E7 in 7 years?

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

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.

While it is truly is possible it is VERY uncommon!

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.

I always tracked 7 in 7 as rare and admirable.

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...

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

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.

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.

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