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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?
Any truth to this?
Other services, what is the Fastest/Average time line to make E7 for your branch?
Posted in these groups: 
Promotions
NCOs
Promotions NCOs
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 51
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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)
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SFC Scott Parkhurst
As I stated in one of my post's earlier, I had just made mine and or had my packet in for E-7 and was going to get it in 5.5 years.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
I also think college should be taken into consideration for earlier promotions to higher ranks.
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SFC Scott Parkhurst
I think I made rank fast do to my age (joined at 31) and having been a police officer with SWAT and other specialized training and "some" College. BUT I went into the medical corps. and not the MP's! I also went in as a E-2...So I just was a "high speed" (I know, some hate that phrase), Soldier and did everything I could and requested any schools they could give me. And getting 300+ on all my APFT's really did/does help big time too. I got some life saving awards helped but that doesn't count in my eyes...that's just what we do! But these are "score's" towards promotion points I guess. All I know is that I busted my balls and did what I was told and treated others with respect and was glad I got where I got when I got it before my TBI's...I would still be in if not for my brain injury!
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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.
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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.............
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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.
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