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

I don't think so, rank is based on ability. I went to Nam as a PFC, made Cpl. in 15 months after joining the Marines. I was put up for Sgt. 5 months later, which I turned down as I was getting out in 2 weeks.

I cannot speak to the officer side of the house, but I can say this much... The trip from E1 to E4 is entirely too speedy. I believe that is a large part of the reason why we have an "E4 Mafia". E2 through E4 shouldn't be "throwaways". They exist for a purpose and that purpose is to prepare them for service in the NCO corps. That being said, I am also one that believes that there should be expanded opportunities in a Specialist/Technician career path to retain those individuals that are highly proficient technically in specialized fields but simply not geared toward hard-stripe leadership. I said in another post regarding the issue of specialists vs. NCOs that the fact that it would aggrieve some CSMs/SGMs is a little more than somewhat immaterial. And if the idea of a 'turkey-on-a shield' set of specialist ranks being seen on a set of pinks-and-greens offends you, then reincarnate that same idea in the form of the Technician ranks from 1943-48. The prospect of losing proficient specialists in the increasingly complex technical environment that warfighting has become, along with the massive challenges in recruiting and retention makes the idea of making the specialist/technician career track more imperative and more of a no-brainer than ever. All IMHO.

Thanks all for your Service!

YES. That's too fast. I was active 78-89 and it took me 3yrs to get E5 and another 3 for E6-- and in those days that was moderately fast. I tried USAR afterward, where many troops were old. They wanted to bring me in as an E3. (No I didn't let them; I had more experience than almost everyone in my unit.) I assume nowadays rank comes faster because there is more attrition, and so if everyone around the young E6 are also making rank fast, maybe it all evens out a little.

There are time whereas there are exceptional people that perform exceptional well and are awarded advancement to the next pay grade , in addition there are areas that may involved a heroic act that advances an individual...So in reference as is it too fast, it definitely not depending on once dedication, commitment and high standards in performing in a high quality will always determine the merits of promotions

I'm just thinking about all the 21 to 24 year olds I knew and know. I cannot imagine any of them being in a position of leadership. Their maturity and lack of experience would be extremely detrimental to moral and the task at hand.

There are rates whose members are all on the fast track. Nukes come to mind and that's nothing new. My rate (RD/OS) was one of those rates who saw faster advancements because there was a need to fill billets. I did become the LPO at a young age but I was fortunate to have worked for people who were true leaders and saw their job to include developing both technical and leadership skills. Otherwise being promoted so quickly would have made my life hell.

Chief, I am assuming you're an initiated Chief and not an E-7. I'm all for encouraging my people to make rate; however, hands on experience and leadership trumps book theory. When I see a red strip Chief it tells me either he/she had time 'afore the Mast, or hasn't quite figured out where the Head is. When someone says, "Go ask the Chief." your response should not be "I don't know." You're the person who has seen and done things that are not in the books. Gold Stripes demand respect. I believe there should be mandatory time between rates, just as officers do their time between rank. Time means experience tried and true.

As some others have pointed out, it depends on the individual. I made SGT in 25 months. I had been serving in Team Leader/Squad Leader positions since I was a E-3/PFC. I went to the E-6 Board as soon as I met Time In Service. Unfortunately, I spent two years on the promotion list. Infantry promotion scores were maxed out at 998. I was always promoted early, and I was always already serving at the next rank. I had some very good examples (and bad) and some great mentors that helped me to be a better prepared leader.
I remember after DS/DS, the Army did a VERA/VSIP (early out). They were targeting E-8 and E-9, but they took just about every application, and it created a big void in E-6 and E-7. As a 1SG, I had E-6 PSGs and E-7 PSGs who didn't/couldn't write NCOERs, Counseling Statements, or Awards. I can't count the number of times I had to tell PSGs and their PLs that they were not going home until the required NCOER, Counseling, or Award was turned in and approved by me. Fortunately, the CO and XO backed me up every time a Lieutenant went to them and complained that I was being too picky.
I wouldn't accept NCOERs with no bullets on the back page. As I explained to the Platoon Chain of Command that they know the soldier, and the NCOER is what will be used to get SSGs promoted. DA promotion boards only look at a file to make selections. Same for awards, I had to train them to put in quantifiable statements to justify awards. Explaining the how's, why's, and types of counseling to an E-7/PSG seemed ridiculous to me, but they didn't have the experience or knowledge, even if they had been to ANCOC.

This must be Army because in the Air Force there is a minimum require of 4 years TIS to be promoted to E-5 and then 2 years TIG to be promoted to E-6

Too quick? Navy Band members start at E-6. That’s pretty quick if you ask me. I would have made E-6 but my advancement date was a month after I got out. They tried to use that to get me to re up. They offered it to me at the reenlistment date. I turned it and $10,000 and choice of duty stations down. Mh wife said if I reenlisted she would leave me. I liked her more