to jail. Short story my first Sgt said I had to much time on my hand and I need responsibility. So he put me in charge of the barracks. From there I learn it is better to make the rules than to break them. I moved up to ranks in three months. I was 19 when I made Sgt. The Commander put my age up two years. Then I became NCOIC. I was recommended for OIC school. I knew I could make it in the Army but I did not know about civilian life. My plans were if I could not make it in civilian life I would come back into the Army, I finish college got my degree, and never looked backed. I say that to say this If you have been promoted take it and run with it! Making rank has always been heard.