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

Yes, leadership should come with a price and time in rate is important. Just because you're the last person standing doesn't mean you should be an E6. Unfortunately, 30 years ago it was a way to retain people rather than focusing on who would make a good leader, the "carrot" was a promotion to make more money or a better way to spend a reenlistment bonus.

I am sorry but in our service only IT folks can make 6 in under 10. The reality is I wouldn’t brag about that because 95% of E6s with under 10 years of service have next to no leadership skills and aren’t ready to lead. Just not enough experience. It’s pretty much a fact and has been my entire 20+ years in service.

During the VN era, USAF promotions were slow. I was augmenteed to a NAS and working for supes that had more rank and less time then me. I thought it was fast to make E-5 in 3 1/2 yrs in the USAF when I have seen E-4's with 10 or more years in. That's when my promos stopped and I remained E-5 until I got out with 8 yrs in. They not only screwed around with USAF stripes, eliminated buck Sgt after 24 yrs as an NCO rank, but also kept on changing the promotions. I missed getting E-6 with 5 1/2 years in by 10 points, but it was my fault.

I agree, mostly. I made E5 at 18, but I was a specialist, 058. ( don't worry about not recognizing the MOS, it's obsolete). I didn't have the decision making responsibility of a "command" MOS. But I did have a PITB job that most sane people wouldn't do. I think my PAY GRADE was appropriate for the work I was doing. Was I qualified for a line job? No!

Chief (I assume you're an initiated Chief and not an E-7): Well, I've seen service wides where all you need to do is spell your name correctly to advance because the community is way below 100%. Usually, a red stripe Chief means little or no practical leadership skills, nor practical KSAs, not in all cases, but in most. Most persons who made Chief during my tenure had a minimum of 12 good years, sea time, beau coup points, and had the KSAs to fix a Cutter with holes below the waterline with only a wad of bubble gum. I may be biased because I'm a "sea going" rate. When they say, "Ask the Chief." they are serious because the Chief is a walking textbook, operational Bible, leader, and teacher, so when someone makes Chief they will be found out if they have it all packed in a sock or not, especially in the Chef's Mess.

It is a double edged sword. There are those who are out for themselves and don't care who they burn or step on to get ahead. Some get lucky and survive leadership either by growing up and learning, the others will point fingers and hide to survive. Then there are those who truly earn their rank by their actions. During the Vietnam era they had what was referred to as "shack and bake" sergeants. They showed leadership abilities during basic and AIT. These individuals literally learned the job under fire. Some became very good leaders. Bottom line is if you promote do the job. I was slow to promote due to my inability to shut up and not question stupidity. I retired with 20 and small change as an E6. IF you looked at my record I entered the service with a college degree and should have had an advantage but my straight forward what you see is what you get attitude I did not progress. I have no regrets and I am proud of all I accomplished.

No. Its no different that getting a 21, 22 year old to be a commission officer or Warrent Officer.

It depends on the person and their job. Some people can handle the stress of leadership and the ability to lead people as much as a decade their senior while others cannot. I think it is easier for most people if they are in a technical position. I don't think the speed of my promotions is possible in today's Army. Congratulations on Officer Candidate School.
I enlisted on my 18th birthday. I was promoted to PV2 as a Squad Leader and the Honor Graduate of BCT and made PFC as the Honor Graduate of my MP School company. I arrived at Fort Ord and was the second-highest-ranking person in the 3rd Platoon as part of the reformation of the 7th ID MP Company in 1975. Only the SFC Platoon Sergeant outranked me since everyone else was straight out of AIT as PV2s. I was an Acting SGT as a Squad Leader and was the Dispatcher when we had Garrison MP Duty.
Six months later I was a Cadet Candidate at the US Military Academy Preparatory School. After ten months at Fort Monmouth and ten more as a Cadet at West Point, I requested a three-month early out of my AD contract to attend college (they counted my time at USMAPS and USMA as part of my enlisted time). I was accepted to a Top Ten College with an outstanding ROTC unit and joined the Army Reserves. I was the 1SG in my ROTC Company and made SP4 in the reserves after four months, so slightly more than a year enlisted to make E4.
I had to leave the USAR less than a year later when I received a Two-Year ROTC Scholarship. I was commissioned as a Chemical Corps Officer in 1980 and was given a medical discharge in 1988 right before I was going before the early promotion board for Major.

Making rank to fast isn't the problem. The problem the wrong ppl making rank. Now making e6 shouldn't be done til after 6 years honestly & e7 til after 10 years. But each branch has their own requirements for the ranks for positions. The thing is the right ppl should make the rank.

1978 a CTM could expect E-6 in three years
E-7 in 8 years