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

In the Army in Korea in 1969, in a battalion totaling 99 members, of whom about two thirds were officers, I made E-5 in 16 months. I didn't hang around for E-6. (At the same time, I attended one soldier's Promotion-to-PFC (E-3) Party THREE times! He'd get drunk at the first two parties, and be demoted the following morning.)

I made E-6 / SSGT in six years while serving in Army Reserve from 1973-1979. This was after Vietnam and the Reserves were hurting for NCOs. I retired after 32 years as a CW4. Best 'part-time' job I ever had including deployment to Northern Iraq.

I doubt it in the Air Force. Unless you get constant step promotions.

Making E6 in just 3 years I feel does not give the person time enough to hone up his leadership skills.Leadership/Supervisor skills takes time to learn and practice.

It may be that rank may come too soon for some. For example, I had barely turned 20 when I made E5 with only 15 months TIS in 1971. On the officer side, from 01 to 03 was only a matter of 24 months TIS. On the other hand, "too soon" may apply to some, no matter what their TIS or TIG.

Not sure if it’s been mentioned yet, and seeing that RP puts old questions in my inbox. 3 years isn’t long considering some get E6 straight out of BCT depending on MOS.

Not enough time to gain experience handling issues. Maturity is important.

I was on an accelerated path to E-4, and that was about all I would say was acceptable. I know a young Woman that has picked up E-4 in less than a year, and that is part time in the National Guard. I am happy for her, but she does not have the maturity to handle being an NCO as I understand it. I hope she spends some time in grade to mature and to learn her job. E-4 while still in A School is not right.

I made E4 in 9 months. I came in as an E2 from JROTC and then was promoted as honor grad in my two AIT courses. It was too soon. As an 18-year old, they would put me in charge of details of people much older and more experienced than me. I had no idea of how to earn respect and they would often just ignore me or give me a hard time.

My sister made Chief real early and she was very effective. She applied for Chief MSgt of the AF and was told she was a shoe in, but alsas, No-go, there was nothing left for her to accomplish so she retired in 2016. She was ahead of her time. There had NOT been a female CMSGT of the AF let a minority until 2020..finaly. Talk about Bias!