E7 in 7 years?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:10:45 -0500

I heard the other day that it is not only possible but common for someone to make E7 in 7 years in the Army.

Any truth to this?

Other services, what is the Fastest/Average time line to make E7 for your branch?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jan 5 at 2015 5:11 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:11:51 -0500

While it is truly is possible it is VERY uncommon!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 5 at 2015 5:20 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:20:28 -0500

For the AF, the average is 15-17 years for E7 and a minimum of 8 years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 7:04 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 19:04:46 -0500

I saw a weather forecaster with a line # For E-7 in 8...

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jan 5 at 2015 7:15 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 19:15:09 -0500

While there are a few that can handle that much responsibility that fast, I would not want to be in their unit. No disrespect intended, but experience that comes with time that should never be compromised no matter how excellent the service member is. I think higher pay grades should have a minimum requirement for time and experience, depending on unit and specialty.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 5 at 2015 7:32 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 19:32:30 -0500

I have seen it happen before. Much of it depends on the branch and unit. Do they have enough people? How good is the soldier? i think it is good to fast track some people who are good to keep them in, but I also agree that you pick up things that can't be learned through the school house that is based on the time in service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 7:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 19:34:29 -0500

Its definitely possible. I know quite a few Soldiers who made SFC in 7 years. Some people just process information quicker than others. Some might not agree with such a quick jump in rank, but if the Soldier earned it, then he/she needs to be unbiasedly rewarded.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 7:43 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 19:43:58 -0500

The minimum TIS is in fact seven years, but the person doing this would also have to make E-6 with all waivers at 48 months in order for this to be possible. It is definitely not common.
I think what is more typical is somewhere between 10 and 14 years. I myself made SFC at just under 10; and E-8 fairly young at 14 years. I had to overcome a long tenure as an E-4 (long story), but I fast tracked through SGT to SSG and made rank close to the minimum TIG each grade thereafter.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jan 5 at 2015 7:50 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 19:50:57 -0500

While I've never personally seen this... Even in the Infantry... It is possible. Regulation states that to be consider for promotion to SFC a soldier must have a minimum of 6 years. Now... How is the possible with all the other TIS and TIG requirements? First most soldiers they would have to be promoted in the secondary zone of consideration... Also a soldier that enters with a four year degree enters as a SPC... These combinations could allow this... Even if the soldier was not combat arms. I was picked up for promotion in the SZ all the way to SSG being promoted to SSG 7y4m... Which was rarely seen in the 80s/90s... And ANCOC before my 10th.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 5 at 2015 7:58 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 19:58:50 -0500

With everybody filling out their promotions on their RallyPoint profile, our staff could use the data to conduct analysis on the fastest promotion paths, average times across the branches of service, rates across different specialties, and finally put some good factual information out there.

So please make sure you complete the promotion portion of your profile and encourage others you serve or served with to do the same...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 8:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:08:27 -0500

I made 7 in 7. I waited another 8 to make 8. So I'm not sticking around for another 9 to make 9. Of course I waited on each list over 12 months to et pinned. And in the 8 list, I was number 2. How do you wait 13 months to get pinned when your sequence number 2?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 9:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:37:09 -0500

Possible yes, but definitely not common. It depends on a lot of factors, such as branch (Infantry is notoriously fast tracked) and how much love you get from your chain of command. Get placed in a unit that thinks you're a BAMF at your job and as a soldier they can board you and make you a Staff Sergeant as fast as the regs allow. Along the way they'll send you to as many schools as they can to make you competitive for selection to Sergeant First Class. It's exceptionally rare, but I've seen it happen.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 5 at 2015 9:54 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:54:46 -0500

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made E-8 in a little over 9 years and recently commissioned as an infantry officer. I don't mean to embarrass him for highlighting his achievements... the Army should be very proud to have him.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 9:59 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:59:07 -0500

I saw a 35Q that made E6 in 5 years, he still look physically like a private...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 11:09 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:09:53 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland, typically when you hear the term 7-in-7, it is referring to individuals that make E7 in under 8 years (ie. 7 years + some months). It's quite rare to find individuals that make it in under 7 years, but it does happen. With that being said, as of the 2014 board, the average TIS for a Soldier being promoted to E7 was 13+ years and E8 was 19+ years.

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When people find out that I was an E8 prior to commissioning, I am often asked how I was able to promote as quickly as I did and I give everyone a similar answer that sounds something like this:

In order to promote quickly in the Army, a number of things must happen, some you can control and others you can not.

The first step is to raise your hand... over and over again; you need to volunteer for every course, every TDY, every deployment, every tiny bit of training that you can get. In order for military leaders to promote you based on your potential, you must first show them your drive and determination to be the most well-rounded (both training & experience) of your peers. Look for opportunities to have experience or training that isn't common in your branch or rank; think outside of the box. If you get a chance to fill a temporary position outside of your career field, take it; it will make you more well-rounded and gives your insight into the needs of others. That includes doing what no one else wants to do. If you volunteer for something hard and do well at it, people will notice.

Next, you must prove that you are both proficient and efficient. A strong work ethic will take you a long way. However, it is just as important to show that you can not only do a job, but do it better. Always be looking for ways to do more with less. The ability to save the Army time and money is always a plus. The Army has many blocks; check them, but then go the extra mile to make each unit you're in better when you leave than when you arrived.

Educate yourself! You should be enrolled in courses at all times. With the exception of deployments, throughout my 13+ year career, I have been consistently enrolled in courses the entire time (night classes, weekend classes, online classes, whatever I could). Despite the ridiculous workload, I was even taking BA and then Masters classes during BNCOC, ANCOC, and IBOLC. Don't let time be your excuse. Even if you're only enrolled in one class at a time, that's better than none. If you simply can not be enrolled in a course (military or civilian) at any given time, then dedicate 30 minutes a day to an Audible.com Course (Great Courses Series), an iTunes U Course, or a daily TED Talk. Knowledge is power! I've already mentioned military & civilian education, but you will also need to have general knowledge as well. Keep up with what's going on in the world. Know a lot about a lot. You'll be surprised how far you'll go if you're able to hold an educated conversation with your peers and superiors. You should always strive to be the smartest man in the room. Just don't be a jerk about it; just because you have something to say, doesn't mean you should always say it.

Finally, there are many things in the Army that you can not control. Often, your assignment (duty station and/or position) is chosen for you. Often, you don't have a say in what training opportunities are offered to you. Often, you are unable to 'take charge' because you're the junior guy. When that happens, make lemonade. Do the best at what you are given to do and simultaneously, look for other opportunities to go that extra mile; boards (Soldier of the Month/Quarter/Year, Audie Murphy, etc...), education (again), volunteering, etc...

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I know that was a bit of a rant, but I figure that was probably the best input that I could give to this conversation. Hopefully, some young Soldier will stumble across it and take something away from it.

With all of that being said, I've known a couple of 7-in-7 (under 8) MSgts in the Air Force. Just take a look at the TACP, CCT, and PJ communities.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Jan 5 at 2015 11:26 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:26:41 -0500

Although not uncommon, it can be detrimental to the force and the leader themself if they are not prepared for the responsibly and respect that it requires.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 2:02 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:02:35 -0500

Met a kid (he was younger than me, so he was a kid, lol) in the Navy who made E-7 ridiculously fast. He was in the Nuclear Power pipeline. He began as a SN/E-3 (normal), made PO3/E-4 after A-school (again, normal), was promoted to PO2/E-5 as he was leaving Nuclear Power School (6 month school, he tested VERY well and barely made TIG), was a staff pick up (usually a 2 year tour) following Prototype (OJT, also 6 months) and was CAP'd (Command Advanced) to PO1/E-6 before even getting to his first boat (he was almost at his 4 yr mark when he got to the Fleet). He was selected for E-7 on his first time up and had BARELY qualified with his Dolphins. It was pretty ridiculous.

I heard he got picked up for officer ascension (which I wouldn't doubt) because the kid was just so smart...

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 6 at 2015 8:37 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 20:37:59 -0500

See AR 600-8-19 for your text book answer

So if you only look at the AR, section 4–2, para (2) . Eligibility criteria you will see minimum federal service requirement, yes, its 6 years to be considered for Sergeant First Class by a centralized promotion board. But there is so much more than that.. Para (3) and on must also be met. On top of that, actual TIS / TIG for consideration by the board is set each year by DA and i don't remember it ever being as low as 7 years..

Using the AF WAPS system, I believe technically for consideration to E7 Master Sergeant, you would need- 8 years TIS, 24 months TIG, and awarded the 7-skill level

But like the US Army, reality is not the same as what the text book says

AR 600-8-19 4–2. Eligibility criteria

The following eligibility criteria must be met before the HQDA board convenes.
a. Soldiers must—
(1) Meet announced DOR and BASD (PEBD for USAR) requirements and other eligibility criteria prescribed by HRC.
(2) Have at least 6, 8, or 10 years of total AFS (total Federal service for USAR) for SFC, MSG, and SGM, respectively. Must have 8 and 10 years of enlisted service creditable in computing basic pay for promotion to MSG andSGM, respectively.
(3) Be serving on active duty in an enlisted status on convening date of the selection board.
(4) Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, or an associate or higher degree.
(5) Not be barred from reenlistment under provisions of AR 601–280 or denied continued active duty service under
(6) Not be ineligible to reenlist because of DCSS, retirement, or court-martial.
b. The NCOES requirements include the following:
(1) SSG must be a graduate of ALC or higher NCOES Course in order to be considered for promotion to SFC.
(2) SFC must be a graduate of SLC to be considered for promotion to MSG.
(3) A by-name review will be conducted of all Soldiers who do not attain eligibility for promotion consideration
because of a lack of NCOES as cited in this paragraph. If, in the determination of the DCS, G–1 (DAPE–MPE–PD), a Soldiers lack of the qualifying level of NCOES, as described immediately above, is because of the Army’s operational environment, an NCOES waiver will be granted, opening the door for promotion consideration. If any Soldier be ultimately selected for promotion as a result of being granted an NCOES waiver, the promotion will be held in
abeyance until the Soldier completes the eligibility-level of NCOES as described within this paragraph. Promotion will be effective the first day of the month following graduation of the requisite course.
c. Soldiers who have been disenrolled from the USASMC for any reason (other than compassionate or medical) are permanently ineligible for promotion consideration to SGM.
d. USAR Soldiers who reach age 55 without NCOES completed for the next higher grade or age 57 with NCOES completed for the next higher grade prior to convening date of the promotion board are ineligible for consideration

So if you only look at the AR, section 4–2, para (2) . Eligibility criteria you will see minimum federal service requirement, yes, its 6 years to be considered for Sergeant First Class by a centralized promotion board. But there is so much more than that.. Para (3) and on must also be met. On top of that, actual TIS / TIG for consideration by the board is set each year by DA and i don't remember it ever being as low as 7 years..

Using the AF WAPS system, I believe technically for consideration to E7 Master Sergeant, you would need- 8 years TIS, 24 months TIG, and awarded the 7-skill level

But like the US Army, reality is not the same as what the text book says

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 8:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 20:47:11 -0500

I don't know if it's common any more, with SSG's (in the Army) needing to have at least 3 years time in grade. That means the individual will need to make E-6 in 4 years.............

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 7:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:34:11 -0500

That is correct MSgt. However, the soldiers that get promoted that fast is because they are in Combat Arms, Special Ops, Public Affairs, and Intel specialties. Now you might find other specialties that get promoted that fast due to war demands or they are just that high speed.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 8:26 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 20:26:40 -0500

I was fortunate enough to do that. 7 in 7. And selected for 8 in 9. But went to the dark side! Wa ah ah ah!

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 8 at 2015 7:34 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 07:34:55 -0500

May be in today's Army but when I was on Active Duty I never say an E-7 in seven. Is it plausible yes does it happen and is it common I do not think so.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 8 at 2015 11:53 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 11:53:42 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland, I can't speak to E7 in 7 years, but I will tell you how it worked for some in the Army in 1970. I know it's archaic, but the situation does show what could happen anywhere, and it's all based on the "needs of the service". Back then, Special Forces was not a branch, and it was not even a non-accession specialty. It was possible to enlist and go straight to Special Forces, which is what I did.
I went to Basic Combat Training (NOV69), and by mid-April of 1970 was headed to Fort Bragg for Special Forces training. After a month or so at Camp Mackall (for Phase 1), we came back to Bragg for SF MOS training. Upon successful completion of the Weapons NCO Supervisor Candidate Special Forces Course at the end of July, every active duty soldier was promoted to Sergeant (E-5). The honor graduate was promoted Staff Sergeant (E-6)! So in the space of nine months, you go could all the way to E5 and maybe E6! The reason for this was the SF operational detachments were always comprised of NCOs, and not lower enlisted. Anyway, the Army had a need and that's how they addressed it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 12:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 12:07:13 -0500

I entered as an E-4 through the Civilian Acquired Skill (CAS) program. I made E-5 on my third year (with a Time in Service (TIS) waiver) because I was on the Secondary Zone (SZ) which basically meant that I can but don't have to.

I'm on my sixth year now and I'm promotable because I met the Time in Grade (TIMIG) requirements which put me in the Primary Zone (PZ) with no need for a waiver.

If I perform exceptionally well as an E-6, I may receive a TIMIG waiver. As SGM Erik Marquez points out, AR 600-8-19 explains it technically well. Keywords: Waivers, TIS, TIMIG (CTRL+F)

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 8 at 2015 12:48 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 12:48:02 -0500

7 years doesn't give one enough experience to be a leader at this level in my opinion. Especially if they went in right out of high school. A 24 year old Gunny?! 10-12 years.
I also think college should be taken into consideration for earlier promotions to higher ranks.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 9:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 21:12:33 -0500

This happened a lot during the height of the war and the Army needed to fill ranks. Although I met a few NCOs who could make it most of the time there was an unprepared NCO who wasn't ready for the job. Luckily the Army noticed it's mistake and has gone back to the longer time to get promoted again.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 5:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 05:37:28 -0500

My first PSG did that. He was everything I thought a soldier was. He was Ranger, Sapper, Combat Diver, Pathfinder, Airborne JM, and Halo JM. Before he was a E7. He also went to a lot of other schools that didn't produce badges like Marine Corps Amphibious Recon. He went up going to CAG or SFOD-D and got picked up right away. He would do a lot of running events and invite soldiers, even privates, to come with him. I did a adventure run with him at Uwharrie National Forest. I can say that he was greatly respected for his skills and his leadership. I still look up to SFC Lance Cornett till this day.

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Jan 11 at 2015 6:18 AM

CW4 Keith Dolliver — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 06:18:28 -0500

So much of it just depends on your particular career field. Of course there are some high/stellar performers in each career field, but in an over strength MOS even the best performer is going to take longer to get promoted, so in some regard it's just a little bit of luck. That being said though, as possible as it may be, it's certainly not "common". Back in 2004 though, I did have a 22-year old SSG in my Battery that made E-6 in 4 years. I also just happened to be in an under strength MOS that allowed be to "fast track" and I made SGT in 27 months, at the age of 20. I was on track to make SSG in 4 years as well but converted to the "dark" side before I was eligible. I also knew a SGM that had made it in 14 years TIS and another that did it in 15 years.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Jan 11 at 2015 12:44 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 12:44:19 -0500

I noticed that when I attended the CPO Academy that many chiefs were young and had as few a 1 service stripe indicating less than 8 years of service. It used to be rare, but turnover has been heavier in the last 10 years or so. In the CG and probably in the Navy, it really depends on your rating. Some rates progress quickly due to high turnover while others are top heavy. It is shocking at how inexperienced some E7s are. I always encourage people to hang on to E5 as long as they can to get as much practical experience as possible.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 11 at 2015 5:05 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:05:19 -0500

Back in the Cold War when the M60 was being phased out, it was not uncommon to have E7 is 8 years, as a matter of fact, many E6s reclassified to the new MOS just for that reason.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 11 at 2015 5:08 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:08:18 -0500

There is a lot to making it past SSG in the Army as I am sure its the same way in other branches for it takes hard work. One thing that makes a difference are the service member's records. Those must be on point. For example, I have 5 ARCOMS. I was actually missing paper work of one of those ARCOMS but when I had the chance to update my records, I submitted the missing orders. When and if I get looked at for SFC, the selection board will be looking at my records to make sure everything matches up. Along with my accomplishments thus far, if my records are on point that will be one hurdle that many over look.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 12:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:50:31 -0500

It is indeed possible (in the army that is) but not too common. A friend of mine made E-7 in 7 and E8 in 10. The perception of too young for the the job doesn't fit for all. Personally, I had management experience for two years prior to coming in the Army at the age of 18. I have somewhat "fast tracked" in my career. I made the E-7 list at 9yrs 3months and the E-8 list at 14yrs 2months. Both were in the secondary zone on my "first look". My opinion on this is only what I have observed from my foxhole but I thought I would chime in.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 10:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 22:58:40 -0500

I always tracked 7 in 7 as rare and admirable.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 11:24 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 23:24:03 -0500

Navy average to E7/CPO is 8-15 years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 11:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:15:25 -0500

Depends on your rate or MOS i suppose. In mine for example, I am a Sgt at almost 10 years I won't be looked at for SSgt for another two. I've made myself as promotable as possible, been on meritorious boards but sometimes its not enough.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 7:08 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:08:53 -0500

Not common, but possible in a very few special conditions ( Band, select skills, secondary zone special conditions). "making" E7 or SFC might also mean being "on the list"--not necessarily actually promoted and drawing the pay. During my 27 year career, in my MOS, the average BELOW ZONE was 9-10 years of service to make the list. The average regular zone promotion was 12-13 years. Usually 6 months to a year on the list prior to pin-on. Some people wait longer than that (we had times with budget crunches where there were two lists, one from previous year not exhausted)

Response by WO1 Marketta Wright made Jan 22 at 2015 8:09 PM

WO1 Marketta Wright — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:09:09 -0500

I made 7 in 7 as a 25B with no special schools. It was my second look. I think now that there is a 3 year window for 6, its probably a lot harder to do.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 8 at 2015 7:42 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 07:42:37 -0500

I made E-7 in less than 7 years but that was in 1969 during the Vietnam Era when rank was faster to achieve. I enlisted in 1962 and promoted to E-7 in 1969. That would be difficult today. Rank in certain certain fields that have shortages would be my best guess for this to happen.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 10:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:57:11 -0500

I made 7 in 7 and it was for a small number of reasons. First, I had great mentors, Sr. NCOs and OIC to groom me. Second, I always raised my hand for everything, not because I wanted to do it but I wanted to show not only my superiors but my subordinates what it takes to be a good leader. My 1/1 NCOERs, 300 PT and advanced schooling added to rounding me out and getting promoted. I too was on the dark side, but it was still extremely competitive for promotion there as well.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 11:19 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 11:19:15 -0500

In my experience in working with sister services, the only E7 in 7 troops were Army and holding the 11 series (infantry) or 18 series (SF) MOS's. It seemed that the rest of the Army MOS's were usually around the 10-12 year point when they made E7. Most of the Marines I worked with made it around that 12 year mark. I can't really say about the Navy because my experience is really limited to the very limited and small career fields. The Air Force seems to be the slowest on average with around 15-17 years in. There are always exceptions, but by and large they are largely that, exceptions.

That being said though, it seems to me like all of the services seem to be on a fairly level playing field time-wise in the E8 and E9 grades.

I will say that the longer I am in (and the more I learn), that in general the longer someone takes, the better prepared they are to succeed at that next grade. E7 in 7 has the potential to cause problems not so much from maturity, but from breadth of experience. I takes a while to really learn and I mean REALLY learn how things work and to be that truly knowdgeable SNCO leader, mentor and advisor. If you would have asked me at my 7 year point if I was ready for E7 I would have said heck yeah. In hindsight though I will say that I would not have been as effective as I am today.

In the end though, it all comes down to the individual and we have to trust the system and work as effective teammates to mentor and develop those who may be a bit out of their depth.

Response by CPT Dennis Carraher made Feb 8 at 2015 2:31 PM

CPT Dennis Carraher — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:31:42 -0500

I was drafted in late 1969 I got out in Jan 1972 as an E5. I went into the reserves and by 1976 I was an SFC. It helped that I was in during Vietnam as promotions were quicker and in the reserves my college degree helped me get promotions faster.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 1:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:28:40 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland That depends on the MOS and the initial rank. One of my friends picked up 7 without updating his ERB, having a DA photo, and so on.

Response by TSgt Aaron D. made May 27 at 2015 10:00 PM

TSgt Aaron D. — Wed, 27 May 2015 22:00:28 -0400

I think the fastest I've heard of in the Air Force is 11 years.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 30 at 2015 9:30 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 30 May 2015 21:30:02 -0400

Its possible but it doesn't mean it makes a great leader. The rate of climbing the ranks is not indicative of a good leader. It just means they got promoted fast.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 4:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:06:14 -0400

I do have a question, is it possible to put in a waiver for TIS for e7 Board if you don't meet the criteria in the MILPER Message, for example the MILPER Message says the RA BASD 2 Dec 97 through 2 Jun 10, But I came in Nov 1997, and I am no longer available for promotion. Does anybody know anything about this.? thank you

Response by Capt George Kent Brashear made Feb 18 at 2018 4:07 AM

Capt George Kent Brashear — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 04:07:18 -0500

When I was an air force E-4 it was impossible to make E-5 in the first 4 years. It just was not done. This was during the period 1963 - 1967. This was before test points. No testing. No computers. I never saw a master sergeant who was under 30. Most were pushing 40. I just now saw the terms 7 in 7 for the first time. I knew an army guy from my hometown who made E-7 before I was eligible to make E-5. I couldn't get promoted so I became an officer. Capt. Kent

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 8:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 May 2018 08:56:00 -0400

I think this thread may be a little old but wanted to add my opinion nonetheless. The major points we're missing here is that "good" leadership can be a very intangible thing. People are saying that it's difficult to be a good leader at such a short TIG/TIS without qualifying what it means to be a good leader. We speak about experience being that qualifier but that, in some ways, disregards the colorful background of the military. I know some Soldiers (yes, multiple) who didn't get their driver's licenses till 25+ years old and others who have been driving tractors since the age of 14. My point here is that the Army cannot always tangibly gauge life experience which undoubtedly contributes to leadership abilities. To say that limiting an individual's advancement based on time and not merit is a slippery slope that can discourage key performers who don't meet the very objective minimum time requirements to be recognized as credible leaders.
Secondly, I think many of us can agree that time in service is by no means indicative of strong leadership abilities. Conversely, a shorter time in service should not be intrinsically associated with someone who is lacking as a leader.
Those are my thoughts, thanks for a compelling and engaging post.

Response by SSG William Ryan made Jul 28 at 2019 10:23 PM

SSG William Ryan — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 22:23:37 -0400

Just go MI, I was a 96B (35F) now, you make E-5 and E-6 super fast and was on the list would have pinned at 7 if I didn't get out. When I was an e-2/e-3 there was an E-5 who made E-6 and when I made E-5 going on E-6 he was pinning E-8 (he was an OC at Fort Polk) Also all the E-5s that used to smoke me and E-6s I outranked or became the same rank lol. (This was a personal thing with a certain sergeant that used to abuse his rank, this had to do with Saving Private Ryan coming out about the time I was finishing AIT lol, sucked when I got to my unit!)

MI is by and far the fastest way to quick promotion E1-E-8 (9 slots are limited however) Also intel is in Ranger Bat, CAG, SMU's, almost 100 percent selection to WOC and your TS/SCI is valuable when you get out.

So this question, really depends on your MOS, how many people stay in vs leave and how big or small the funnel is as you advance.

Infantry has a small funnel to E-7 and up whereas MI, there just aren't enough E-7s.

Cooks, Admin etc, you will see people pinning 7 at 20 years sometimes even getting passed over.

Also your assignment, Being airborne qualified and assigned to 75th or one of the special forces groups greatly increases your chances for waivers as Jr. Enlisted, and to E-5 and E-6 and above. These units are top heavy, especially SF groups, and for every E-2 to E-4 there are 20 E-6's and E-7's ... very unique experience but it reflects in your NCOERs, schools and training you are allowed to do and deployments. Typically you go from a "P" identifier to an "S" identifier and you can (if you want) spend your entire career in SOF.

But as others have said, volunteer, politic a little, be liked, be a stud at PT, represent your unit well and let it be known you want to be promoted and you want extra responsibility. Execute when you are given the chance .. it's the Army, 1000 that a boys and 1 f'up and guess what ... you are ate up!

You can always come back, but once you get derailed it really can affect your timeline for promotions.

All that said, MOS is the biggest thing, Duty assignment that 2nd. Being Airborne qualified really helps and serving in an Airborne unit.

Typically MOS's that require the highest ASVAB (GT scores) also have the highest rates of promotion, the caveat being 18 series. E-6 is easy but advaning to 7-9 us hyper competitive.

If you are stuck in a job with no upward mobility, study for a retake your ASVAB and reclass when you reenlist if you plan on making the military a career. Also consider going to school and getting your undergrad from the education center and try for an OCS board. I was selected for OCS in Korea (was not a hard board, just make sure you write a professional "why I want to be an officer" letter for the board. I ETS'd instead, but had I stayed in would have went to OCS and tried to get a commission.

Point being you will advance faster in other occupational specialties that have greater upward mobility such as MI.

Just my 2 cents.

Will

Response by SSG David Phetteplace made Jul 28 at 2019 11:57 PM

SSG David Phetteplace — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 23:57:55 -0400

I made E-6 before completing 6 years of service in the Army. (1979)

Response by SFC Craig Titzkowski made Mar 17 at 2020 10:20 AM

SFC Craig Titzkowski — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 10:20:25 -0400

The CPT Below is correct. I got kick out of the Navy after a less than stellar 8 years 3 month. I go back into the Army. I was promoted to SGT 2003 and SFC 2007. Make moves, be accountable, take responsibility for your actions, be loyal to your leaders. Do your Job, be the example to follow stay focused on your goals anything is possible

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 8 at 2020 2:06 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 02:06:27 -0500

How familiar are you with the law of probability?

Yes, it is possible in some MOSs. How probable, that’s another questions. I had few good friends who pinned E9 in less that 13 years; but those are exceptionally NCOs!!!!

Response by SFC John Peters CWDP: BES, JSS made Aug 25 at 2021 12:58 PM

SFC John Peters CWDP: BES, JSS — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 12:58:11 -0400

I have to echo some of the sentiments of previous replies. So many factors come into play when it comes to promotions. I myself made SFC (E-7) in 8 1/2 years. Came in as an E-1 in 1988 and was promoted to E-7 in 1996. Of course it helped that I was an infantryman (11M). But I also took every opportunity to better myself when it came to military education, civilian education, PT test, and anything else that would boost my promotion points in order to make the cutoff for E-5 & E-6. Of course when it comes to promotion to E-7 your records do the talking for you so I made sure my records and DA photo were current, up-to-date and accurate. It paid off because I managed to make the promotion list for E-7 the first time I was eligible.