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

When I was in the Guard. A fresh enlisted came in as a E-5. No previous service. Within 3 years he was a E-8. Turns out he was a sitting Judge. They had offered him a commission as a Capt. but turned it down he did not want to be in JAG and wanted to be enlisted. It was a little hard to take. I was an E-4 for 7 years. I made the mistake of taking an enlistment bonus from the Guard and was locked in for my specialty, no E 5 slots, unless I paid back the bonus. I could not pay it back and was stuck for 6 years until my enlistment ended. The was no way I was going to reenlist after that.

Back in the mid 70's, the Navy had what they called "Pushbutt0on"
If you went through critical rate training and passed the course, you were automatically granted E4 upon graduation. It didn't work out too well...... The program died out quietly.....

I made CPO in 9 years and MCPO in 17years. I do not see that as an issue if leadership trains their junior enlisted correctly.
EMCM(SS) Michael P. Stefurak retired
COB USSNebraska SSBN 739 gold

Yes, it comes down to maturity and experience.As a sergeat, I once had two staff sergeants assigned to me because they had been promoted above their level of maturity. It was like having a pair of extra private without having control.

Yes, way too soon. Like wine, you have to be able to truly season yourself to lead soldiers, not only in training but, also in time of crisis and possible war. When you have those that have real experience and you think you can just go over them. You may have been a hooahriffic on paper, but how do you do with leading soldiers, and taking orders, listening to others ideas, that’s the proof.

I joined in ‘81, STG 6yo made STG3 out of A school, made STG2 the next January cycle then STG1 with just over 4 years. Would have picked up STGC with just over 7 years if I had been mature enough to handle it (got stupid made the board then had my recommendation pulled) then the closed down the Rate. So yeah if I would have had a mentor would have been better but lessons learned

Wow! I made E-5 in 2.5 years, (I joined the Navy on 9/4/65) I quoted E-6 on two tries after that, then I went to Nam, got E-6 on the next round. I went for E-7 in 74, (stationed stateside in DC). They rated 3 RMC's, and I quoted 4th. Thought my E-5 was fast. lol.

I think it should be on an individual basis, In the 70's we had a lot of pushbuttons PO3's/PO2's. Out of schools. When they got to the fleet they had a rude awakening. TIS and TIR worked pretty well. The early 70's we still had a lot of sailors with over ten plus years as E-4 and so because no high tenure. After the Navy implemented it we started to have some openings. I made PO1 at six which was in line. I was a CPO selectee at 8 and went to board before 9. I ended up getting frocked because I did not have enough time left in the Navy. I reenlisted at 3.5 as a PO2 and so I got out of the service at 9.5. I also was working and then accepted to go Warrant. Due to unseen circumstances needed to leave the Navy at the end of my second enlistment. The detailor not much help and we had no career counselors then. Biggest problem I saw was some people very good at the job but not being a supervisor.

Depends on who you are and what you bring to the table -- and what the competition is like. A draftee, I made E-5 in the minimum 15-months, and was offered E-6 to re-up. In specialist ranks, at least in 1970, it was about the pay=grade, not he stripes. E-5 was only about $260/mo. when E-1 was under $110. Three squares and a bunk, also! Oh, I had my BA.

I made SP4 out of AIT and SP5 7-months later while in Vietnam (1st Cav HHC 2/8). Was given the choice of SP5 or Sgt E5. Most others in unit promoted before me took SP5. 1st Sgt advised if plan to stay in Army after Vietnam take Sgt E5 as more opportunities.