How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

2016-05-23T13:11:05-04:00

I'm just confused here. How does a SSG have 6 service stripes, that would mean he has been in for 18 plus years since each stripe represents 3 years of service. Any ideas?

Thank you,
PFC O'Hara

Response by SGT David T. made May 23 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-05-23T13:12:52-04:00

He's been in 18+ years lol. No big mystery to it. Some folks don't make E-7 or some made E-6 twice.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-05-23T13:14:38-04:00

He was once an SFC?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 1:16 PM

2016-05-23T13:16:33-04:00

Prior service. Break in service. Maybe he had an injury that took some time to recover from. There's always a reason. Or maybe he had some discipline issues. Or maybe he's wearing stripes he hasn't earned. Who knows?

Response by SSG Randall P. made May 23 at 2016 1:17 PM

2016-05-23T13:17:09-04:00

Service Stripe = 3 years. RCP for SSG = 20. 6x3=18
He either was a SFC at one point and got demoted OR is a 20 year SSG

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 1:18 PM

2016-05-23T13:18:47-04:00

Are you eluding to Retention Periods? To answer question yes that is 18 years of service stripes. I maybe missing something in your question. Not all factors are known. But will research SSG TIS requirement and update I know SP5 (P) that retired in 90 or 91 with 20 years. Table 3-1. Retention control points

Rank

Total active service in years

PVT-PFC 3
CPL/SPC 10
CPL/SPC (Promotable) 15
SGT 15
SGT (Promotable) 20
SSG 22
SSG (Promotable) 24
SFC 24
SFC (Promotable) 26
1SG/MSG 26
1SG/MSG (Promotable) 30
CSM/SGM 30

Notes:
1. The RCP for soldiers in the ranks of SSG(P) and above who are assigned to special bands (West Point Band, The Army Band, The Fife and Drum Corps and the Army Field Band) differs from the above table. They are: SSG(P) and SFC 30 years; SFC(P) and 1SG/ MSG 33 years; and 1SG/MSG(P) and CSM/ SGM 35 years.
2. Command sergeants major serving in nominative positions when the commander is a GO are authorized retention beyond 30 years. These soldiers will not be retained beyond 35 years of total active service
is online:

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 23 at 2016 1:21 PM

2016-05-23T13:21:57-04:00

Could have NG time before Active duty. I had 5 as a E6 because I had NG time then went active.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made May 23 at 2016 1:25 PM

2016-05-23T13:25:22-04:00

Or the poor guy is in one of those MOS that promotions are sloooooooow. Dude has a butt load of overseas bars so he wasn't dodging deployments.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 1:39 PM

2016-05-23T13:39:31-04:00

There are many reasons. He was not selected for SFC is one possibility. Or even like me, he could have had a break in service...because I am a SSG with 17.5 yrs in total service as I had a 5.5 yr break.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 1:43 PM

2016-05-23T13:43:06-04:00

He probably served at least 18 years, and I get my 6th service stripe next year.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 23 at 2016 1:54 PM

2016-05-23T13:54:42-04:00

My cousin was an officer and got out at around 15 yrs. Later he decided to come back in, but not as an officer, as a SSG to finish out his 20. He didn't want the responsibility of an officer, but when he retired, he retired at his highest rank, so as an SSG he ended up with 7 service stripes total.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made May 23 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-05-23T14:02:11-04:00

Article 15 would be my best guess.

Response by SPC Jillian O'Malley made May 23 at 2016 2:05 PM

2016-05-23T14:05:37-04:00

Current RCP for SSG is 20 years. Once you make SSG you can re-up INDEF up to your 20 years mark

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 2:10 PM

2016-05-23T14:10:42-04:00

He was in the National Guard but not part of the good ol' boy club

Response by SFC(P) John McLaughlin made May 23 at 2016 2:10 PM

2016-05-23T14:10:43-04:00

I held every rank from PFC to SFC twice and SPC 3xs. Want to know why, just ask.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-05-23T14:22:49-04:00

He could have been the same as me. Wasn't interested in getting promoted after I got in trouble early in my career and watched what some of my leaders was doing to promote others as well as themselves. I finally put on SGT just before 12 years in and missed putting on SSG by phase 2 ALC which would have put me at just under 15 years. Now I'm coming up on 17 years in the reserves and just pinned SSG last November. There's always a reason and everyone in the military isn't always chasing the next rank. Some of us spend time in the same rank until we feel we're ready to move on or Uncle Sam says you waited to long as was the case for me (waited to long to join the core and didn't have much wiggle room to progress to be safe of RCP) without any regrets.

Response by MSG William Wold made May 23 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-05-23T14:27:42-04:00

I had 7 service stripes as an E-6, 3 years Active, the rest National Guard. Then I was promoted to E-7, I eventually retired as an MSG with 11 service stripes. I really didn't want those many years, I was getting physically exhausted.
I was a dual status Mil-tech, that is a person who has a civilian Civil Service job for the National Guard, with a unique condition of employment of being a military member of the National Guard. So to get to be eligible to retire from Civil Service you have to have over 30 years of service. Now you have two careers running side by side, any hiccup on the military side and your outa there, you loose your "civilian" job. I was finally deemed non deployable in 2004, and retired from the military; I "should" have lost my job instantly, but because of the severity of deployments of the facility, they let me stay till March 2005, only 3 months, till I reached eligibility to retire "normally" Otherwise I would have had to apply for disability and fought and waited a year or two with no income. I certainly wasn't a good ole boy, I fought tooth and nail over stupid things they would concoct..

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 2:32 PM

2016-05-23T14:32:19-04:00

There are retired E-6s Served 20 and are an E-6.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made May 23 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-05-23T14:38:29-04:00

You got it right, something is wrong.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 2:46 PM

2016-05-23T14:46:22-04:00

I know an E-6 from the 82nd who's been in 17 going in 18 years. He's one of the lucky ones who the Army just said, "well let you retire."

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made May 23 at 2016 2:49 PM

2016-05-23T14:49:04-04:00

He hasn't been promoted to E7 yet?

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made May 23 at 2016 3:03 PM

2016-05-23T15:03:35-04:00

Non judicial punishment.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 23 at 2016 3:04 PM

2016-05-23T15:04:34-04:00

Do officers wear service stripes?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 23 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-05-23T15:13:41-04:00

I knew a guy who made E5 in his 13th year. I had a former 1SG who said "ya don't get promoted without having been demoted"...I'm guessing he was referring to himself. And in my Reserve Unit, we have a SSG who, between his Active and Reserve time, has been in--with a small break in service--since Reagan's 1st term.

Long story short, don't overthink it. There could be many reasons.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-05-23T15:19:17-04:00

You are corrects, it's very common which means he will need to retire at 20 of not prompted to Sergeant First class

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-05-23T15:22:21-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Busted in rank.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made May 23 at 2016 3:32 PM

2016-05-23T15:32:57-04:00

Easy, he has 18+ years of service. I retired with 20 years of service and have six myself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 3:44 PM

2016-05-23T15:44:09-04:00

dont hate i got six stripes, 15yrs in Guard 3 in reserves with 3 deployments and now im AGR.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 23 at 2016 4:52 PM

2016-05-23T16:52:35-04:00

Wouldn't you rather debate these COMBAT stripes?

Response by SSG Kelly Ferguson made May 23 at 2016 5:02 PM

2016-05-23T17:02:58-04:00

POS

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-05-23T17:08:14-04:00

Yeah. He's been in for 18 years. SSG is the most common rank to retire at in our Army.

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made May 23 at 2016 5:18 PM

2016-05-23T17:18:11-04:00

Because he didn't get promoted to SFC. Back in the day, you could be a Sergeant and hit your 20 years.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made May 23 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-05-23T18:23:43-04:00

Sometimes all you have to look at are his Overseas service stripes, all those deployments means you missed some NCO education courses. In the old days it meant you rode the rank roller coaster. The third time I was a SGT I had 4 service stripes. Before I retired I was a SGT x 3, a SSGx2 and an SFCx2 I managed to hold on to MSG/1SG until I retired 35 years later. It happens.

Response by SSG Brian Lovins made May 23 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-05-23T18:39:42-04:00

It's been a long time since I was an Active duty soldier but in my MOS E-5 was quick, E-6 was a miracle.. not every MOS promotes quickly, while watching good maintenance NCO's never get past E-5. All of my squad leaders had atleast 12 yrs of service before being promoted to E-6, most didn't want to do the additional time required when the finally made the list for E-7.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made May 23 at 2016 7:41 PM

2016-05-23T19:41:28-04:00

He has just been in that long and it's very hard for him to make E7. He is probably an E6-P and has been in long enough to fall under the grandfather clause

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-05-23T20:23:33-04:00

Either that or odds are did a long time in the reserves or NG before going active. I worked with an SSG at Airborne school that had 20+ years

Response by SSG Joshua Lockwood made May 23 at 2016 8:30 PM

2016-05-23T20:30:39-04:00

I had a buck sergeant for a squad leader with 22 years of service back in 1992. When I became a squad leader and got my E-6 strips in 1996 I had a platoon sergeant with E-6 strips too. He has been demoted twice before for fighting. It can happen. It certainly happened a lot more before the force reduction program of the mid nineties.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-05-23T20:41:13-04:00

At this point I'll have 6 as a SSG, can't be promoted if there are no slots for 7.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-05-23T21:09:04-04:00

This is just a dumb question. Seems like your trying to ruffle some feathers. Guy has 18 years in the Army. Most NCOs retire as a SSG. Nothing wrong with that. And to everyone saying he's gotten and article 15 or he's a POS. You're really going to start talking about another NCO like that to a PFC. I see exactly where the military has gone. This kid asked a simple question and people start insinuating the worst possible thing. Get over yourselves and help the PFC out he is obviously green and had a question.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:13 PM

2016-05-23T21:13:21-04:00

A lot of MOS's it is tough to make E7 because the positions really bottle neck down from a 30 position and therefore he is more than likely a promotable SSG awaiting for his promotion.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 24 at 2016 2:39 AM

2016-05-24T02:39:56-04:00

Ask him.

Response by SSG Clarence Blackburn made May 24 at 2016 5:39 AM

2016-05-24T05:39:30-04:00

He might have been in the NG or Reserves before he went active duty. Or he's in a MOS that the promotions for E-7 are frozen, I was in the NG for eight years when I went back on Active status. Then I went in the Reserves I was and E-6 when I retired and had a total of 28 years service.

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made May 24 at 2016 8:54 AM

2016-05-24T08:54:57-04:00

I was on active duty for 10 yrs an was medically discharged from active duty into the national guard an finished 13 yrs in the guard in different mos so I had 6 service stripes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-05-24T09:28:36-04:00

Because he's put in the time. He may have Guard time , he my be a service transfer there could be a number of reasons. I personally will have 6 service stripes in SEP . But at the same time my time in grade change 3 times because I went from Active duty Army to Air National Guard to Active Duty Air Force back to active duty Army. I have nothing derogatory in my records have all good NCO reviews from Army and Air Force and school qualified in 4 MOS's and have completed SLC in 2012 so I say all this to say just because he is and NCO with that amount of service stripes and his rank is that of SSG doesn't make him below standard promotion at that level is all about what the board is looking for and the vacancies in your career field

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made May 24 at 2016 9:30 AM

2016-05-24T09:30:22-04:00

I Retired as a miltech and I was in for 32yrs till mandatory retirement, promotions are slow and you do have to pace yourself or you'll find the army has now were to put you because you advanced to fast such as (E-9) and if they put you out you lose your civil service job.

Response by SGT Kyle Johnson made May 24 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-05-24T10:12:00-04:00

Wow, during my service you were lucky to get promoted at all.. no slots available.. tons of people with years in service with low rank. Now I see service members with low years and high rank. Even though I stayed number one for promotion in my field, the points never dropped. I was a 13+ year E-5. Now for some crazy sense of entitlement, some think the next grade should be pinned on at min TIS / TIG. Saw many many people put out just based on max years reached without promotion.. Then in 94 / 95 they did a wholesale dump of as many of us they could.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 10:33 AM

2016-05-24T10:33:23-04:00

Until very recently, the Retention Control Point (RCP) for Staff Sergeants was 20 years. It has recently been lowered to 18 years. So that SSG is likely 100% legitimate, but now should either be promoted or RCPed out.

Response by SGT Jason Hartnett made May 24 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-05-24T10:40:01-04:00

Or he made E7 then made E6 again b/c of certain issuse? Then some times the points are just to high. Or maybe he just did want to be promted. It has been knoow to happen.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made May 24 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-05-24T12:54:39-04:00

think of it this way you have 2 pyramids one upside down (the combat arms side of the of the house)
and the other right side up (services and support side of the house).
The Combat arms side sees a lot of movement with promotions and you will see the bulk of the Army's Corporals on that side.
On the services and support side you have a lot of room at the bottom but not enough room for a whole lot of movement going up in promotion so you don't see a whole lot of need for Corporals on that side and when you do they either came from the combat arms side or their units MTOE has a spot for one.
So somebody who is an E-6 and lots of stripes could have come from somewhere where there is not a lot of movement for promotion it was that way for me when I left the combat arms for the other side of the house, an E6 and a whole lot of stripes when I retired from the Army.
and maybe somebody got busted down it is what it is and not for us to question a whole lot but I hope I gave you an idea of what it could be.

Response by SP5 Rod Cross made May 24 at 2016 1:33 PM

2016-05-24T13:33:18-04:00

VETERANS VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR
MAY 25, 2016
12:30p-:2:30p EST
WWW.VETERANRECRUITING.COM

“In honor of Armed Forces Month, Waste Management will be hosting an exclusive National Virtual Job Fair for Veterans on Wednesday May 25th 2016 from 12:30pm-2:30pm. The primary positions being recruited are in the following career fields:
Construction (Disposal Operations Management Trainees)
Maintenance (Diesel Truck Technicians, Facilities, Heavy Equipment-Yellow Iron, Fleet Maintenance Managers)
Transportation (CDL Drivers, Route Managers, Operations Managers, District Managers).

However, we have openings in every field, so all veterans are welcome. This event is being held in conjunction with our National Career Day Events which have been widely successful.”

REGISTER TODAY
WWW.VETERANRECRUITING.COM

Veteran Recruiting Virtual Career Fairs | Veterans and Military Spouses

The Veteran Recruiting virtual career fairs connects veterans, service members, military spouses, and employers who are serious about hiring them.

Response by SP5 Rod Cross made May 24 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-05-24T13:38:44-04:00

Veteran Recruiting Virtual Career Fairs | Veterans and Military Spouses

The Veteran Recruiting virtual career fairs connects veterans, service members, military spouses, and employers who are serious about hiring them.

Response by SSG Michael Hale made May 24 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-05-24T14:07:42-04:00

He probably hasn't made the E7 promotion board or he has been demoted in rank

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 24 at 2016 9:12 PM

2016-05-24T21:12:16-04:00

If he's in the USAR or NG it's very easy.

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made May 24 at 2016 11:44 PM

2016-05-24T23:44:10-04:00

An E-6 can serve 20 years before he/she must retire.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 12:35 AM

2016-05-25T00:35:23-04:00

At the risk of opening myself up for debate, I thought I'd chime in...
I pinned my SGT stripes in Afghanistan in 2005 - after 8 years, 10 months, 24 days in service, and added the rocker at 16 years, 11 months, and 24 days...
A lot of commentary has been (and probably will be) made towards my career stagnation, and it is to be expected. Once I realized the error of this particular course of action, it was too late to do much about the fact that a lot of my bosses has less time in service than I had as an NCO. My own fault. However, making rank was not my priority - doing my job was. Yes, you will hear that a lot of times as an excuse or justification, but in my case, it was my choice and I was completely fine with turning wrenches, learning my job, then teaching my job to others. I felt then, as I do now, that there is entirely too much emphasis on "checking the block" and moving up without truly understanding some career fields where the loss of "institutional knowledge" can be very bad. Mine, 15T, or UH-60 Helicopter Repairer (otherwise known as "crewchief") was a field where moving up usually meant getting farther and farther from the flight line and farther - in my opinion - from the relevance I enjoyed.
Is it possible for someone to be a 20 SSG? Sure, I was. Does it necessarily mean that they are a "dirtbag"? Sure, for some. However, as someone mentioned before - just ask them. As proud as I am of the person I am now due to the experiences I've had, I wouldn't recommend following in that same mode of stagnation. Be great at your field, and look beyond the infamous and irrelevant "block to be checked" and *know* what it means to make a difference.
[End rant]

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 25 at 2016 12:38 AM

2016-05-25T00:38:06-04:00

18 years...

Response by SSG Robert Albright made May 25 at 2016 1:09 AM

2016-05-25T01:09:26-04:00

Could be reserve or guard; not unusual to retire as a SSG in some of those units; or like myself, he could have decided at age 40 "screw it I'm going back to jumping out of airplanes in the regular army". By the time I medically retired, five years later, I was authorized seven service stripes and still a SSG. It would be very unlikely, now, that anyone in the regular army would have six or seven service stripes as an 11B SSG; I retired in 2013 and they had begun identifying SSGs with over 12 years service for possible seperation.

Response by SSG Scott Heineman made May 25 at 2016 8:37 AM

2016-05-25T08:37:40-04:00

Some MOS are hard for the point to drop to rank up that's why I change my MOS to get my 5 and 6 i was 11M and was hard to get your 5

Response by SMSgt Matthew Hoyer made May 25 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-05-25T09:29:23-04:00

Yeah if you look at 35P right now, they have had like 2 to E-7 in the last 3 years and they keep kicking the can down the road for releasing results. Some years are better than others and some are just terrible strings of years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-05-25T12:29:25-04:00

I'm at E6 who will have 17 years later on this summer. Didn't make E5 until 11 years in due to over strength MOS and being blocked by an E6 who thought his skill level was above going to ALC. Should I have done more to further my career? Absolutely. However, I was happy where I was and with what I was doing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-05-25T12:32:17-04:00

That was normal before the "Wars." Most didn't see SFC till close to 20.

Response by LTJG Don Biscoe made May 25 at 2016 1:24 PM

2016-05-25T13:24:20-04:00

I flew with a 20+yr USNR LCDR who graduated near the top of his Annapolis class. He and I were flying dead-head back to NAF Washington from NAS Oceana so I asked him who he pissed off... he laughed and said we'd have to turn the plane to Seattle for him to be able to name them all....

Response by SSG Brian L. made May 25 at 2016 2:16 PM

2016-05-25T14:16:36-04:00

I retired after 28 years as a SSG. I never lost rank. I was a victim of poor timing. I went from Active Duty to Army Reserve to Army National Guard as a SPC over an 17 period before I was finally promoted to SGT. At the time, I held 2 MOS designations, 19K and 62B, while the Army was transitioning and closing down units left and right. Promotions were hard to come by. When I moved to Florida and joined the Florida National Guard, I didn't realize that the state had no slots for either 19K or 62B and there was no funding for schools. Finally, after 9/11, funding became available and I reclassed as a 74B (later to be known as 25B) and was deployed several times to both CONUS and OCONUS. During my last couple of years, I was an E-6 sitting in an E-7 25E slot again waiting for funding for ALS and 25E MOS school. There is only one 25E slot in the state and I was bumped out of it in order for a AGR / State Technician could fill the hard slot which put me in an excess slot again. Once it became obvious that I would not be promotable for at least another 3 to 5 years, I decided to retire.

This is my story and I'm sure that others have similar stories especially in the Reserve Component.

Thank you,
SSG (Ret) Brian Ladley

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:54 PM

2016-05-25T17:54:26-04:00

It's not that uncommon. Some mos' are hard to get promoted in. I'm at 15 years and I've spent 10 years of that as a Ssg. Many SSGs in my MoS have retired as SSGs at 20years

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 9:56 PM

2016-05-25T21:56:38-04:00

Prior service, happens all the time , get out as a E-5 wait come back in as a E-4

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 2:13 PM

2016-05-26T14:13:41-04:00

Simple math shows that he has 18+ years. A lot of SSG retire at 20 years, making E7 is hard in a lot of MOS's.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 3:53 PM

2016-05-26T15:53:55-04:00

Retired as an E-6 with 21 years 7 Service strips.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 4:07 PM

2016-05-26T16:07:59-04:00

It has become apparent to me that not only does this PFC have no clue, but some of our fellow SSG and above population are clueless about RCP for an E6. Regardless of component, a SSG can serve 18 years. It is that simple. Just wondering why his leadership did not give him that answer and/or the reason(s) why.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 4:08 PM

2016-05-26T16:08:15-04:00

PFC O'Hara, I am a SGT with 7 service stripes. Time in service doesn't equal promotions. The reasons are aplenty!

Response by SGT Andrew Sherman made May 26 at 2016 4:09 PM

2016-05-26T16:09:20-04:00

I'd much rather see a SSG with 18 years in than a SGT with no service stripes. My old unit had a mass exodus after deployment in 2009 and now there are 20-22 year olds on list for SSG... I think that's a worse problem worth discussing
than a SSG with 18 years in.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 4:18 PM

2016-05-26T16:18:01-04:00

He could have spent time in a national guard unit and been stuck in rank for a period of time

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made May 26 at 2016 4:18 PM

2016-05-26T16:18:09-04:00

Back before the Retention Control Boards started after Desert Shield/Desert Storm, I knew E-4s that retired from the Air Force and I knew a Navy E-5 with gold rank (means he didn't get in trouble) on his sleeves who retired at 20 years.

Response by SFC Gregory Bradford made May 26 at 2016 4:56 PM

2016-05-26T16:56:07-04:00

He is active duty and one of the best AIT PSGs at Goodfellow AFB.

Response by SGT Marc Riordan made May 26 at 2016 5:02 PM

2016-05-26T17:02:19-04:00

Some change from active to ng then active again and have 5 stripes to go with their SGT stripes. F you for noticing.

Response by SrA Paul Pfeil made May 26 at 2016 5:19 PM

2016-05-26T17:19:34-04:00

There is nothing wrong with being an e-5 or e-6 at 18 years, look at his awards and decks before judgment, moving up now is so much harder then when I was in, even with earlier role out in 95. Guys were practically running to cbpo to out process, and take a lump sum check rather then wait two more years to retire with 20. Me I wish I had stayed, I would have been sitting pretty. 18 years of honorable service is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Honor those who have served, and respect those ahead of you, and one day you will look back and say thank you for all you were given.

Response by CPL Hays Hays made May 26 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-05-26T17:25:10-04:00

How does one become a Human resource specialist in the Army reserves?

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made May 26 at 2016 5:42 PM

2016-05-26T17:42:16-04:00

I seen a E6 retire at FT Campbell in Nov 1995. I didn't know him or if he ever got busted.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 5:50 PM

2016-05-26T17:50:38-04:00

Hell, I know of an E-4 with at least 10 service stripes.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made May 26 at 2016 6:24 PM

2016-05-26T18:24:31-04:00

It is very common, a lot of people retire E-6. What Army are you in.

Response by SPC Jill Drushal, RN, MA made May 26 at 2016 7:03 PM

2016-05-26T19:03:45-04:00

PFC O'Hara - There are numerous reasons that an E-6 can have 18 years of service. Many of them aren't negative. Since I don't know this SSG's situation, I'll just tell you what happened to me and my husband.

I spent 5-1/2 years in the Army National Guard. I had been an E-4 for over two years. When I decided to go active duty, it was Army policy to reduce rank by one pay grade for reservists going on active duty. So, I became an E-3 again. I was promoted to E-4 about two years later. Then, I had a break in service. This was a personal decision that had nothing to do with the character of my service. I was honorably discharged. I reenlisted after my husband retired. I was still an E-4. Shortly thereafter, I was permanently injured while loading a truck. This happened one month before I was scheduled to go to PLDC (WLC). Instead, I was medically boarded and reassigned to med hold. It took another 15 months for my medical discharge to be approved. So, I was an E-4 with eight years of service.

My husband was an E-7 when he retired. He served three years in ADA before his own break in service. During that time, he went to college and earned his Bachelor of Arts. When he reenlisted, he re-classed and became a personnel clerk. Because he had a BA, he made E-7 by the time he had 11 years. That's where he stayed. Even though he had time on the trail as an E-6 drill sergeant and advanced NCO school, he was never promoted to E-8. This was primarily a result of his MOS. For any MOS, E-7 and above are DA-level promotions.

In the personnel field, E-8s and E-9s are few and far between. Each year that my husband was an E-7, he watched for the DA promotions list. Several years, there were 0% DA promotions for senior personnel NCOs, Army-wide. During the nine years that he was an E-7, the highest percentage of senior NCOs in his MOS who were promoted to E-8 and E-9 was 1%. This all happens because there is a bottleneck at the top. Existing E-8s and E-9s get into positions where they're comfortable and that's where they stay until they must retire. So, E-7s are forced to retire after 24 years because of the lack of promotion opportunities for them. When my husband retired, he was an E-7 with 22 years of service.

Response by COL Louis Jordan made May 26 at 2016 7:34 PM

2016-05-26T19:34:21-04:00

He is in the RC and can't get a promotion unless he gets the slot

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 7:40 PM

2016-05-26T19:40:07-04:00

Great question PFC O'Hara! I've yet to see anyone put it bluntly that way! No offense to all other positive and informative answers, but there are a number of different ways a SSG can serve well past 20 years. Detrimental conduct should not be the first reason that comes to mind when a young Soldier raises such a question.

As stated in someone else's response, the most logical reason, in my opinion, is a break in service. We have absolutely no idea what this SSG's story is. He could even be retired for all we know. Again, good question there young Soldier. Stay inquisitive and never stop being eager to learn. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 9:01 PM

2016-05-26T21:01:13-04:00

The Army wasn't always like we know it. They didn't just give away stripes like they do now a days...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 9:13 PM

2016-05-26T21:13:09-04:00

First off, SSG is one of the most common ranks to retire as. Secondly, some MOS/units/positions ect do not allow for a n advancement. Look at the Guard for instance. The Guard operates on a slot system, and you can only go as high as there are slots for that MOS in the state. Third, you could have someone who transferred inter-branch or inter service, which may have seen a reduction in rank. Fourth, during peacetime, there were cases where positions and jobs were eleminated, and people got reduced to other positions (this happened to my uncle, he was an O2, but in the 90's his position was eliminated and he had to start over as an E5. Hope this helps

Response by SSG Craig Smith made May 26 at 2016 9:39 PM

2016-05-26T21:39:25-04:00

I know plenty of helicopter crew chiefs and flight engineers that would avoid promotion to keep flying and doing the mission. Sometimes it's not the money (or rank) but the mission.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 9:48 PM

2016-05-26T21:48:30-04:00

A lot of negative comments about this NCO. Did anyone see the 8 combat stripes? Or are you just focused on a SSG with 18 yrs and the 6 Service Stripes? As stated, he is an AIT platoon Sergeant so he must be squared away as they do not last long in that position if they aren't squared away. Some MOSs are hard to get promoted and many times not due to lack of effort. A SSG retiring at 20 is not uncommon at all.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 26 at 2016 10:06 PM

2016-05-26T22:06:41-04:00

He/ she served 18+ years. My retired uniform has 6. It also has 9 combat stripes.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 26 at 2016 11:23 PM

2016-05-26T23:23:52-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Re-up a few times, step on your dxxk a few times and you will be soon there, if you didn't step too hard!

Response by SSG Bill Coggin made May 27 at 2016 12:07 AM

2016-05-27T00:07:57-04:00

I made E6 in 8 yrs, busted to E5 at 11 yrs, made E6 again at 13 yrs, up for warrant selection then deployed 3 times, then 3 years in wounded warrior battalion. Retired with 20 yrs as an E6 and I was far from an underachiever. Honor graduate from Jumpmaster, 2nd in class at Pathfinder school, honor graduate in various other courses including a secondary MOS for a volunteer mission to Bosnia. Shit happens

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made May 27 at 2016 12:26 AM

2016-05-27T00:26:59-04:00

Private you know the military has been downsizing the last 5 years. This means few if any E-7 slots.

Response by SSG John Jensen made May 27 at 2016 3:45 AM

2016-05-27T03:45:00-04:00

I had 9 stripes, bet then that was Nat'l Guard, at the dry cleaners at Ft Myer VA, I saw a Class A jacket SSG with 13 stripes, woo hoo, my hero

Response by SGT Charles Tittl made May 27 at 2016 6:50 AM

2016-05-27T06:50:10-04:00

A better question would be, why do you have over a year time in service and 5 months time in grade and aren't an E4? Both are waiverable.

Response by SSG Scott Burk made May 27 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-05-27T09:00:24-04:00

...And it looks like he's been deployed most of that time!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-05-27T09:40:47-04:00

PFC, this isn't a smart question at all. Until you fully understand the Army and it's promotion structure you'll understand. With how the promotion is now that everyone has to go to NCOA in order to get promoted. Some soldiers like myself aren't book learners but is forced to learn that way. It's difficult for some than others. So until you actually grow up and understand I have to say that this is an ignorant question.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-05-27T10:42:55-04:00

He does not possess an exemplary record, e.g., he got busted once or twice?

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made May 27 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-05-27T12:10:45-04:00

I retired after 20yrs and 16 days as an E6. It is not uncommon. In my field, very competitive for E7. Even though in some units I was in and I was the senior SSG in the unit, I had the opportunity to be the "acting 1SG" when the 1SG and the PLT SGT was away from the company. I also had the honor of being a PLT SGT that was pick over 8 senior (E7) NCO's. Nothing wrong to be confused and ask a question. To all who want to prejudge me, I never had any Art 15's and only 3 bad counseling's in my 20yrs of service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 1:33 PM

2016-05-27T13:33:25-04:00

You answered your own question. Time in Service doesn't dictate your rank.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 1:54 PM

2016-05-27T13:54:03-04:00

It all depends on the Point system and the Promotion rates for MOS and Grade. I know a 18-year TIS E-6 that has his 6 service stripes, and he is a 13D. The Promotion rate is just way too low.

Response by SSgt John Berry made May 27 at 2016 4:10 PM

2016-05-27T16:10:54-04:00

Interesting posts. Thing that struck me as odd is HOW OLD I FEEL because the pair on either side of him LOOK LIKE CHILDREN!!!

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made May 27 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-05-27T16:22:36-04:00

There are just some MOS's that don't have that many SFC positions, Administration comes to mind

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 4:31 PM

2016-05-27T16:31:15-04:00

Dude has at least 8 OS bars. Get over yourself PFC. Maybe this means you don't belong int he army after your first enlistment. Hmm, I wonder if you've ever been ostracized? Respect that SSG for his combat tours, I guarantee you'll learn something new every other day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 4:31 PM

2016-05-27T16:31:32-04:00

One thing I'll say to you Pfc Ohara FUCK YOU!! I'll scuff you up if you were in front of me! 18 yrs or 1800 years that NCO DONE MORE SHIT THAT DAY THEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HISTORY HAS!

Response by SGT Peter Schott made May 27 at 2016 4:59 PM

2016-05-27T16:59:24-04:00

Not that big of a mystery-I had 21 years in Guard and retired as SGT Promotions are based really on a home and good evaluations

Response by SFC Laurie Schultz made May 27 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-05-27T17:56:03-04:00

Many reasons. You can retire as an E6. Some MOSs are hard to get promoted or have a max rank. Many in the Reserves and Guard choose to stay in local units which can make it harder to get promoted. He could have got dinged

Response by SGT Joe Belisario made May 27 at 2016 6:21 PM

2016-05-27T18:21:48-04:00

As I recall each combat stripe represents 6 months in combat

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-05-27T18:56:25-04:00

As a Company Commander years ago I retired a 20 Year Specialist. Not sure how he managed so long without separation but he was a great soldier. Though he had no desire to be an NCO. Nor would he have been a good one. But he was a damn good soldier.

Response by SSG Don Maggart made May 27 at 2016 7:04 PM

2016-05-27T19:04:24-04:00

You Serve you Earn the Stripes you serve Overseas you get them on the other Arm end of Drama...MilitantCrip if his Service is short then call him up and out him period full stop...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 8:22 PM

2016-05-27T20:22:26-04:00

I've got seven service stripes. Anyone want to call me a punk?

Response by SFC Dean Wyman made May 27 at 2016 8:52 PM

2016-05-27T20:52:16-04:00

Prior service with time gap that required starting over at E-3 or E-4.
Speaking of E-3's, why don't you assume the Front Leaning Rest and contemplate the results of asking stupid questions.

Response by SSG Lyle O'Rorke made May 27 at 2016 9:10 PM

2016-05-27T21:10:29-04:00

We had an battalion commander, LTC, who was prior service E5. He was passed up one time to many and switched to enlisted to hit his retirement. It happens.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made May 27 at 2016 10:07 PM

2016-05-27T22:07:19-04:00

It depends on the MOS in many cases. I was a 44B (Metalworker) from PVT-SGT and 44E (Machinist) from SSG-SFC. Many of my friends in my MOS retired as SSG. We had very few SFC positions. I had Drill SGT and Recruiter duties, which helped me get promoted to SFC. I was fortunate.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 11:48 PM

2016-05-27T23:48:09-04:00

I applaud the NCOs who answered this young soldiers question with professionalism and without hurt feelings.

"No one is more professional than I......"

"All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership...."

Response by SGT Micheal Adams made May 27 at 2016 11:52 PM

2016-05-27T23:52:34-04:00

I had a pretty nice stack, lol I was an E5 P when I got out. However sometimes you get stuck behind people who will just NOT RETIRE. Therefore you just keep chugging along.

Response by SSG Kyle Stromgren made May 28 at 2016 1:24 AM

2016-05-28T01:24:27-04:00

Could be like me 3 years in the USAR or NG before going active

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 5:25 AM

2016-05-28T05:25:26-04:00

General letter of reprimand will do it too. I've known a lot of really good NCO's that did something stupid as a specialist or something and got a DUI. With E-7 promotions done at DoA, it's not uncommon. E-6 to E-7 isn't particularly easy, some might equate it to Captain to Major in the officer ranks, 65% of all officers are Captain and below.

Response by SFC Russell Gurney made May 28 at 2016 10:27 AM

2016-05-28T10:27:00-04:00

Theres no shame in it I was a SSG for 13 years right at 19 years I was selected for SFC. And went on to retire at 23 Years in service. He might have been in a small career field.

Response by SSG Phillip Melinie made May 28 at 2016 11:49 AM

2016-05-28T11:49:41-04:00

MUSTA BEEN BUSTED AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 12:05 PM

2016-05-28T12:05:50-04:00

Probably in one of those MOS where the only way to see your SFC is if someone dies or retires. 18 year SSG is rather common, since they can reenlist for indefinite

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 12:19 PM

2016-05-28T12:19:09-04:00

Couldn't agree with SSG Kemp more. It's perfectly fine to retire as a SSG. I probably will in about 3 years, and I'm fine wth that. E-6 with 18 years in? Standard data...

Response by SSG Carl Sensabaugh II made May 28 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-05-28T12:22:06-04:00

Because the rules changed. I retired as an E-6 with 21 years then after I retired the big Army changed the rules for the draw down.

Response by SSG Kyle Geller made May 28 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-05-28T12:22:58-04:00

could be a 100 reasons, not everyone has a straight line, change a MOS, Get an Article 15 for something, get demoted OR just be in a very technical MOS with extremely high points. possible he started off in the reserve or NG, I have friends that sat on the Promotion list for 3 years. his uniform looks good, don't assume he's a dirt bag your time in the service will be complicated. you will understand what im saying after the first few times you get screwed over for something minor!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-05-28T13:40:20-04:00

Reading assignment for the month AR 600-8-19....ready...execute

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 2:17 PM

2016-05-28T14:17:19-04:00

It's really not a mystery. He had 18+ years in service. I'm a SSG with 5 service stripes. It's really not that uncommon. Some of it depends on MOS, some of it depends on whether you're active, reserves, or guard. There are many NCOs who do 20+ years and retire as staff sergeants. There are any number of reasons why a soldier doesn't get promoted beyond that; sometimes it's a choice they make. The retired SSG asleep on the couch next to me right now wanted to keep his position he was in before he retired, for example. I probably won't make SFC for another couple of years at least, which will put me at 17 years of service. I couldn't get a slot for NCOES until next March, and then I have to get in the list. That's just the speed of government: hurry up and wait.

Response by PO1 Michael G. made May 28 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-05-28T14:22:31-04:00

How is this a question? The HYT for active duty E-6 is 20 years for all branches. My LPO is a First Class and he hits 20 years later this year and will retire; he's never been to Mast and is an expert in our field; I would be willing to bet that the SSG in the picture is, too. It almost seems like the "question" was meant to insinuate that the SSG in question is a dirtbag for not achieving higher rank in 18 years.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 2:32 PM

2016-05-28T14:32:21-04:00

Could be a prior commisioned officer who was reduced in rank but remained in service. Reduction could be a result of break in service, failure to meet education requirements for promotion etc...

Response by SGT Jason Trevino made May 28 at 2016 2:34 PM

2016-05-28T14:34:42-04:00

Nothing wrong with him at all...he looks like a pretty decorated E-6; that probably after multiple deployments is in the training environment. Maybe he never got a chance to take an E-7 position before going in the training area. Bottom line his service stripes or rank should not be questioned!!!#

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 3:08 PM

2016-05-28T15:08:38-04:00

this is a normal 'thing' here PFC O'Hara, each stripe signifying 3 years, it is/was rather difficult to get to E-7 when I was in, and this soldier has 18 good years in service. Good question though, I didn't know about it when I started out either. It's hard to get E7, at least it was in 'my time...'

Response by SGT Randel Pruett made May 28 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-05-28T16:03:23-04:00

He served his country for at least 18 years. I served 13 years 5 months and got out at E5.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 6:02 PM

2016-05-28T18:02:52-04:00

You PFC, have earned the dumb question of the year award!

Response by SFC Cesar Ferrer made May 28 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-05-28T19:00:31-04:00

He could be a SSG with eighteen years, the photo does not reflect his competence level

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-05-28T19:18:59-04:00

NCOs have different experiences it's best to ask him why he is still an SSG. Other than the routine promotional requirements.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-05-28T19:54:08-04:00

Quite common. Some mos's promote very few each year, especially with the drawdown. doesn't mean nco is not a very good nco, just means he didn't have what his board was looking for. RCP for SSG is 20 years.

Response by SSG Darrin Roark made May 28 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-05-28T19:54:47-04:00

I retired as a SSG with nearly 30 years total service time because I was in the Reserves, National Guard and Active Duty at different points throughout my career. I was actually recalled out of reserve retirement back onto active duty for the surge in Iraq and Afghanistan. I ended up with enough active duty time to get a full active duty retirement out of all of this.

Response by SSG Martin Petersen made May 28 at 2016 7:58 PM

2016-05-28T19:58:11-04:00

In a lot of MOS''s when you get into the NCO grades, you need a slot to get promoted into.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 8:00 PM

2016-05-28T20:00:23-04:00

I appreciate everyone's responses to this post and their knowledgable answers to my question, I didn't know it would get this big of a topic. As a junior enlisted, I don't know many of the different circumstances that would happen in this situation. Thank you very much everyone.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 8:14 PM

2016-05-28T20:14:43-04:00

I have 5 and i am a E6. Not trying to get my 7 at the moment because I'm trying to go AGR. They are not looking to pick up E7's. Don't judge them before you know their story.

Response by SSG Gerald King made May 28 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-05-28T21:09:33-04:00

I guess this is the new army. When I was in '65 to '75, if you stayed 20, you were pretty well assured of making at least E7. I knew a lot of soldiers that made E8 in 20. I guess I am wrong but I always wonder when I see a soldier retiring as an E6. I wonder what MOS he had which would limit his promotion or if maybe he just wasn't good enough to advance beyond E6. I got out with 10 years service and had four friends who were also SSG's with around the same time in service. 3 of them retired E9 and the other retired E8.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 11:08 PM

2016-05-28T23:08:41-04:00

I have an nco like this currently. Once you get above E-5 it's no longer in your hands. There are less slots and you can be pretty squared away and still not make it. Unfortunately when you've been passed over a few times they start to just overlook you based on that one simple fact. Sometimes they can do everything right, but it still comes down to the needs of the army.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 11:17 PM

2016-05-28T23:17:09-04:00

He might be in a slow pace promotion MOS but those overseas bars don't lie that he served his time..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 2:25 AM

2016-05-29T02:25:27-04:00

Did you also notice how many deployment stripes he has?

Response by LCpl Tad Cunningham made May 29 at 2016 6:09 AM

2016-05-29T06:09:44-04:00

He's a certified badass who doesn't need rank. It looks like he has his combat badge, that's the only thing that matters. I've been a LCpl for 30 months and get my service stripe (4 years for Marines) in October. However I hold/held billets normally reserved for an E5. I drove out BC and SgtMaj around as a LCpl, which is a job normally reserved for at least an E4. I was by name requested by our BC to drive him. He didn't trust anyone else. Rank, or lack thereof, doesn't denote how good of a service member someone is. A big reason I haven't picked up is I refuse to just accept things and take orders I view as stupid. I know, I know "bad Marine" I'm very proficient at my job and have SSgts who still call me to help them unfuck things. My conduct just isn't to great. Rank doesn't denote how good a Marine is, or a soldier, just how much of it is noticed or how much dick is sucked (in certain occasions)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-05-29T09:00:46-04:00

I'm an e6 and have more than that!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-05-29T11:58:47-04:00

It is simple you can made num. 1 to get your next Rank but if it no VACANCY YOU DON'T promote and can pass even more than 18years of service to get that rank and if doesn't matter with which rank you enter to the service ( FOR GET A PROMOTION YOU NEED A VACANCY POSOTION)

Response by SSG Keith Bodiford (Ret) made May 29 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-05-29T14:44:32-04:00

I was in one of those MOS's 88N were there were a couple years there were only 1-2, 0 promoted to SFC. However, I loved what I did, and now that I am retired (got my 214 Friday) I am about to transition to a position at JB Hunt doing just about what I did in the Army only making a WHOLE lot more money. I wasn't demoted, just never made SFC. less than 10% of our MOS do, and less than 3% make MSG, and 1 % make SGM... so it tops out at SSG for the most part.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 6:13 PM

2016-05-29T18:13:29-04:00

He's been in 18 years more than likely. As a SPC you have 8 years before rcp SGT has 14 years before rcp and a SSG can enlist to indefinite to 20 years. Rcp is when they let you go for not advancing to the next rank. Being he has 6 stripes (18 years) of service isn't insulting in any way. I know it took me a year in SPC(P) before I picked up SGT because my points were maxed at 798. But being picked up for SFC is isn't about points anymore you are selected. He probably didn't get selected which isn't too bad considering he can retire as a SSG

Response by SGT Leon Humiston made May 29 at 2016 6:16 PM

2016-05-29T18:16:49-04:00

I retired after 25 years of service. 4 active and 21 ng. 2 deployments. I retired as an E5 Sgt. Many of my peers wanted me to get my E6, however the only opening for my MOS for an E6 was at battalion level. I believe I could do more at a line unit than a battalion. So every year when I had to do my review I checked the box that said no desire to travel. I was proud to see fellow soldiers that I trained move up in ranks and eventually out rank me. I enjoyed doing what I was doing. Wasn't doing it for the rank or money. Would have taken the SSG if it was offered at company level. Could have changed MOS but I enjoyed doing what I was doing.

Response by MSG Franklin Mclelland made May 29 at 2016 7:49 PM

2016-05-29T19:49:12-04:00

Could be National Guard or just in a hard to promote MOS. You make E6, you will be able to retire as an E6. What's so hard about this?

Response by SGT David Greth made May 29 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-05-29T21:02:33-04:00

Well before 9/11 and Iraq in 2003 "move up or move out" would have taken its toll and he would have been gone. However after 2003 the military was lucky to keep those who wished to stay without making rank as well as taking the deployments. I think this is the case as in my time if you were injured you were involuntarily separated (as I was) whereas today you can stay.

Response by SGT Jason McVey made May 30 at 2016 7:17 AM

2016-05-30T07:17:39-04:00

Maybe he got out and came back in had to take a reduction in rank, could be anything. Question is why are you asking private. He's got his when you get your then you can talk.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 7:27 AM

2016-05-30T07:27:55-04:00

I am wondering why a PFC is worried about what a SSG does? Checking up will get you lit up! You could have went to the AR and figured it out. But for instructional purposes, you should have asked him. Furthermore, you need to figure out how to avoid being THAT GUY!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 7:54 AM

2016-05-30T07:54:51-04:00

Prior service? Changed branches? Went from reserve to active? Not entirely unheard of. Just like the SFC or MSG/1SG I saw all over Graf with 4-5 service stripes, and no deployments.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made May 30 at 2016 8:11 AM

2016-05-30T08:11:25-04:00

There are plenty of ways it can happen most of which have nothing to do with anything negative on the part of thus NCO.
Could be in a slow promotion mos, my not have had points to get promoted, may not have had opportunity to complete ncoes requirements. The last kept me from picking up E-8 before retirement. To busy deploying to get in mandatory schools for promotion. Bottom line is it happens alot that someone would be a 6 at 18. There was a 8 year period where promotions where just about handed out but before that and now with downsizing it's going back to the way it was.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 8:24 AM

2016-05-30T08:24:25-04:00

oh a PFC is asking this thats expains it lol this is a dumb question.... Be in a few years and i think you will be answering your own question...

Response by SSG Philip Green made May 30 at 2016 8:51 AM

2016-05-30T08:51:13-04:00

Well I can say it does happen, I had over 22yrs in the service when I retired and I was an E-6, during my carrer I had 0 article 15's it's just one of those things you can't explain. I never knew and will never know why I wasn't picked up for E-7 while I seen others around me getting promoted. I was in a support MOS so I understand it's more difficult because the Army needs less of us at E-7. But when you see someone who has been in trouble throughout their carrer get picked up while you don't can make it confusing for sure.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 9:14 AM

2016-05-30T09:14:48-04:00

I have 17 years in(9 AD, 8 NG). I am still a SGT(E5). My MOS is great, but there is no upward mobility at all, unless I kill off the 2 above me. Since they're also my friends, I think I'll just stay where I am at.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 10:00 AM

2016-05-30T10:00:50-04:00

Not uncommon in the Reserve Component.

Response by SFC Christopher Wilson made May 30 at 2016 10:02 AM

2016-05-30T10:02:44-04:00

I had a friend that got into some trouble very early in his career and it hindered his progression dramatically. He retired after 20 years of service but never made it past SSG. He was a great NCO, an outstanding leader but because of that mistake he would never make it past E-6. I don't know if that is what happened to this NCO or if he was just in one of those MOSs where promotions are very hard to get.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-05-30T10:05:32-04:00

This could be due to MOS. I fall in this same situation. For me, I have a stellar record that most would be promoted with, but it am victim to a MOS that was mismanage by HRC and now in a shrinking Army. In my case, HRC has only promoted 3 SSG's to SFC in the last 6 years and this year is not looking any better.

Response by SSG Richard Maiman made May 30 at 2016 10:19 AM

2016-05-30T10:19:11-04:00

SSG can go to 20 years of service. No brainer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-05-30T10:26:00-04:00

Lots of reasons, some good some bad. Some MOS's promote slower and downsizing doesn't help. You can be fully qualified but not selected just because there is not a need for more people. Btw 18 plus years in uniform is nothing to sneeze lots dang good people retire as SSG . I'll never be a MSG, does it bother me ? A little bit but I still go and do my job everyday.

Response by SSG Rudy Gomez made May 30 at 2016 10:27 AM

2016-05-30T10:27:15-04:00

I'll answer that! I am a RETIRED SSG myself with 23 years. How did this happen? My MOS for one and 2 halfway through my career I left active duty to join the guard. In the guard higher ranks are harder to achieve since they are allocated slots and many folks stay in till age 60 so it's harder to get promoted. In my MOS I was a 15T helicopter repairmen. A job where you can be a flight crew member. If one decides they like to fly more than getting promoted then you can make it happen where you ride it out flying till retirement ,otherwise you have to move around to many other not exciting jobs. I think your question is valid but at the same time you could of figured it out on your own. I too think you were trying to ruffle feathers.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made May 30 at 2016 10:37 AM

2016-05-30T10:37:01-04:00

I'm an E-6 with five stripes, though if I hadn't taken a break in service for college and grad school, I'd actually have 7. I enjoyed being the ranks I was because of the roles I was in. People very often confuse gaining rank with personal and professional development. I like being an infantry squad leader. In my present role, I enjoy being a staff sergeant in a support battalion staff role. When I go back to a line platoon, I don't want to be a platoon sergeant. I want to still be a squad leader.

I'm also in the Guard with an incredible civilian career as a programmer, which has been the case for the last 10 years. I don't do it for the money, so there's no pecuniary incentive to seek higher ranks. There are a lot of people that end up out of their depth, even with the appropriate leadership schools, in the military, precisely because we marry gaining rank to advancement. I know I'm not one of them, but I've seen the responsibilities of a platoon sergeant, and I wouldn't derive as much satisfaction as the subordinate role.

Everyone's got to hike their own hike in the military. That SSG in the picture has the look of a dude satisfied with his career. Good enough for me.

Response by SSG John Rapoza made May 30 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-05-30T10:56:40-04:00

I think you should just worry about yourself. And not that E6 why don't you ask him your self. Could of been busted. Could have a mos that does not move up too fast. Could be a number of things.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-05-30T11:08:06-04:00

Maybe you are confused because you dont know how the promotion system works in the army read a regulation or teo an you will figure is out 600-8-19

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-05-30T11:35:51-04:00

Warrior learn about rcp points then you will realize he has achieved enough to retire start questioning if he is wearing more then 8 x 3 =24 uncommon for a ssg but still common for sfc to sgm question a sgt or spc with 6 to 7 service strips because they are past rcp then make sure you achieve ssg if you have plans to do 20 plus and retire

Response by Cpl David Hundert made May 30 at 2016 11:41 AM

2016-05-30T11:41:30-04:00

My best friend retired as a SSgt in the Marine Corps. No NJP or black marks on his record. He just got passed over. He is a good Marine and served with honor.

Response by SSG John Wiggins made May 30 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-05-30T11:46:07-04:00

I retired from the National Guard as an E-6, Rank comes slow in the Guard and I understand it's the same in the Reserve. The picture says nothing about weather he is Active, Guard or Reserve.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:49 AM

2016-05-30T11:49:23-04:00

Do some research before you post young one.

Response by SPC Terry Martin made May 30 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-05-30T11:52:00-04:00

Article 15? Court Marshal? Got busted?

Response by 1SG John Allen made May 30 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-05-30T11:58:14-04:00

Probably not in an MOS that promotes quickly. There has to be a slot to promote to...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-05-30T12:10:27-04:00

Just wanted to point out this E6 also has about 10 overseas service stripes, that's 5 years in a combat zone, I would assume this means obtaining NCOES Schools in a timely manner has been challenging. I know myself have lost opportunities to get promoted based on being deployed overseas

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 12:15 PM

2016-05-30T12:15:35-04:00

Who care?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 12:20 PM

2016-05-30T12:20:41-04:00

A Staff Sergeant can retire at 20 years. He could have been NG or was not competitive enough during the SFC selection boards. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that he was a POS or substandard. The Army is going back to how it used to be. Promotion will be tougher and even more so with the draw down, regardless of MOS, unless infantry or special forces. Retiring as a SSG is still commendable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-05-30T12:28:48-04:00

There is no problem here RCP E6 20 years. I have a coworker retiring this month E6 20 years.

Response by SSG Neal N Trish Potter made May 30 at 2016 1:36 PM

2016-05-30T13:36:41-04:00

Just so ya know you can retire at 20 as a SSG

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-05-30T13:38:55-04:00

In the Navy, both active a reserve, it is not uncommon for someone to retire as an E-6. It's a very respectable career. Only 1% of all enlisted ever make the rank of Chief. It's not an easy task to get selected by the board to become that Chief Petty Officer. And depending on quotas, you may never make it, or you can get picked up within 8 years of service. All depends on your rating and skills as a leader. I would never question anyone who retires after 20 as an E-6.

Response by SFC Stephen Pointer made May 30 at 2016 1:43 PM

2016-05-30T13:43:40-04:00

I find it interesting that you are more interested in the service stripes on his left sleeve, than the overseas stripes on his right.

Response by SSG Scott Bregi made May 30 at 2016 1:48 PM

2016-05-30T13:48:47-04:00

I had to retire at 20 years as an E-6. Not of my own doing but because the Army decided to consolidate 4 MOS's into 1 (68JX1, 35MX1, 68NX1 and 68FX1 into the 68X MOS) and froze E-7 promotions in the new MOS for over 5 years. It was not until after I retired that they promoted a krap load of E-6's to E7.

Response by CW3 Theresa Roach made May 30 at 2016 2:23 PM

2016-05-30T14:23:48-04:00

Everyone has stories. He was reduce a few times.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made May 30 at 2016 2:25 PM

2016-05-30T14:25:05-04:00

As someone who bounced around rank for some time. It's easy to get 18 in and be an E-6. Once I stopped beating on dumb privates and started using a pen instead. I made my 7.

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made May 30 at 2016 2:28 PM

2016-05-30T14:28:39-04:00

I spent 3 years as an E4 before making E5.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-05-30T14:44:57-04:00

Yes, that means 18 years. An SSG can serve for 20 active duty!

Response by SPC William Weedman made May 30 at 2016 3:21 PM

2016-05-30T15:21:45-04:00

I served with a SSG who knew he was going to retire at 20 as an SSG. He was an LPN who was involved in a service related accident and although he could perform his duties as an LPN he had a permanent profile against running, jumping & marching. No PT score = no promotion. Also other services retirement at E-6 (especially Navy) is quite common. I know a sailor who retired with about 21 years as an E-6 and used his security clearance to score a very nice job with a defense contractor. I understand defense contractors don't hire POS and usually one cannot keep a Top Secret SCI clearance if you have NJP or are a POS.

Response by SSgt Charles Freeman made May 30 at 2016 3:58 PM

2016-05-30T15:58:56-04:00

I was a PFC with 2, and no I've never had ANY paperwork.....lol.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 4:05 PM

2016-05-30T16:05:38-04:00

I could only imagine he was prior service.

Response by 1SG Terry Gibbens made May 30 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-05-30T16:06:09-04:00

I didn't look at the service stripes I looked at the other arm if I counted right 8 that means 4 years in a combat zone. Sometimes deployed you don't get to work on your promotion because your doing your damn mission.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 4:09 PM

2016-05-30T16:09:35-04:00

I have some article 15s in my life time. It was a little different back then but it doesn't make you a shit bag....The current climate seems to be if you have ever gotten in trouble you are dirt and deserve to be removed. I have to disagree with that process of thought. I man/woman can make a mistake and come back strong as ever. To believe people are infallible is to error. People are people and to believe someone does not have dirty laundry or has lived that perfect life is a farce.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 4:35 PM

2016-05-30T16:35:04-04:00

E6 RCP lately has been around 20. 6 X 3 = 18, 18<20, what are your questions?

Response by PO2 David Wells made May 30 at 2016 4:35 PM

2016-05-30T16:35:35-04:00

So I had this all fucked up. Navy does one stripe every 4 years so 6 would be 24 years. 6 stripes for an army SSG would be perfectly normal. It shows that the man has served over 18 years and is probably looking forward to retirement before the new generation comes up expecting that they'll be handed rank based solely on their time in service regardless of performance

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-05-30T17:46:19-04:00

THIS NCO.HAS 18 PLUS YRS. EACH SERVICE STRIP IS 3 YRS

Response by SSG John Laczkowski made May 30 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-05-30T18:01:44-04:00

I have to laugh about this. Most people coming in now a days make SGT in a couple years, with that most have no leadership experience and really don't know the job they are given all that well, but they sure like the thought if the rank.
But by all means, they might not be able to shoot straight or lead men, but they are smart and can max their pt test..lol
When I went through PLDC I will never forget what the instructor said. One simple lesson from all this, take care of your guys and never put yourself ahead if them.
I would always tell my squad leaders to lead by example. If there is work to be done they better be right there working with their guys and not sitting back bullshitting and watching. That would infuriate me.
But this young Pfc doesn't know any better from how slow rank used to be to get to.
Remember, it's the new army!!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 6:14 PM

2016-05-30T18:14:54-04:00

Go pound sand PFC. Once you been in longer than 18 months maybe you will learn that some MOSs do not promote fast. Maybe he spent a few in the IRR where his time still counts towards time in service. Little PFCs like is you the reason I retired.

Response by SGT Hugh Bowman made May 30 at 2016 6:17 PM

2016-05-30T18:17:27-04:00

Nothing to be confusing. He is just as human as everyone else got in trouble got demoted got promoted again. Could of happened a few times

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-05-30T18:23:10-04:00

So your all upset about an E-6 with 18 yrs service... First, you know nothing about this individuals life... May he spent some time in the reserves or maybe he is Pryor service. The point is he can retire at 20 yrs as anE-6 I've seen it plenty of times. Some members don't always have the upward mobility as others.

Response by CPL James Byrd made May 30 at 2016 6:25 PM

2016-05-30T18:25:43-04:00

He`s in an MOS that is hard to advance because the numbers are high.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-05-30T19:47:40-04:00

Ok I got to weigh in on this. I have read many responses to this question and they all make some sense. It is not unusual for an E-6 to have 18+ years in the Army, My first Tank Commander was a SSG and he had 22 years in service. I would not have called him a POS if you paid me. He was an E-4 tank gunner during Desert Storm, and he chose his career path that would keep him on the tank line; i.e. non training/ recruiting just out on the tank with the troops. I myself did 8 and a half years prior to getting my stripes. I made Spc in 2 1/2. I had some pretty good NCO's who taught me that doing your job without seeking recognition was better than being one of those prima donna's who are looking for the pat on the back just for doing command maintenance. Yes I did receive an Art. 15, and yes I did lose my stripes, but I earned them back, became a DS. I was one of those soldiers that only cared about doing my job. I didn't want recognition for doing something that I was supposed to do anyway. I watched a lot of my peers do it and many get promoted over me, but when it came down to it I was the one that the soldiers worked hardest for. I didn't take the credit when things were good I gave it to them because they made it happen, and I took the blame when things failed because I was the leader. Sorry about the tangent but in my time I have seen some really great NCO's who did not care to check the block and were not just looking for a way to get to the next rank. Those were the one's that I learned from, the ones who cared more about doing the job, and taking a wet behind the ears troop under their wing. By the by I finished my time with the service 10 months ago and was only an E-5. I could have made SSG over ten years ago but I chose to follow a path that didn't promise me a promotion. I did two tours in Iraq, took my Art. 15, left Active Army for the Reserves, Earned my stripes back then finished my service. If I could do it all again I would be hard pressed to decide if I would do any of it differently except getting the Art. 15.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 8:00 PM

2016-05-30T20:00:15-04:00

I am a SSG with 17 years in service. I was on active duty from 1991 to 1997. I also separated for 12 years and decided I missed it too much and re-upped. I've been back in for 7 years and my IRR time counts toward time in service. There are a lot of different ways people get credited with TIS. If that what his TIS is, then that's what he puts on his uniform. Don't judge a person because you think you know what has happened in their carreer.

Response by SSG Stephanie Mitchell made May 30 at 2016 8:20 PM

2016-05-30T20:20:56-04:00

There is nothing wrong with that. Regardless if they are active, reserve or national guard. There could been boards when nobody was picked up for that MOS or very few. You have to think about how the Army (or any branch of service) manage its force. You must consider how projected retirements, medical discharges, reclassification and other factors that plays into how promotions advances work.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 8:24 PM

2016-05-30T20:24:35-04:00

It means hes been in the military for 18 years! You also have to look at the available slots in his unit! Maybe one didnt come up until late in his career!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 8:49 PM

2016-05-30T20:49:42-04:00

I'm a SSG with a total of 19 years, 5 of those in the National Guard & the Reserves (yes I did both). I have been active for 14.5 years. I have been a SSG for almost 10 years because of not promoting to SFC in my MOS since 2012, where they picked up one person. I also have six service stripes. I am a great NCO, promotion in some MOS's is difficult to obtain. I'll be forever grateful if I make SFC before I turn my retirement packet in 2020.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 9:03 PM

2016-05-30T21:03:29-04:00

I will tell you how, it's because he hasn't done a got damn thing to surpass his peers.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 9:39 PM

2016-05-30T21:39:23-04:00

He stopped giving fucks

Response by SGT David Emme made May 30 at 2016 9:48 PM

2016-05-30T21:48:14-04:00

Could be a number of reasons but will give mine. Had Five years in the Marines, six years out and joined the Army. Had to go to bootcamp in the Army and went in as a PV-2. Did not take long to get my second hashmark. Not saying this is the reason why but there are plenty of prior service Marines and the other services-sometimes prior Army (Had one guy in bootcamp with me in that situation). So sometimes this accounts for the reasons why but not all. Many other good reasons are given here.

Response by SGT Jeremy Case made May 30 at 2016 10:44 PM

2016-05-30T22:44:55-04:00

Also, keep in mind that this NCO could of had a break in service. You may not always get the same rank that you got out with. But, the most logical reasoning is what everyone has been saying; some mos promotions to senior NCOs can leave a lot of folks hanging at that SSG rank. Doesn't make him a bad leader.

Response by PO2 David Klimuszka made May 30 at 2016 10:48 PM

2016-05-30T22:48:03-04:00

I'm guessing you're just nothing but an idiot

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 10:59 PM

2016-05-30T22:59:10-04:00

There are SSGs with 18yrs of service. Not a surprise

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:03 PM

2016-05-30T23:03:22-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Thats an E6 you should be sucking all the knowledge you can from him... because why......... EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!

Response by SGT Eric Deyo made May 30 at 2016 11:15 PM

2016-05-30T23:15:32-04:00

Speaking hypothetically, someone who was prior service, separated as, say, an E5 then re-entered several years later as an E3, then worked his way up to E6. Went through 19D OSUT at Knox with a guy named Yow, who served in the tail-end of Vietnam. He enlisted in '84 with a waiver and had all of his awards from his prior service period, including service stripes and ribbons.

Response by SSG Marcus Oksa made May 30 at 2016 11:37 PM

2016-05-30T23:37:44-04:00

You should be counting the hash marks on his other arm. It is unfortunate that you feel a sense of duty to question one of your brother's motivations to serve his (your) country. You probably don't ever want to serve with me! SSG with over 26 years of service! Stand down, Private!

Response by SPC Dale West made May 30 at 2016 11:42 PM

2016-05-30T23:42:56-04:00

He Could Be Prior Service Then Went Guard Or Reserve

Response by Cpl Antonio Martinez made May 30 at 2016 11:53 PM

2016-05-30T23:53:11-04:00

I can tell you my experiences when I was in the reserves- I'm old school so when I was an interrogator in the Army my MOS was 97E (I know its something different now, see I told you I was old school) There was only two of us for the entire State of Oklahoma...One E-5 and one E-4. The E-5 wasnt going anywhere, and I mean nowhere! But I loved my job, I really loved my job! So....I either remained an E-4 forever (by forever I mean until that E-5 died lol JK) or until that E-5 went somewhere else or I guess I could have transfered into another MOS. I dont know if this E-6 is active duty or reserves but hopefully that sheds a lil bit of light of how it can work in the reserves if they dont open up the rank structure within a certain MOS

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:54 PM

2016-05-30T23:54:29-04:00

Something I haven't seen in the comments is that he's in the National Guard. I haven't read all the comments, I only saw the post a few minutes ago. But I'm in the National Guard, and it took 12 years to make E5. I'm an E6 over 20 now. I started off in the Guard for 18 months as a PFC, was released to active duty and and was a E4 in just a few months. I did 9 years 10 months and 18 days. That's what's printed on my first DD-214. The Army changed retention control dates of E4-Ps from 13 to 8 years and i was kicked out. My MOS was maxed out with 998 until the reduction of points to 798. With a 12 year break in service I joined the guard again and in about 3 months I made E5. I was the only one in my state in my MOS and made E6 in 2 years. Now I'm a 51 year old E6 over 20, sitting in Kuwait and still kicking butt passing the army PT test.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:25 AM

2016-05-31T00:25:29-04:00

Don't worry about others just worry about you!

Response by SFC Everett Ward made May 31 at 2016 12:47 AM

2016-05-31T00:47:50-04:00

Okay, just like a PFC, stay in your lane

Response by SGT Greg Gold made May 31 at 2016 2:05 AM

2016-05-31T02:05:06-04:00

A SSG at 18 years ain't nuthin! During the first gulf war I met E5's with close to 20 years in the RA. Their MOS's were closed and no one was going no where promotion wise. Soemtimes it's not worth reclassing because the Army looses an experienced NCO who would be somewhat 'lost' with a new school trained MOS and no experience in that career field. One of my best Army buddies retired from the RA as an E5. All I'll say is he was in SOCOM in a support role and he was very good at his job.

Also, QMP might have put an end to it but it used to be as long as you maintained your promotable status you were retainable.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 4:00 AM

2016-05-31T04:00:44-04:00

It's easy for a PFC to ask questions like this. Bro, you haven't been to that level yet so how can you judge? Wait until you're a SFC before you start asking questions of SSG's. Does that make sense?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 6:21 AM

2016-05-31T06:21:03-04:00

Performance does not always equal promotion. Other factors, often outside the SM's control, influence promotion or lack of it. There are lots of men and women in every branch of the military who are stand-up, solid performers who, notwithstanding, have found themselves moving up the ranks slowly. We should look upon them with nothing but honor, because their service has been honorable.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 6:44 AM

2016-05-31T06:44:33-04:00

Wow! It happens. I myself have 20 years of service this year and have only made it to E-6.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 6:46 AM

2016-05-31T06:46:34-04:00

Let's begin by addressing the Noncommissioned Officer by his rank and not his pay grade. Second, it's bothersome that his picture has been posted. Before posting, the first question should have been, " what Army Values are we displaying or going against when submitting this post on social media". With that being said, there are many factors that come in to effect, which have clearly already been addressed. We have a Soldier's Creed, we need to live by it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 7:31 AM

2016-05-31T07:31:34-04:00

Hahaha that's my old PSG!!

Response by SFC Gary Edwards made May 31 at 2016 8:41 AM

2016-05-31T08:41:31-04:00

PFC O'Hara, it was not unusual in the Army I left and for those that preceded me to earn and keep your stripes for 4, 5, 6 & sometimes even 7 years. The Army wanted seasoned and experienced soldiers and had requirements for minimum time in grade to earn the next promotion which also varied by MOS. An infantry soldier would get promoted faster than a dental technician and a helicopter mechanic over a chaplain's aid for example. So in my case I got promoted to Sgt in 3 years TIS, after being a specialist for 1 year and a PFC for 2 years. (Got into a little trouble). I spent the next 6 years wearing those Sgt stripes and was pinned SSG after 9 years TIS. So I too would have sewn on another hash mark for 18 years TIS but fortunately I was promoted to SFC at 17 years TIS. After 4 1/2 years I retired and for the time period & MOS I served in that was appropriate. I did have the rare occasion to meet two individuals who enlisted many years after I did yet made SFC before I did as was becoming the trend towards the end of my career. I had no issue with that as I feel both of them earned it and demonstrated technical prowess and tremendous military leadership. I remember both their names and would gladly serve with both of them again. However to answer your question, this staff sergeant, providing he isn't a PX soldier, just has 18 years of service and as far as I know he can go to 20 years and retire. Hopefully though he will get promoted before this happens.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 8:45 AM

2016-05-31T08:45:39-04:00

My old squad leader was a 19 year E6. He's retiring next year as a SSG. There is nothing wrong with him, he is very knowledgeable on his job. He has a permanent profile though. But never got in any trouble. It happens sometimes

Response by PO1 RIchard Petty made May 31 at 2016 8:51 AM

2016-05-31T08:51:05-04:00

Ah hell its not uncommon for an E-6(PO1) Petty Officer First Class to retire from the Navy, hell back in the day sometimes an E-5 would retire with gold stripes. Now a days E-5 out in 14 years, E-6 20 years. Like they said probably got in a MOS were they was not much movement, Chair Force used to be the same. So, don't worry lean on someone that is senior to you and take in all you can.

Response by SFC Gary Edwards made May 31 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-05-31T08:53:24-04:00

One thing I would like to stop is enlisted people referring to each other by pay grade. There are no E6's E7's or E whatever! It's staff sergeant, Sergeant first class, master sergeant or private etc... No one ever refers to officers as he's an O3, O4 and so on right? It is Captain, major, lieutenant am I correct? Raise yourselves up and start referring to your rank as opposed to your pay grade.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-05-31T08:56:40-04:00

It's simple...he's been in eighteen+ years. The Retention Control Point or RCP for a SSG used to be 24 years and now is set at 20 years in service. There is nothing wrong with that. Rank in the Army can be misleading as you don't know from looking at them three things....their experience, their MOS and their career history. Just because he has 18 years and is "just a SSG" doesn't make him a POS. What if he holds an MOS like 74D or almost any 92 series? These MOS typically have extremely high, if not maxed out, cutoff scores for promotion to SGT and SSG. What that translates to is how many positions in those ranks will be needed versus other MOSs such as 11-14 series where promotion points are a lot lower as more of them are needed. Usually in these low density MOSs there are fewer positions in the senior NCO ranks as well. I have known SFCs in these MOSs that have the knowledge and capability of a CSM/SGM but are competing for less than 20 MSG positions Army-wide. The fact that this SSG has 18+ years of service should speak for itself, as that is no easy feat regardless of MOS.

Response by SFC Ethan Graves made May 31 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-05-31T09:00:02-04:00

PFC O'Hara, may want to listen to that E-6. He has a shit ton on stripes on the other sleeve as well. FYI, some MOS have a very slow promotion rate due to really high rate of points needed for E-5 and E-6.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-05-31T10:14:15-04:00

I hope we find what unit you are in. Can't wait to have your Squad Leader smoke the shit out of you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-05-31T10:20:19-04:00

People ask such stupid questions on this site instead of asking their NCO these questions and learning something or asking the individual themselves. Instead they come on this site and make themselves look like a dumb ass.

Response by SFC Rob Bradshaw made May 31 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-05-31T10:48:09-04:00

Because he never got promoted to SFC.

Response by SP5 Barbara Shirley made May 31 at 2016 10:51 AM

2016-05-31T10:51:07-04:00

His MOS could be over staffed with E7's, therefore no promotion to E-7.

Response by SPC Christopher Wheat made May 31 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-05-31T11:05:24-04:00

It's not unusual to be loved by anyone / It's not unusual to have fun with anyone / But when I see you hanging about with anyone / It's not unusual to see me cry

I am sorry. What was your question again?

Response by SPC Michael Hedenberg made May 31 at 2016 12:19 PM

2016-05-31T12:19:30-04:00

I know it is hard in some MOSes to get E-7 and in a few it is hard to get get past E-5. I knew a lot of SSG that got out and a lot of SGT that got out as well my mos was hard to get SGT even after 8 years

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:21 PM

2016-05-31T12:21:19-04:00

There are multiple possibilities. He could very well have not gotten promoted as quickly as others. He could have been demoted at some point or multiple points in his career. He may have taken an administrative reduction in rank for a specific position. Some NCOs never see a promotion to E-7.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-05-31T12:37:46-04:00

Beat you face

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-05-31T12:54:39-04:00

I went WO to prevent being a SSG for life - only 2 selected for E-7 in the 3 years prior to my selection for WO. Made E-7 and pinned the day before I left for Rucker - what a kick in the pants.

Response by SP6 Arthur Barnard made May 31 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-05-31T14:11:08-04:00

Uh I have one, let me see I retired as an SSG and that's 20 years. So maybe the answer is an obvious one and he's been in for at least 18

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-05-31T14:21:00-04:00

I served with a man who exited the army as a SFC. He returned to service as an E5, and began the climb again. He had 6 or 7, and he was a great guy. He did look odd with all them service stripes though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 2:53 PM

2016-05-31T14:53:41-04:00

The best 1SG I have had was a SPC for 10 years and made 1SG in 18. He didn't want to get promoted he liked that E4 life style until one day he decided it wasn't enough and he wanted more then he went out and got it.

Response by Cpl Dion Scott made May 31 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-05-31T15:07:17-04:00

He probably served a different branch before. Or he lost rank

Response by SP6 Joseph Lane made May 31 at 2016 3:15 PM

2016-05-31T15:15:47-04:00

One reason may be he had a break in service.
Secondly, promotions don't come easily for some.
His rank and high service stripe count doesn't mean he isn't an outstanding nco.
His promotions politics could be weak.
I was that guy. I retired as a SSG. Some,my doing,some theirs.

Response by SSG Robert MacFann made May 31 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-05-31T15:23:55-04:00

I had over 30 years in the Navy (1977 to 1991) and in the Army National Guard (1992 to 2013). I retired as a SSG. So? You need to stay in your lane Cream Puff.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-05-31T15:25:39-04:00

Maybe he had a break in service, does it really matter? He is serving his country which is more than 90 some percent

Response by SGT Kenneth Curtis made May 31 at 2016 3:29 PM

2016-05-31T15:29:26-04:00

He's got 6 service stripes because of any reason listed.

- SFC isn't as easy to attain that most would like you to know
- MOS points are high, it happens a lot with non-combat MOSs
- Maybe he didn't do the SSDs...who knows
- He was demoted to PFC and made his climb back, I know some that had this happen, even know a SGT that WAS a SFC shortly after Desert Storm and retired a few years ago

Point is, there are factors that you'll learn about the longer you're in. Just know that that's his career path and yours is only starting. The Army is a beast that'll make a 30yr old look like he's on the verge of 60, sadly not exaggerating if you're in a combat MOS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 3:58 PM

2016-05-31T15:58:27-04:00

Wow I just got my SSG I am in one of the slow MOS's and in the Army Guard there are lots that can play into not getting SSG right away.. My MOS is 92Y. Most 92Y jobs in the Guard are AGR well some people don't want to be AGR so it takes time to get a rank. All my years are good years just the Guard promotes people different then active duty and reserves it's not all about time in grade and time in service their has to be a slot for you to move into.

Response by CSM David Litteral made May 31 at 2016 4:04 PM

2016-05-31T16:04:17-04:00

This is just a guess- it would be a better guess if I could see his uniform up close. You will notice that he also has 8 overseas service bars (each one is supposed to represent 6 months in theater). If they are legitimate, he may have been deployed so much that he didn't do ALC when he should have. He was able to pin on SSG but the SFC board would not have selected him to advance because of it. Or... as others have mentioned, he might have been in an MOS that is slow to promote. If it took him a long time to make SGT, then he probably just doesn't have the requirements to make SFC. Self-development and professional development often make the difference between the group that is selected for promotion and those who retire as SSG. I saved the least likely scenario for last- he got in trouble somewhere along the line and was reduced which is what has taken him so long to climb back up the ladder. Good leadership is preceded by good followership. So, PFC O'Hara, find yourself a good mentor who knows his or her stuff and has made (or is making) the grade. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-05-31T16:22:25-04:00

I will have 18 years in December. Lord will this next SFC board will be "the one!"...Lord willing. I think the new Masters degree will help. And if not, I will continue to better muself.Anyway it is possible for great NCOs not to be promoted to SFC.

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made May 31 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-05-31T17:34:21-04:00

True, I've seen some great leaders that set the example everyday but for some reason the centralized promotion board didn't select them. Doesn't make them any less of an NCO!

Response by SSG Jason Gurganus made May 31 at 2016 5:55 PM

2016-05-31T17:55:40-04:00

Because he does, let his unit handle it, I'm sure his 1sg would make him correct his uniform, let NCO's do their job brah

Response by MAJ Jim Glover made May 31 at 2016 6:07 PM

2016-05-31T18:07:51-04:00

Hey PFC....when u rate SSG come talk to us....until then address your questions to the SPC who should be smoke'in u right now

Response by LCDR Bruce Cooley made May 31 at 2016 6:26 PM

2016-05-31T18:26:48-04:00

Any number of reasons.....maybe his mos didn't promote well, etc. It's not necessarily an indicator of a 'bad' soldier.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 7:14 PM

2016-05-31T19:14:12-04:00

I've known several SSGs with more than 10 years in service. There's a lot of reasons someone might not pick up SFC or further. Changing branches or switching between active and guard/reserve often causes a loss of rank, or he may have just not gone to the board again after E6. He also may have tried for 7 and got beaten out. No shame in a long term E6.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-05-31T19:24:08-04:00

PFC O'Hara,
I know this NCO. You are a snot nosed FNG who couldn't hold his beret. Hit us up in 18 years and tell us what burger joint you are working in.

Response by SGT William Shelton made May 31 at 2016 7:29 PM

2016-05-31T19:29:28-04:00

He could be prior service from another branch and lost rank switching if there was too big of break in service. Also I know several nco's that have been stuck at e6 or 7 because their mos was over strength in that rank or they didn't have enough awards to get picked up

Response by SSG Christopher Wootton made May 31 at 2016 7:43 PM

2016-05-31T19:43:25-04:00

It could be that it's more of a former E-7 has 6 service stripes. Demotions happen, especially in an IET environment.

Response by SGT Andre Williams made May 31 at 2016 7:51 PM

2016-05-31T19:51:31-04:00

PFC Sean O'Hara you answered your own question. Now are you seeking knowledge or taking a shot at a senior NCO? That's the real question

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 7:57 PM

2016-05-31T19:57:13-04:00

I am an E-6 with q9 years in service this August. Some people have an MOS with limited promotion potential but wouldn't do any other job.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 8:01 PM

2016-05-31T20:01:50-04:00

While I was in the guard, I was in the SPC4 slot and stayed there for 12 years. There was no where for me to go unless I reclassified or applied for the Supply SGT job (didn't want the bs and headaches).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 8:10 PM

2016-05-31T20:10:41-04:00

I an an E6 with 18 years. Some MOS's are slow for promotion. As a 15D in our unit E5 is as high as you can go because there are no E6 slots.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 8:11 PM

2016-05-31T20:11:31-04:00

PFC O'hara, have you asked this particular NCO why he has 6 service stripes?

Response by Kristi Hunter made May 31 at 2016 8:17 PM

2016-05-31T20:17:01-04:00

My husband is a ssg in a mos that compete was many others for e7. He has never had an article 15. He is an amazing motor Sargent. I am repeating many of his past and current commander. Sometimes crap happens and they do not get picked up for the next rank. Not every one wants to be an 11b.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 8:22 PM

2016-05-31T20:22:42-04:00

Pfc, he has more service stripes than you have rank stripes, know your place and shut your mouth.

Response by SFC Gerard Sobchak made May 31 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-05-31T21:02:34-04:00

...

Response by SFC Erich Orrick made May 31 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-05-31T21:09:57-04:00

Prior service time. Easiest way to get an easy answer. Had to start over. Or he is in an over manned Mos.

Response by Cpl Michael Thomas made May 31 at 2016 9:16 PM

2016-05-31T21:16:30-04:00

So What!!!My Brother Retired 30yrs E6!!! What's Your Point???

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 9:45 PM

2016-05-31T21:45:01-04:00

Well, I retired as an E-7 with 10 service stripes. Finally finished with 32 years in. Not everyone has the opportunity to move up in rank or the desire to. Happy with what the have. Higher rank also means more things to do.

Response by SSG David Schilling made May 31 at 2016 10:30 PM

2016-05-31T22:30:47-04:00

It's simple, each service stripe equals 3 years service. So the E-6 has OVER 18 years of service. Which means he's is real close to retirement since he is only allowed to serve 20 years at that grade. I retired an E-6 and had 6 service stripes

Response by SGT Jason Quarles made May 31 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-05-31T22:37:09-04:00

you should look at the other sleeve at his combat strips and instead of thinking this guy is a douchebag thank him for his time overseas

Response by PO3 Michael Motes made May 31 at 2016 10:43 PM

2016-05-31T22:43:08-04:00

I see nothing wrong. I have a friend who was active from 90' until 96' , and then reserves. He made SSG in 07', and he was very squared away, had 3 MOS, and a few commendations.

Response by SPC Jim Hart made May 31 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-05-31T22:52:10-04:00

It's very common in the Reserves. Promotions depend on points, and those depend on slots. If the points are too high, you stay where you are.

They won't have a surplus of E-6s doing E-4 work-- on the extreme end of the enlisted rank, nothing's worse than a bored CSM.

Response by SGT Cameron Caruthers made Jun 1 at 2016 12:23 AM

2016-06-01T00:23:46-04:00

Haha I'm sure your upset that you don't have a stripe on either side yet. Smh you could of avoided such a pointless conversation by asking him yourself

Response by PVT Samuel Caspers made Jun 1 at 2016 12:45 AM

2016-06-01T00:45:38-04:00

Ok that is SSG Cowell of A Co 344 MI BN stationed at Goodfellow FAB. the fact that you don't have the balls to ask your AIT Platoon Sergeant that question, bothers me. He is an excellent NCO and was great mentor. How about you call him up and ask him about when he was stationed in Germany. Or better yet, look at the available SFC slots for 35N's

Response by SSG Bruce Sorge made Jun 1 at 2016 3:33 AM

2016-06-01T03:33:56-04:00

There are so many ways this can happen without the NCO being a POS. Take me for instance, I served for 12 years as a mechanic, got out as an E5-P. 13 years later and 6 years of Tx and Ca NG time, and I went back to AD as an E-5, and reclassed to 11B. Since I was a brand new Infantryman my unit was hesitant to send me to the 6 board for a couple years until I proved myself as a team leader and Bradley Section Leader. Finally went to the board and subsequently promoted to SSG. Right afterwards, they changed the TIG for SFC from 2 years to 3. So my first look would have been the same year I was retiring. Since I put in a retirement packet at 19 years, I was never considered for the SFC board and I retired a SSG. No AR15's in my career and stellar NCOER's. It was just bad timing on my part but I have no regrets.

Response by PO2 Nathan Brookshire made Jun 1 at 2016 9:22 AM

2016-06-01T09:22:18-04:00

Service strips represent 4 years service not 3 learn your shit pfc and. Being E-6 with 20 pulse years is common in the old military I don't know what decade your from don't care you don't question a Staff NCO

Response by CPT Joe Cox made Jun 1 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-06-01T09:43:39-04:00

Once (if) you manage to become an NCO you may understand a little bit more about how the big Army works and understand there are specialty jobs outside of your own little world that are of great importance to the proper functioning of the "machine". There are not many of these positions thus not many oport unites for promotion. Big picture proved es clarity

Response by SSG Michele Robertson made Jun 1 at 2016 9:51 AM

2016-06-01T09:51:34-04:00

I happen to know this individual and he was a mechanic prior to switching to a 35M. His main reason was because he was stuck due to promotion points.

Response by CW4 Jimmy Gomez made Jun 1 at 2016 9:54 AM

2016-06-01T09:54:14-04:00

With so much going on these days, this is the most asinine comment I've read in years!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:04 AM

2016-06-01T10:04:06-04:00

just give it a little more time and you'll figure it out for yourself, just because you probably thought everyone that does 20 is a Sgt Major, it's your imagination lying to you. Why not ask this question to your NCO's, it would be a better question for them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:18 AM

2016-06-01T10:18:47-04:00

I'm a SSG in the Army National Guard working on my 16th year. For us Guard members you can't get promoted unless there is an open slot to get promoted into and most states aren't given very many slots.

Response by CPL Dave Foster made Jun 1 at 2016 10:33 AM

2016-06-01T10:33:36-04:00

Either he has been busted or his MOS has constraints on promotion. In my opinion, he should be an E-7 or above.

Response by SFC Larry Rosenthal made Jun 1 at 2016 11:06 AM

2016-06-01T11:06:52-04:00

My thought, break in service, switching MOS, OCS, or he had an MOS with no advancement or didn't want to take a promotion and move

Response by Cpl Kurt Huber made Jun 1 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-06-01T11:07:25-04:00

Why as a Permanent f'N Casualty are you questioning such things? What Service, Personal and Campaign Ribbons did you see? Are any of them from the Navy or Marine Corps? My guess is prior service.

Response by SSG Sergio Carrasco made Jun 1 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-06-01T11:16:55-04:00

Hey PFC, Understand that certain MOS's once you make E6 it becomes a big competition for E7, E8, E9. Other Mos's are short E6's and E7 so cutoff scores for E6 are low, and more slots open for E7. I retired as an E6, what you need to pay attention is the over seas service stripes, I'm sure they were all for going over seas heading towards combat.

Response by SFC Robert Bower made Jun 1 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-06-01T11:20:04-04:00

Prior service... that's the only thing I can think of.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-06-01T11:34:39-04:00

It can also be prior service time too. I have seen a few as SSG and had 16 years which eight of hose year was marine time.

Response by SFC Barbara Washington made Jun 1 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-06-01T11:42:50-04:00

I had a break in service and went back AD as an E-5. I figured if I could make it to E-6 before retirement then I would be pleased, anything after that would be great. Promotions in certain MOSs are extremely slow and when there is no war on, you won't see soldiers pinning on E-7 with less than 10 years AD. I retired as an E-7, but as many have posted, E-6 is the norm and still nothing to belittle someone for especially if your a high performer with many deployments u dear your belt as this soldier has.

Response by CW2 Jennifer Beller made Jun 1 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-06-01T12:32:24-04:00

The longer that you stay in the Army the easier it will be for you to answer your own question. There are certain MOS's that basically someone has to die for the next person to get promoted. Especially in the National Guard. I know plenty of people that wish they could get promoted, but if there isn't a slot for them to get promoted to, they get stuck at that certain rank. It happens.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-06-01T12:52:42-04:00

I remember when I was a PFC... I got a new tank commander, who was an E6 and was about to retire in one year. I remember thinking "Man, what a piece of shit. Retiring as an E6? Loser."

So here I am now, 16 years in and still an E6. God has a funny sense of humor I guess.

Response by SSG Lon Watson made Jun 1 at 2016 12:53 PM

2016-06-01T12:53:33-04:00

I retired in 2092 (joined in 1882). I was in a terrible MOS and although I got out of it, I got too late to be competitive with my peers. I retired as a SSG. I had myself recalled in 2008 to serve in Afghanistan, so now I have 7 service stripes. I have a gortex jacket in my closet older than you KID! You should really refrain from opening your mouth without all the facts.

Response by SSG Ricky Findley made Jun 1 at 2016 1:37 PM

2016-06-01T13:37:44-04:00

Why does it matter? I think a lot of people miss the obvious. The SSI in question had the option to get out at the end of their enlistment and they chose more than once to stay and contribute. What we have done only a small percentage of Americans choose to do. Regardless of rank, we all contribute to the cause in some form. That is far more important than questioning why someone else is where they are on their career path.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-06-01T13:38:44-04:00

Possibly Prior service?

Response by SSG Gus Biderman made Jun 1 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-06-01T13:45:37-04:00

I retired after 20 years 9 active and 11in the guard. I ended my career as a SSG. I am a 11B30P. I made this decision to stay a E6 cause I was a lot better Sqd Ldr than I was a politician. Sometimes ya gotta choose between yourself or the corporation. Follow your hearts guys!

Response by CSM Tee Oden made Jun 1 at 2016 1:52 PM

2016-06-01T13:52:49-04:00

This question needs no response. Read the regulations and maybe one day you can legally where them too. Next question?

Response by SSG Kelvin Carroll made Jun 1 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-06-01T14:03:25-04:00

As a retired SSG with 20 years of service, I'll explain it to you. In my MOS I could not get promoted. I was a D.I., I served in high level positions, I was a senior instructor at the communications school. I just didn't make get promoted!

Response by CSM Tee Oden made Jun 1 at 2016 2:12 PM

2016-06-01T14:12:50-04:00

When I retired in 2002, I had 8 service stripes and I earned everyone. I am a soldier who got promoted quickly for various reasons but, it was a very different Army then. Those cut off scores, different boards, and selection for service schools where key for promotion. As a SF Ranger, I took advantage of every school and opportunity that came my way. SF and DS was my path. Knowledge and maturity is key to success.

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Jun 1 at 2016 2:32 PM

2016-06-01T14:32:59-04:00

What has been hinted at (and may have been mentioned in someone's post) is that each MOS is structured differently. In one particular MOS there are 30 E-7 positions. In the entire Army. So there are a lot of tremendously talented and high-speed Soldiers who retire as SSGs in that field (and walk into high-paying civilian careers.) That is just one example, there are many others with similar bottle-necks.

Response by CPL Johnny Champion made Jun 1 at 2016 2:33 PM

2016-06-01T14:33:52-04:00

SSG probably been busted down several times.. Article 15s etc... That's probably why he's a SSG with 18 years of service.

Response by Sgt Neil Foster made Jun 1 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-06-01T14:44:38-04:00

Please tell me you are joking. That is a very stupid question. What is abnormal about an E-6 with 18 years? That is average for ALL branches of the armed forces!

Response by SSG Aaron Staeven made Jun 1 at 2016 2:49 PM

2016-06-01T14:49:13-04:00

No real time to research this but I used to jokingly make fun of being SGT of the Army in National Guards. If there is not a position for you to advance in your state you can spend many many years in same grade. Active totally different.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 3:00 PM

2016-06-01T15:00:40-04:00

I know a MSG in the National Guard that took a voluntary reduction in grade to SGT for an AGR slot.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-06-01T15:11:43-04:00

that's SSG Cowell, 35M , I know him fairly well due to the multiple smoke sessions he gave me back at Goodfellow AFB, he's a good NCO lol but hell, for what its worth, he made e6 in like 4 years, so he was probably high speed back in the day. Let the man serve his time and retire

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 3:12 PM

2016-06-01T15:12:21-04:00

This SSG is probably in a MOS that promotion points for SGT and SSG were high...I was a MP and promotion points were crazy high for SSG it was 798 out of possible 800 for a long time..that means you have to max out education both civilian and Military also max out pt score and weapon score also max out awards...thats a challenge when you factor in a few deployments. ..dont judge this SSG....simply ask him

Response by SGT Brian O'Leary made Jun 1 at 2016 3:14 PM

2016-06-01T15:14:16-04:00

I found this to be the norm in the MP Corps, for there were plenty of NCO's that retired with ten years as an E-6, back in the 70's and 80's..Kid do your research before you post, for you will offend others, Most non combat arms MOS's have a high cut off scores for E-5 thru E-6, and putting together a E-7 packet was next to impossible for most. I had 7 years in as an MP with a break in service went from 5 back to E-4, Changed my MOS to Inf went into a Drill spot, and they through the rank at me. I had 3 NCO academy's as that E-5 MP and that was it Buddy.. Hens the term Hurry up and Wait !!

Response by SGT Greg Vaughn made Jun 1 at 2016 3:14 PM

2016-06-01T15:14:39-04:00

At 13 yrs in i was E5 and had been to the promotion board at 10 yrs but I dragged my feet on getting the points I needed to make E6 for 2 reasons 1 my job was what I loved the most and making E6 would have taken out working with the line companies and put me sitting in an aid station 2 I spent more time making sure the Medics working under had what they needed to get promoted . The funny thing is my orders for E6 came down 10min after I had officially signed out of the Army

Response by SFC Harold Streat Jr made Jun 1 at 2016 3:32 PM

2016-06-01T15:32:01-04:00

Depends upon his MOS also, the smaller your CMF, the more competitive SNCO promotions tend to be. I got promoted to SFC at 17 1/2 years after switching my MOS from 31B (95B for old schoolers) to 92G (94B for old schoolers), so it is not at all unusual.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-06-01T16:14:58-04:00

He is either in a small MOS with little turnover. (Can't promote if there is no place to put you) or he came from the Reserve or Guard or he has been in trouble at some point and lost a few stripes. In any event, does it really matter?
My Uncle did 39 years in the AF Reserve and he is a retired Tech. Sgt. What does that say about him or how good an Airman he was?

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Jun 1 at 2016 4:21 PM

2016-06-01T16:21:33-04:00

Because you have to get out if you don't reach E-7 by 20, at least I am pretty sure it used to be that way. My dad did 20 in the air force, and was only an E-6.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Jun 1 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-06-01T16:37:52-04:00

Dumb question. He's a SSG with 18 years service. Very honorable in my eyes. What was it you're trying to do. Create drama?

Response by CPT Joe Whitfield made Jun 1 at 2016 4:38 PM

2016-06-01T16:38:40-04:00

There may be many reasons, MOS, NG, Reserve, RIFTED Officer, etc. I retired at 22 years as a Captain because, I was an E6 when I crossed over. One of the most useful E-4 I ever had (knew every job in the detachment) couldn't get promoted as he had no high school education (or GED).

Response by PO3 Jeff Webster made Jun 1 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-06-01T16:57:55-04:00

One to many chicken dinners??

Response by SSG Steven Hill made Jun 1 at 2016 5:23 PM

2016-06-01T17:23:05-04:00

Well I retired and E-6 with 20 years I had a field grade in my performance fiche that prevented me from being selected I think, I am cool with that. I also have a friend that retired at E5 reason being he refuse to fudge his P.T. score for promotion points. He cutoff score stay at 794 or higher year round he never made E6. Some MOS 11B promote fast 350 cutoff for E5 and 450 cutoff for E6. Some MOS who are under strength promote fast and some who over strength promote slow. He could have been in a MOS where he was not cream of the crop to be selected for E7. Believe it or not, good SSGs do not get selected for E7 all the time unless you stayed in trouble like me lol. I would not attack or make fun of anybody who did 20 years and retired from the regardless of there situation. If you were a fast tracker made E8 in 10 years and E9 in 15 years more power to you I am not mad at you. I am retired now going on 6 years ENJOYING CIVILIAN LIFE AND GETTING FAT AND GROWING A BEARD!...Thank you for your service!

Response by SSG Bill Cranston made Jun 1 at 2016 5:33 PM

2016-06-01T17:33:24-04:00

So what? I was an E-4 at 18 in Nam and an E-6 in Iraq in 2003. How did you make it past BCT?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 6:09 PM

2016-06-01T18:09:45-04:00

In the new Army, you might see some E-6 with 3 service stripes. Back in the old army during the be all you can be day, it was the norm to make E-6 in late in the career....

Response by SSG Sean Riley made Jun 1 at 2016 6:31 PM

2016-06-01T18:31:28-04:00

The only reason a PFC finds that weird in this day and age is that within the last 5 years promotions have sky rocketed to fill the void left by many senior NCO's that either retired early or just got out. I read a story of an entire lot of SFC's that got promoted with 15 or less years of service. The old school way was that most weren't promoted to E-7 until you Had a minimum of 20 years of service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 6:37 PM

2016-06-01T18:37:12-04:00

AGR

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 6:49 PM

2016-06-01T18:49:04-04:00

I think someone needs to look up the RCP for Staff Sergeant... Go ahead Private O'Hara... we'll wait.

Response by MSgt Jack Giralico made Jun 1 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-06-01T19:00:45-04:00

It is possible that he is a reservist. I had 32 years in the reserves and retired a MSgt (AF). Had over 10 years time in grade. Was an TSgt for 11 years prior to that. It happens. Slots go away. Compete with active force. Just the was it was.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 7:13 PM

2016-06-01T19:13:24-04:00

why are you concerned with the career of another Soldier, let alone an NCO? As a PFC you should be focusing on your own career and not why am E-6 has 18 years in and hasn't been promoted to E-7. There are various reasons this could be and none of them necessarily black marks on that NCO.

Response by 1SG Tommy Griffin made Jun 1 at 2016 7:20 PM

2016-06-01T19:20:49-04:00

As far as the SSG with 18 years, not unheard of at all and actually pretty common. Usually the MOS has very few slots available for E-7 and up. That being said, most NCO's retire E-6.

Response by SPC Dakota Stafford made Jun 1 at 2016 7:29 PM

2016-06-01T19:29:43-04:00

I personally know of a 12 year specialist... So your point is invalid

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 1 at 2016 7:50 PM

2016-06-01T19:50:54-04:00

First off SSgts and above can retire at 20. It is a thing and isn't such an odd thing. I can't speak about this specific guys situation or why he has been promoted. That could be any many of things. Or his MOS doesn't promote well. Can't really speculate

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jun 1 at 2016 8:31 PM

2016-06-01T20:31:10-04:00

Is this Soldier regular or reserves? I was an Gunnery Sergeant E7 and had to take a reduction to SSgt E6 when I went into the Army Reserves. A bit later I transferred to Army National Guard as a Sgt E5. I had 13 years in at that point. Many years later I was a SSG as I retired for the first time and was promoted to SFC on the day of my retirement. Since I met the requirements for retiring with my highest rank, it was done on my final day. I came out of retirement to do my thing in the War on Terror. I was allowed to return, but I had to go back in as a SGT E5. I had 8 service stripes on my dress uniform and SGT stripes on my sleeve. Again, when I retired after coming back from Iraq, I was once again promoted to SFC on my last day.

Point is, there are all kinds of stories about why people have the service stripes that may not seem right according to what is on their sleeve. It shouldn't be a big deal.

Response by SGT Mike Gilman made Jun 1 at 2016 8:54 PM

2016-06-01T20:54:38-04:00

I retired a E-5 after 21 years not that uncommon certain MOS's are herd to get promoted in.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Jun 1 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-06-01T20:57:58-04:00

In my day it wasn't uncommon. As a matter of fact I knew a spec 4 who retired after 22 years of service. He kept getting promoted to Sgt and hated being in charge and would get himself busted. But that was before the Army had an up or out policy.

Response by SGT Philip Popa made Jun 1 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-06-01T21:09:19-04:00

Nothing wrong here. Perfectly normal.

Response by PFC Nathaniel Thedford made Jun 1 at 2016 9:31 PM

2016-06-01T21:31:42-04:00

I've seen E5's retire after 20 years. Just beat your face PFC and mind your own business.

Response by SSG Juan NereSoto made Jun 1 at 2016 9:38 PM

2016-06-01T21:38:34-04:00

I had the same because the MOS I had was not promoting, read your regs and stop being a barracks lawyer

Response by SSgt Ronald Draheim made Jun 1 at 2016 9:42 PM

2016-06-01T21:42:28-04:00

i did 20 years in the Marine Corps and i retired as a S/SGT and i know a lot of other Marines who retired as S.SGT and it was not fault of our own it is the way it happen in some of the MOS's And the question is coming from a PFC hell he still smells of boot camp

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 9:45 PM

2016-06-01T21:45:21-04:00

Could be for several reasons, MOS related, could had Art 15 anything could be the cause. But, most importantly its NONE of your damm business.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 9:51 PM

2016-06-01T21:51:09-04:00

Unsure but he could have been in another branch of service someone who knows the specific regulations regarding service stripes

Response by SGT Keith Beatty made Jun 1 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-06-01T22:00:51-04:00

That's what I have. And I'm only a Sgt.

Response by PO2 Les Williamson made Jun 1 at 2016 10:09 PM

2016-06-01T22:09:07-04:00

I retired from the reserve as a E5. Clean record to the end. Closed MOS. It was my decision to stay in my MOS or rate as the Navy calls it. Simple question, simple answer.

Response by SSG Jaime Ramos made Jun 1 at 2016 10:26 PM

2016-06-01T22:26:07-04:00

Well, I am SSG in September I will add my 6th service bar, I also have 6 overseas service bars. My MOS is not promoting as fast as other occupations, therefore I will probably be a retiring SSG....it does not mean I am a POS, I have two Bronze Stars, Masters Degree, all the NCOES available for my rank, etc...I am missing an NCOER from 2007, which never made it to OMPF, and I believe it is the reason why my record does not stack up to other NCOs in my MOS....At the same time, I have many friends who are great NCOs in my MOS and they are also still SSGs with 17 plus years of service

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:28 PM

2016-06-01T22:28:20-04:00

Someone was born after 1980...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-06-01T22:37:12-04:00

I just so happen to be a SSG with 18 years. Never lost rank. No article 15's and I just so happen to be one of the tops in my field. I personally wrote our battalions SOP for my MOS. I just so happened to fall in a field where there is no upward mobility. Not a big deal. I did not join the Army to get rich. I joined to do my job and do it the best I can. I feel as if I have achieved this goal so far.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:39 PM

2016-06-01T22:39:07-04:00

This Soldier could have also been an officer and got passed over twice and needed military membership for his civilian employment with the military. I know a lieutenant colonel who became a staff sergeant.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jun 1 at 2016 10:44 PM

2016-06-01T22:44:22-04:00

Nothing out of the ordinary, he is a SSG. I am impressed with his combat campaign stipes on his other sleave. An Army NCOs uniform tells the story of where this Soldier has been and what they have accomplished. Rank, fortunately or unfortunately does not always tell the whole story. A SSG can retire with 20 years in, fairly normal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:47 PM

2016-06-01T22:47:31-04:00

Today's Army is trying to save some money! They started cutting positions of E-7. So today, and E-6 will run Ops! They trust too much! Army needs some guidance! Hopefully, it's not too late...

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:50 PM

2016-06-01T22:50:54-04:00

I'll take a crack at it. Because he has 18 years experience more than you do including what appears to be a bout 5 deployments (I can't see the bars quite right I apologize) more than you do. In a peace time Army you'll be lucky to do better.

Response by SFC Greg Collins made Jun 1 at 2016 10:54 PM

2016-06-01T22:54:51-04:00

The Army defines a successful career as making the rank of SSG. There could be many other reasons. He may have had a break in service. Like myself I was in for 12 years out for 1O. When I came back because of length of break had to come back as E-4. Retired as E-7

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Jun 1 at 2016 11:00 PM

2016-06-01T23:00:31-04:00

I retired as an E-6 from the Navy with 20 years. I know my rate or MOS as you call it in the Army, was not promoting at the time. So, I retired as an E-6.

Response by PO1 Felix Rivera made Jun 1 at 2016 11:13 PM

2016-06-01T23:13:00-04:00

Prior service in another branch? Or does service have to be branch specific?

Response by MSG Andy Cristofaro made Jun 1 at 2016 11:24 PM

2016-06-01T23:24:22-04:00

I was promoted to MSG/E8 with just a bit over 9 years in service at the age of 30. So, yes, my service stripes looked out of kilter for my rank, but it was what it was.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 11:45 PM

2016-06-01T23:45:21-04:00

He might not want E-7, or may not have a slot to promote into. Depending on the MOS, there are only so many E-7 positions available.

Response by SPC Jeff Laakso made Jun 1 at 2016 11:55 PM

2016-06-01T23:55:07-04:00

I had the honor of serving OIF 07-08 with a E5 that was in the Vietnam war his mos did not have slots to move up he was a good guy and a lot more high speed than a lot of the younger guys but he was happy with what he was doing and rank was not important. To him

Response by LT Brian Eden made Jun 1 at 2016 11:57 PM

2016-06-01T23:57:03-04:00

Navy vet here, so the comparison is not exact, but in the late nineties I had folks working for me who were E6 and sometimes E5 in ratings (like MOS in the Army) that just didn't budge. Promotability is highly dependent on your field, unfortunately. We didn't have a lot of guys retire at 20 at E6, but you did see it sometimes.

Response by SGT Edward Reioux made Jun 2 at 2016 12:24 AM

2016-06-02T00:24:00-04:00

A lot of my friends retired as a SSG. Nothing wrong with that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 1:04 AM

2016-06-02T01:04:16-04:00

Stay in your lane PFC, A lot of NCO's only make E6 and that aint a bad thing. Depends on MOS and available slots...Try spending more than a year in the Army before you ask a dumb question.

Response by SSG Lyle O'Rorke made Jun 2 at 2016 1:09 AM

2016-06-02T01:09:24-04:00

I fast tracked but looking back wish I hadn't. From the picture what I can get from the picture the guy is one of two MOSs. Either a 35N or 35P. This picture is from Goodfellow AFB and they only teach those two MOSs and firefighters there. Depending if he has a language and which language he does have his promotion track could either be really fast or slow. That is if he is a 35P. As a 35N he could very likely just be stuck. I had this same MOS and hit my 6 by little over five years but when I went to my next station I ran into many a fellow 35Ns that had been in 14 years before pinning 6. It happens the only reason I was able to move up so fast was the need for my MOS at the time. It is normally a small field, at the time I went in less the 2000 total in the MOS. when I left it was closer to 4000. But that was from 2001 to 2009.

Response by SGT Vito DeGregorio made Jun 2 at 2016 1:27 AM

2016-06-02T01:27:45-04:00

He may have been in a non-combat arms related MOS. Promotion points are usually much higher and harder to attain. I was a Carpentry/Masonry Specialist and the point level was twice those in the combat arms MOS's. I was ecstatic when I made E-5 in under 4 years.

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Jun 2 at 2016 1:32 AM

2016-06-02T01:32:49-04:00

My Dad retired from the Navy as a BM1 with 17 years in grade. Once WW2 ended, they didn't promote many Boatswain's Mates to chief. Of course, they didn't have the "up or out" policy then either.

Response by SSgt Joshua Drobil made Jun 2 at 2016 1:34 AM

2016-06-02T01:34:20-04:00

I try to rarely respond on these types of "questions", but this one keeps rattling around in my head. SO, here goes...PFC O'Hara...stay away from the 'Stolen Valor' shaming crowd--I'll never forget the moment when I had my CC, an Maj (O-4) with his 4 ribbon rack, look at my SSgt (E-5) rack of 12 + ribbons AND 2 occupation badges...and his only comment was DAMN. If the individual earns it--good on them...if not--that will be between them and their God! Everyone wants to be in a YouTube post of "getting that fu€#er stealing valor"--trust me, it isn't worth it...because you have to ask yourself "what if this guys legit"...a shaming brings not only discredit to you, but also to someone AUTHORIZED and recognized for his/her service.

Response by SSG David Oswald made Jun 2 at 2016 6:52 AM

2016-06-02T06:52:16-04:00

I was in 14 years before I was medically retired for my combat injuries. Retired as a SSG no big deal I finished ALC before my MEB but my sequence number didn't make the cut and my MEB happened very quickly . Would have been nice to get promoted one more time but it's all good I'm am enjoying my retirement very much. Hang in there Soldier you'll get there keep your nose clean, and remember the 3 R's : Right time, Right Place, and Right Uniform. Everything else is clockwork

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-06-02T09:28:20-04:00

I've met a lit of great Navy E-6s who retired at E-6 with no adverse events in their career (NJP, demotions, etc).. Nothing wrong with it. It is 100% honorable to do so. This question just proved how green you are. I look forward to seeing how your attitude changes as your career progresses.

Response by CW3 Stephen Mills made Jun 2 at 2016 10:01 AM

2016-06-02T10:01:04-04:00

Because he wasnt a cook!

But seriously, because you cant be promoted into a position that doesnt exist. If the MOS has all its e7 slots filled the points will be high and no e6 will be promoted until a slot opens. The higher the rank the fewer the slots.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Jun 2 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-06-02T10:15:55-04:00

I have 4 service stripes as an E-4. I've maintained my skill set as a soldier and mechanic, kept the support of my chain of command as long as I could, but just couldn't get past my physical limitations and body fat to get promoted. I loved serving this country and doing my job. It didn't matter to me how long it took. This NCO clearly has the dedication and professionalism it takes to maintain his career. I'd leave it at that and thank him for his expertise, integrity, and service.

Response by SPC Joe Haney made Jun 2 at 2016 10:37 AM

2016-06-02T10:37:28-04:00

PFC, you should go up to him and ask him.... you may end up getting the answer that you want... and having sore arms when he makes you kiss the deck.....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-06-02T11:05:48-04:00

There are many possible explanations for his six service stripes. One example would be a Soldier that has prior service, and accepted a reduction in rank upon returning to duty. Best answer would come from the SSG himself.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 1:48 PM

2016-06-02T13:48:56-04:00

I do not know if he's Active Duty or not, but I do know quite a few E-6's in the Army and Air guard that have 18-22 or more years in. Most guardsmen that stay in for a full tour usually don't retire until age 60. So sometimes you'll see some older E-4, E-5, and E-6's depending on the type of unit they are assigned and the promotion slots available for their MOS in their respective states. I have a close friend right now who is an E-6 with 23 years in. He passed over an E-7 slot back in 09 for an AGR position with his unit in the guard, in which they bumped him from E-6 back to E-5, because the job was posted open for E-5 only at the time. A few years later they gave him his E-6 back, and now he's can't get promoted again because the only E-7 slot for his MOS in the state is with another unit and it is currently being held by somebody waiting for an E-8 slot to open somewhere.

Response by SP6 Eric Rothery made Jun 2 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-06-02T14:03:24-04:00

I retired an E6. 7 stripes. Some MOSs are hard as hell to get promoted in.

Response by PFC Thomas Bauer made Jun 2 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-06-02T14:47:11-04:00

FYI Air force standard retirement pay grade is E-6 and you are only "somewhat" guaranteed e-5 at retirement for any branch. I say somewhat since if you kept your nose clean and served t.i.g for each rank you would retire as an e-5

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-06-02T14:56:16-04:00

One of my soldiers is a Specialist with 17 years in the army. Yes. A specialist. He's not a shitbag by any means. He's actually one of the best soldiers in my company. If anyone deserves to be an NCO, it's him. Unfortunately he's just been in two bad MOS's that haven't offered any progression for him. They've been bad MOS's not having any slots available (to get promoted in the guard, you have to have a slot available.)

Response by SSG Arnold Porter made Jun 2 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-06-02T15:23:26-04:00

I retired from the National Guard as a Staff Sergeant.......I had eight service strips do the math. Alot of NCO's retire as E-6. I was in a mechanized infantry unit and enjoyed my position so what is the big deal. I wasn't in it for the money.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-06-02T16:11:54-04:00

It depends on a great many factors as many here have stated. I'm in the air guard and an AGR. In my field you have to wait forever for someone to retire or quit before any slots open. So for those of us that means staying at a rank forever. Most E5's don't even get promoted to E6 before 12-15 years tis.

Response by SSG Kyle Stromgren made Jun 2 at 2016 4:35 PM

2016-06-02T16:35:54-04:00

I had 3 years in the USAR before going active did 20 so I had 7 service stripes as an E-6 it son do not get bent. I worked with a SGT that did 12 years in the guard so when he was active duty 6 years he already had 6 service stripes

Response by PO2 Michael Maier made Jun 2 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-06-02T17:30:23-04:00

It's actually 4 years for each service stripe which means but if he got in trouble which may have happened he may have got knocked down in rank or his rate or MOS was hard to advance in,I was in the navy for 10 years and it was hard to make rank when a job is closed up so you may pass the advancement exam but not advance in rank

Response by Sgt Scott Katzenburger made Jun 2 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-06-02T17:56:32-04:00

SSG second award. LOL

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jun 2 at 2016 6:08 PM

2016-06-02T18:08:19-04:00

Not to hard to explaine in one way. I was in for 6 years got out as an E6,Came back 2 Years Later as SP 4 with 2 Service strips and a Combat Patch on Right Sleeve.( BIG RED ONE) Wasn't many of us around LOL

Response by PO1 Russell Henson made Jun 2 at 2016 7:25 PM

2016-06-02T19:25:40-04:00

If he is like me, I served 11+ yrs in the Select Reserves and another 18+ yrs on Active Duty back to back no gaps. That gives me seven service stripes(1stripe=4yrs) for a total of 30+ yrs in the Navy.

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made Jun 2 at 2016 7:37 PM

2016-06-02T19:37:32-04:00

There are a great many factors to consider, here are a few.
1st is MOS. Is he in an MOS that is overstaffed and hard to find an E-7 slot? or a unit that really does not promote.
2nd is he prior service? he may have had a break in service as I did, I left as an SGT came back in 6 years later as an PFC and took me 3 yrs to get to SGT again.
he has a great amount of deployment stripes, it's difficult to get into NCOES while deployed.
He could be doing duty as an instructor of some kind, since he is the only one standing without what appears to be a diploma.
I have to ask if this is an innocent question, as a PFC you should be focused on your own career and not that of an NCO that you know nothing about.

Response by SSG Ronald Wahl made Jun 2 at 2016 8:31 PM

2016-06-02T20:31:08-04:00

I retired as an E6 with 9 service stripes. Spent my whole career in the National Guard and I was quite happy staying E6.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-06-02T22:37:46-04:00

A SSG at my unit just retired with 30 years of service, I have no idea if this NCO was ever in trouble or not. But it's not abnormal

Response by SSG Martin Reyna made Jun 2 at 2016 10:57 PM

2016-06-02T22:57:12-04:00

That is not uncommon depending on your MOS you can either fast track or be an E6 your whole career. As a 19D (Cavalry Scout) I was promoted as soon as eligible....

Response by SPC Clark Mosley Jr. made Jun 3 at 2016 1:36 AM

2016-06-03T01:36:10-04:00

simple FYI some MOS's do not promote as quickly as others, take that into consideration.

Response by SSgt David Ashley made Jun 3 at 2016 6:33 AM

2016-06-03T06:33:39-04:00

Thats normal all services depending on what your MOS is. Some dont move others get lucky and have quicker advantages for promotions. Ive seen incredable NCO's who havent gone up in rank and pieces of crap yes men move up fast. I noticed in the last 15 yrs of my service the military has gone to shit. You see yes men promoted and people who take care of their troop s 1st not. Ive seen the all about me thing going on. I was actually told i was lazy because i gave a opertunity to a troop instead of taking it for myself. Dont get me rong there are great NCO's that are lucky enough to get promoted though i would still wastch my back if i was a troop.

Response by SGT David Stead made Jun 3 at 2016 7:20 AM

2016-06-03T07:20:26-04:00

I served from 1988 to 2008. US Navy 1988-1994, US Army 1994-2000, US Air Force 1994-2004, US Army 2004-2008. Each time I changed branches I lost rank by 2 or 3 grades. I was medically retired in 2008 for injuries received in Iraq. As an E-5 with 19 yrs 11 months and 16 days in service.

Response by SFC John Archambault made Jun 3 at 2016 8:30 AM

2016-06-03T08:30:09-04:00

I made Sgt twice, ssg three times and sfc twice after 30 years

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 3 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-06-03T09:40:52-04:00

The SSGT with 18 yrs of service may have been in the Army Reserves or National Guard for several years ... I was in the USMCR for 5years and had 5 years in grade as a SGT & was not on the promotion list for Staff Sergeant in my last few months.

Response by SPC Mark Kreutsberg made Jun 3 at 2016 10:19 AM

2016-06-03T10:19:11-04:00

I remember an E6 I was stationed with overseas in 1993. He was in Vietnam and wasbonly an E6 when I met him. It was the MOS, there were so few E7 slots.

Response by SSG Raymond Minze made Jun 3 at 2016 10:51 AM

2016-06-03T10:51:43-04:00

When I retired with 20 years active duty service; with the rank of SSG, I was wearing 8 service stripes. The only one in my Battalion with more service stripes was our CSM. I had served 6 years in the Army Reserves before enlisting in the Active Duty Army. Time earned for Services Stripes are inclusive not continuous; Army Reservist can earn time toward service stripe provided the individual earns a minimum of 50 retirement points per year. I had earned two service stripes before I had enlisted in the Regular Active Duty Army. Combined I served 25 years, six in the Army Reserves and 19 in the Active Army retiring with 20 years active duty time.
Ray Minze, SSG USARet

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 11:29 AM

2016-06-03T11:29:29-04:00

He hasn't got promoted yet or he is promote bless either way some MOS promotes slow which is understood, this not saying he did anything wrong it just happens.

Response by PO2 Victor Taylor made Jun 3 at 2016 11:32 AM

2016-06-03T11:32:22-04:00

My Uncle was SSG when he retired and he could not advance any further do to a medical waiver for an injury he sustained in an auto accident on the AUTOBahn in Germany and the reinjury of the same during a security sweep in Germany a few years later due to car bomb going off. The injury was severe enough he had to get a waiver to remain in until his retirement after 20 years 6 months in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-06-03T12:24:27-04:00

This is a question being asked by someone who still gets rank automatically. Get some experience and check back with me in 5 years, if you're still serving.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-06-03T13:20:07-04:00

There are a lot of dead end MOSs. In my old MOS, there were only 7 or 8 E7s in the army. It was ridiculous. This is probably and example of that. Or perhaps he declined E7 for personal reasons.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-06-03T13:20:25-04:00

He could be like me and have prior service. I've only been in the navy for 9 years but I have gold hash marks for 15 years because I did 6 in the Air Force made e5 and then started over as an e3 in the navy. Not everything is cookie cutter when it comes to military. Everyone has an individual story some good some bad

Response by CPL Justin Fout made Jun 3 at 2016 3:03 PM

2016-06-03T15:03:08-04:00

When I was a 45B the points for e5 were 798, the only way for my most to really move up was to become a recruiter and get a meritorious promotion by earning your ring or Morrell award. I spent 8 years and still left a cpl. It sucks to be in an oversaturated field especially getting the shaft while having a 93 qt and 123 gt asvab and choosing an most because you love it. They promised me e6 within a year if I converted and I passed on being a 79R for personal reasons. USAREC Mafia at its finest. Bohica!

Response by SPC Jim Johnson made Jun 3 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-06-03T17:12:18-04:00

He could have been prior service. Then returned to service accounting for the extra stripes.

Response by SGT Tracey "Tra" Cooper-Harris made Jun 3 at 2016 7:29 PM

2016-06-03T19:29:05-04:00

We can speculate all day. He may have done time in the Reserves or Guard before going on Active Duty (or vice versa). He may have been in a MOS where cutoffs were maxed out for years because E7s didn't want to become E8s (this held true for my old MOS, you became our sister MOS once you became an E8, and most E7s didn't want to do food inspection over animal care work). He could be medically retired and wore his uniform for whatever this occasion is.

The bad thing about the picture is you don't get an opportunity to ask this NCO his story. I err on the side of caution, because if he was substandard, we wouldn't have this picture to talk about because he'd been out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 7:31 PM

2016-06-03T19:31:10-04:00

You have no idea how many times he got to make E3. Not everyone's path is without steps backward.

Response by PO2 David Klimuszka made Jun 3 at 2016 10:33 PM

2016-06-03T22:33:52-04:00

Personally if you can't do math there's something wrong with you 3 times 6 is 18 no matter what rank as some people stated you can make a grade twice or just be stagnant because you can't move up because others haven't moved up and there's no slots open so why you're stupid rant

Response by TSgt Gerald Wilson made Jun 3 at 2016 10:46 PM

2016-06-03T22:46:35-04:00

PFC O' Hara, I'm a Air Force TSGT (E-6) in my 20th year of service. (Yes that is an NCO.) I'm also a SAAM mission planner and a C-5 instructor loadmaster with a four-year degree, a 2 year degree, and no Article 15's. How does that happen? It's called loving the work you do but not drinking the company Kool-Aid. Here's to the endangered species known here and there as "subject matter expert."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 11:55 PM

2016-06-03T23:55:44-04:00

Im a SSG and I have six service stripes. I have been in 18 years. Maybe a PFC in this "New Army" finds that unusual but the reality is lots of soldiers retire as E-6's. Has something to do with paragraphs and line #'s but hell, if your DSL's can pull a serious vacuum then you can expect to be have your CSM by the time you get your sixth service stripe......now go eat a Richard Private!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 2:38 AM

2016-06-04T02:38:01-04:00

I've seen plenty of Specialists retire from the Army National Guard with 20+ years.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 4:05 AM

2016-06-04T04:05:08-04:00

I know for a fact that an Army coworker was an E-7, but in order to take a federal position she wanted she had to take a cut in rank. 2 exactly. She was an E-5 by the end of it and would have to wait the mandatory time to get her stripes back. That's one way this kind of thing can happen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 5:38 AM

2016-06-04T05:38:25-04:00

Under current policy, a SSG is allowed to stay in for 22 years active service.

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Jun 4 at 2016 9:19 AM

2016-06-04T09:19:00-04:00

Asking a question like this will only get people to surmise. There are many possible reasons why this soldier has 6 service stripes. Many SSG/E-6 have 6 service stripes, it is not that out of the ordinary. PFC O'hara, I hope that by the time you have 6 service stripes that you are wearing the rank of E-8....however, your MOS may be one where you might hit a stand still at the rank of E-6. Research your MOS...find out how many E-6, E-7 and E-8 hold that same MOS. If the number of allowable members have that MOS...it may be wise to consider another MOS when it comes time for re-enlistment. Your rank now tells me you have a long way to go and many opportunities will emerge....you just need to keep your eyes and ears open and make good choices. Good luck to you.

Response by SGT Timothy Vigil made Jun 4 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-06-04T09:55:14-04:00

Becouse he is old Army,not like things now where they give rank out like candy.I retired medically in 2006 as a Sgt.E-5.Artillery,never any openings at schools,and so on.These days you see 23yr old E7s everywhere,Amazing!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 10:41 AM

2016-06-04T10:41:37-04:00

He's been in for over 18yrs that's why. Learn some regarding private. The retention control point for SSG is 20yrs so this is perfectly reasonable. Poor guy just never got picked up for E7, probably a bad NCOER from some disgruntled west point grad.

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Jun 4 at 2016 10:54 AM

2016-06-04T10:54:01-04:00

Ok. Before everyone starts sounding like FOX news, look at the picture, really look. An E-6, under normal circumstances, can't stay in the Army for more then 20 years unless he/she is promotable. with that said, these soldiers just graduated from one of the Military Intelligence Schools at Ft. Huachuca. The E6 looks like he was Combat Arms and is reclassifying probably due to in combat related injury(s) that would keep him from maintaining a P1 profile.

Response by Cpl William Taylor made Jun 4 at 2016 12:17 PM

2016-06-04T12:17:42-04:00

Thought army got a slash mark for every 2 years of service cause you do 2 and 4 year hitches

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 1:13 PM

2016-06-04T13:13:46-04:00

I have 7. What are you confused about?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-06-04T13:31:39-04:00

I guess you'll be an E7 by your 14 year mark, huh?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 1:34 PM

2016-06-04T13:34:46-04:00

Guy has been in the army longer than you have been walking. How about a nice cup of STFU?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 3:56 PM

2016-06-04T15:56:47-04:00

Prior service?????

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 4:02 PM

2016-06-04T16:02:18-04:00

In the navy you can do 20 years before you hit. Maybe he just doesn't promote well.

Response by SGT Norman Cordova made Jun 4 at 2016 5:01 PM

2016-06-04T17:01:21-04:00

i have no idea, but i retired as an SGT/E-5 with 24 years 5 months and i have 8 service stripes, ok the reason 8 service stripes and retired as a SGT/E-5 was because i was in the Army National Guard and some national guard units have the Good 'Ole Boy Club and promote those who really don't deserve to be promoted, every time i was up for promotion i was over looked or the paper work got lost (go figure). I even wanted to go to the Drill Sergeant Academy but some how the paper work got lost, so i was stuck like chuck, so don't question the integrity of an NCO.

Response by SFC Bruce Scott made Jun 4 at 2016 6:16 PM

2016-06-04T18:16:18-04:00

All service counts. Service as an MDay (weekend a month) or even IRR time rate service stripes. The Reserve component also have different (& liberal) up or out rules. I have witnessed 20 year TIS E4s retire w/benefits. Even in the active Army (different rules at the time) a promotable E5 retire at 20 yrs

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 8:29 PM

2016-06-04T20:29:31-04:00

I had an E-5 in my unit who spent 12years with the 82nd and 1year as a guardsmen. He ETSed a few months back as an E-5. So it is more than possible.

Response by 1SG Remas Lamb made Jun 4 at 2016 10:19 PM

2016-06-04T22:19:50-04:00

Did anyone consider that he could have spent time in another branch of service like I did and lost one rank when I came in the Army and it took me three years to make SSG back. It's a lot of us that falls in this category. I was an E5 with nine years in go figure.

Response by 1SG Rick Ochoa made Jun 5 at 2016 3:29 AM

2016-06-05T03:29:38-04:00

It's simple. He was a SFC or a MSG and he smacked a dumba$$ PFC for asking why he got all those medals on his chest... now he's a SSG with 6 service stripes!

Response by SFC Frank Mcallister made Jun 5 at 2016 7:02 AM

2016-06-05T07:02:14-04:00

If he was on National Guard or Reserve ...Rank does not come like Active duty.I was a E5 for 10years. There are not always slots open to promote up into unless you move to another unit somewhere else in state. Sometimes you don't want to leave your unit...NG is tight...bonding is strong.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 7:47 AM

2016-06-05T07:47:14-04:00

Without speculation or covering too much ground that others have, a Soldier could spend time in the reserves, National Guard, IRR, or in another branch. This Soldier on the surface based on overseas bars and visible awards appears to have been in a number of deployments.
FYI, I trained mobilizing National Guard units in 2003-2004 in Puerto Rico where it was common to see PFCs who were 50+ years old

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 7:58 AM

2016-06-05T07:58:33-04:00

This is just a young Soldier with an inquiring mind that wants to know. I don't think it's stupid question. The basis of his question is what can he do to avoid being stagnant at SSG. Provide the Soldier with some direction to pure career progression. I certainly think his intentions isn't to point out his 18+ years as a SSG but what routes could he take to progress further than SSG. Of course there are explanations as to why some would serve at a certain rank for quite some time but what are the dos and don'ts is what the question is.

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 8:44 AM

2016-06-05T08:44:49-04:00

We have a few E6 that are unable to get promoted before retiring. I'm currently in a Field Artillery unit. It's not strange.

Response by SPC Cristina Hawkins made Jun 5 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-06-05T10:31:01-04:00

He easily could have started his service in the reserves or national guard and then joined active. Or even in an MOS that had high promotion points as well. It's not impossible. I've seen it a few times.

Response by SFC Rob Luna made Jun 5 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-06-05T11:30:07-04:00

Simple ... To make SFC you get looked at by a Board.... No Promotion Points, Or Questions asked.... Not everyone Makes E7 and Above

Response by CW2 Gene Crawford made Jun 5 at 2016 12:58 PM

2016-06-05T12:58:45-04:00

I will say that he got out and stayed out for a period of time and came back at a reduced rank . I also noticed that he has combat bars on the other arm that indicate he spent a long time in combat. I salute the SSG.

Response by SFC Scott VanKerkvoorde made Jun 5 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-06-05T13:40:57-04:00

He could be in the Reserves or National Guard. Promotions there move based upon vacancy within unit.

Response by 1SG Jacob Baty made Jun 5 at 2016 2:59 PM

2016-06-05T14:59:29-04:00

I kinda of want to see you do copious amounts of un-authorized exercises for asking this question.

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Jun 5 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-06-05T15:05:33-04:00

Simple, you haven't been long enough to know that people screw up and get busted even late in their career... Don't try it...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 3:09 PM

2016-06-05T15:09:05-04:00

That means some where down the road the SSG GOT BUSTED DOWN THE ROAD FOR SOMETHING

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-06-05T15:25:43-04:00

Or slow promotions

Response by SFC Brian Nelson made Jun 5 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-06-05T16:24:38-04:00

Why younger than 36???

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-06-05T16:33:02-04:00

Hey PFC O'hara, get some time in the Army and then you can ask that question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-06-05T17:08:45-04:00

The simple short answer is, the Army hasn't promoted the SSG yet. As you you carry on thought the ranks some MOSs have maxed points when going from SPC to SGT and SGT to SSG. In these MOS it is extremely difficult to move from SSG to SFC. If you do a bit of research you'll find the higher in rank you go the harder it is to be prompted. At one time it was said less than 20 percent of all Soldiers will earn SGM/CSM in their career but 84% of LTs will make it to MAJ. You may ask yourself with so many odds against us why would do a career where our chances of promotion are limited? I can not speak for all, but for me it's a passion for the Soldiers we lead and the work we do. As an NCO, our names don't go into history but without us the officers would never succeed. We NCOS are the Backbone of the Army and you are the future of the Army. Get trained, get educated, and remember our history, there are some big boots to fill.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 7:29 PM

2016-06-05T19:29:20-04:00

And how many years have you been in for?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-06-05T19:39:20-04:00

I know people that have been in 23 years as a SSG, even 19 years as an e5 buck SGT. Theres 12 year E4s out there. RCPs change by rank.

Response by SSG Chris Shaw made Jun 5 at 2016 8:34 PM

2016-06-05T20:34:41-04:00

I was a E-5 for 18 straight years. I wanted to remain as a Crew Chief on Flight Status and declined year after year to be promoted. I logged more than 3000 flight hours and 500 combat flight hours as a 67T/15T.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 9:58 PM

2016-06-05T21:58:13-04:00

That's not uncommon PFC O'Hara, I for one have 18 yrs and I'm an E6. Plus I had a 10 year break in service, there are various reasons.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 10:36 PM

2016-06-05T22:36:23-04:00

I don't understand the confusion. RCP ( Retention Control Point) is 20 years for SSG. So he's fine. Promotions are hard to come by in certain MOS's and getting slots for SLC are even harder. Not enough info to give you an answer why.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 10:58 PM

2016-06-05T22:58:31-04:00

Reserve/national guard. I met a 25 year specialist.

Response by SPC Zach Estes made Jun 5 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-06-05T23:43:58-04:00

Most likely likes staying where he is at, or he is in a slow promotion MOS.

Most of the NCOs I know have went down the scale for something or anything, whether it be big or small, but they work their way back up and are better leaders and men because of doing down a slot.

Response by SSG Gaspar Diaz made Jun 6 at 2016 3:12 AM

2016-06-06T03:12:55-04:00

Maybe the SSG is a reservist or had a break in service. There could be many other reasons to answer your question.

Response by TSgt Johnnie Keller made Jun 6 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-06-06T09:36:48-04:00

Depends on what MOS he has. I spent 11 years in the Army made it to E6, I was 11B which promotes pretty fast. Then due to a family emergency I had to get out on a hardship discharge. I enlisted in the Air National Guard a few years later, got back on active duty (AGR) and never got above E6, my AFSC was slow on promotions and sometimes, that is just how it is. I wasn't a slacker, had tones of awards and decorations. I completed every NCO school and training ahead of everyone else. I did everything I was asked to do, deployed, answered every call, but couldn't make E7. Sometimes that's just how it goes. NO regrets and happy to haved served my country.

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made Jun 6 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-06-06T10:31:44-04:00

Let me help you out, high speed.
When I came into the military as a 74B (not chemo, back in the early 90's, it was computer operator), points were very low because everyone hadn't discovered the computer MOS yet. I was like you and I told myself I would never be an E-6 with 20 years. To make a long story short, I made E-6 in my first six years. Then I understood. No one knows how those on those boards are thinking when they look at a soldier's record. I even met some E5's that had 15 years because they were in over-strength MOS's. Some soldiers done have the college to give you 100 points at the board. Some are too busy doing their jobs to be worried about promotion. Or maybe he is just floating through time waiting until retirement. But you cant just automatically assume he's a dirtbag. Not everyone can plan out their careers to a dime. Be careful how you talk about other NCO's, things can be misunderstood, like your post here. Lord knows there's enough genuine, in your face douchebags in the army who you will run into. You will know them from the fruits of their labor..

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made Jun 6 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-06-06T10:39:18-04:00

<I>Can also vouch for this NCO he squared my ass away that's for sure</I>
Saw this quote below and it's the only one that matters.

Response by SGT Chad Martel made Jun 6 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-06-06T11:28:55-04:00

My 1st NCOIC was an E5 with 17 years in. As far as I knew, he never had any Article 15s, and did not have a break in service. An E6 with 6 service stripes isnt a big deal. People forget that some MOSs take for ever to promote. Depending on points. And also (ive been out a while so im a little rusty) but I believe you have to wait until you are on the E7 list before getting promoted to it? (i could be wrong on the last part)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 12:39 PM

2016-06-06T12:39:44-04:00

This is one of those shady side eye comments. I'm proud of all who have served no matter what their rank and time in service is. This shows me that you need to do a little more studying before YOU advance to the next rank...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-06-06T12:41:42-04:00

What's even worse is YOU are a human resource specialist (42A) ....you should know better!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-06-06T12:54:33-04:00

Some of our old school leadership opted to drop out of high school to join the military prior to it being mandatory that you had to have graduated high school in order to enlist. Because of that, they come to a road block in promotion today. (Very few will opt into getting their GED's and picking up rank whereas others will just finish their contract and integrate back into civilian life. In addition, some NCO's just rather be in the field than at a desk.

Response by SSG Tim Thornton made Jun 6 at 2016 2:05 PM

2016-06-06T14:05:45-04:00

First of all, stop thinking in terms of time equal stripes and rank. I served in 3 different services, broken time and an MOS that was FROZEN for 8 years. Believe it or not, rank back in the day of peace time was hard to get and people weren't just leaving, this was a career. Circumstances and competition were great. Things happen, oohrah to everyone that works hard and continues to with no rank insight until possibly changing Mos or getting an opportunity to advance because of retirement from someone. I waited years to advance but was happy to help others because I knew someday would be my chance aND I watched good leaders and bad leaders and took that and applied it to become what I hope was a good snco. Rank doesn't make you a good leader, dedication to your job and fellow service members and making sure they are trained and taken care of makes you a good leader.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Jun 6 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-06-06T14:07:36-04:00

So many reasons that are legit. Now in the Navy it is for 4 years. But when you hit 12 years or your 3rd stripe, if you have never been busted they are gold. If you have been busted they are red. So you can tell who was a good sailor. But I was in a rating where only 1 E-6 was promoted to E-7 every year. There were a lot of E-6s over 12 years and beyond. Then again I had promised my goat locker that I would never be part of their canoe club. :)

Response by SSG Tim Thornton made Jun 6 at 2016 2:20 PM

2016-06-06T14:20:24-04:00

By the way, along with my previous comments, I spent 11 years on AD USMC and 11 years in the Army RES and some in the AFNG. I'm proud to have served and meet all that I came in contact with. Served during the first Gulf war and Iraqi freedom. Time in japan, honduras etc. Never had an article 15 and also served as acting 1st Sgt for my unit as an E6 for over a year. If you want to stay don't get discouraged and always look at the experiences you have and lessons learned.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 4:46 PM

2016-06-06T16:46:26-04:00

Like others have said, there is nothing wrong with being a SSG for an extended period of time. My father retire as a 38 yr old SSG and had plenty of opportunities to be promoted while we were stationed at Ft. SAM, but he chose not to uproot his family after being settled in one place for more than 7-8 yrs. The Army gave him a choice and he chose the stability of his family, in part so his oldest son (me) could graduate from HS with his friends, over being an E7 in Germany.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 4:54 PM

2016-06-06T16:54:26-04:00

I'll make it easy for you... Mind your fucking business and worry about your own career progression.

Response by SSgt Edward Trevino Jr. made Jun 6 at 2016 4:55 PM

2016-06-06T16:55:00-04:00

Hello I just retired I'm March with 7 service stripes. I have just alittle over 23 years of service. I retired as a SSG. So not that hard to figure out. Sometimes it's just like that.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Jun 6 at 2016 5:42 PM

2016-06-06T17:42:31-04:00

Some MOS have slow promotions or no promotions, Some NCO's hove slow promotions or slow promotions, Some NCO, even lose a stripe before they retire. there are many opportunitities, way to many to jump to conclusions.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 5:50 PM

2016-06-06T17:50:21-04:00

I agree with SSG Terry Kemp. I have 27 years (almost 28 years) in the military. I dare you to look at my uniform and say, "He's only a Captain and he's been in over 20 years?". Yes, but before I was commissioned, I was a Sr. SSG working at a MSG level. I have consistently held positions two to three grades above my rank.

Some MOS don't offer much in the way of advancement beyond SSG. It's unfortunate, but that's the way force structure works. There is a system called SELCON (Selected Continuation) and another called "Sanctuary", where people who have more than a calculated number of years who will not make promotion to the higher grade based on their MOS or their age when entering (Officers) are permitted to stay in until they reach 20 years of service and are, therefore, allowed to retire. Each has different rules.

So, this PFC asked an honest question. The rules of retention have changed over the last 20+ years. What he knows now, and the environment he has been brought up in, give him that basic knowledge. Like everything, there are exceptions to the commonly known in the terms of "today".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 6:08 PM

2016-06-06T18:08:58-04:00

Why don't you ask your team leader before taking to social media.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 8:26 PM

2016-06-06T20:26:03-04:00

18 years is not unusual as you've read. You should not look down on that, He has plenty of overseas time, not obese , I would say that like most, his job was more important to him then furthering his rank. In today's military there are too many Sr NCO's with little practical experience, back in the day, you had to know and master each level, not just have college! I know in my MOS they are limiting E7 and 8 slots. Work hard master your trade, proficiency is a plus that can save lives, rank just pays the bills.

Response by PO1 Keith Klosner made Jun 6 at 2016 9:38 PM

2016-06-06T21:38:39-04:00

In the Navy 6 stripes represents 20 years, 4 years per stripe, so it's possible

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-06-06T23:43:59-04:00

I've known NCO's who attempted to avoid the best rank intentionally too because it becomes more political the higher up you go. Many of our sister services make a huge deal about E7, it's the first time you're called a Senior NCO. The army unfortunately hasn't kept up with that tradition. Could be personal choice, drawdown, or points holding him back. Glad you're curious, and I agree with many. There is no shame in the service he has provided.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 1:44 AM

2016-06-07T01:44:07-04:00

I have 6

Response by SSG David Hancock made Jun 7 at 2016 3:33 AM

2016-06-07T03:33:19-04:00

I retired as a SSG in the us army active duty, some mos are almost impossible to get promoted in.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 5:48 AM

2016-06-07T05:48:03-04:00

A lot of factors to consider.. Reserve time, he may have been demoted, by the can do 20 years as a E6

Response by PO2 Peter Wells made Jun 7 at 2016 7:57 AM

2016-06-07T07:57:52-04:00

Maybe he has Some Reserve Time.

Maybe his Career featured being stuck in some dead end duty stations that don't look as good on an evaluation.

Don't shame someone's career. He Volunteered to serve just like the rest of us.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Jun 7 at 2016 8:02 AM

2016-06-07T08:02:51-04:00

Back in the Brown a Shoe Army, lots of folks retired as an E4, 5 or 6. That was back when PFC E3 was a DA allocation. Combat Arms came first, then the rest.

Response by Jim Cassidy made Jun 7 at 2016 8:03 AM

2016-06-07T08:03:05-04:00

A few years ago, I attended a good friends retirement ceremony at Ft Carson. Along with several E6 and E7 retirees, was a 20 year E5......

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 7:35 AM

2016-06-08T07:35:26-04:00

20 year e6

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-06-25T11:20:48-04:00

Simple. It's easy not to advance in promotion when you are deploying as often as it seems he has. I can give you many possible possibilities that can keep a Soldier from fast promotion. As the only person in a brigade size element with my MOS, I can say that I was lucky to get promoted as fast as I did because my leadership made me take care of my career as well as my responsibilities within my MOS. Often we see the Soldiers that are needed for the unit to function, passed over for schools because the unit just "couldn't function without them." I can't say that this is the case because I don't know this Soldier, but if you knew enough to know what BOTH those sets of stripes mean, you shouldn't ask the question and publicly question his career. Just ask him RESPECTFULLY and he may just tell you why this is the case.

Response by SSG Vincent Jauregui made Jun 26 at 2016 1:50 AM

2016-06-26T01:50:42-04:00

YES HE HAS 18YRS

Response by SSG Robert Slawinski made Jun 29 at 2016 12:18 PM

2016-06-29T12:18:57-04:00

i retired as an E6 there just was no E7 slot for me to get that was open

Response by CPL Luis Whetstine made Jun 30 at 2016 3:06 PM

2016-06-30T15:06:50-04:00

There are several different reason to why a SSG would have 6 service strips. They could have been in the Reserves or National Guard and then decided to go active. I say this because I had a friend who was in the Reserves for 15 years and after 9/11 decided to go active. While it wasn't easy and with a few waivers and a loss of rank (not due to any disciplinary actions) he was activated as a SSG and served another 10 years, 5 of which were as a SSG. So, its easy to have 6 strips as a SSG. Or, he could have been in one of those MOS's that the cut off score was historically almost maxed out. I was a 71L and had I'd known before I chose that MOS that it would be hard to advance, I would have went with one of my other choices.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Jul 7 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-07-07T14:09:13-04:00

My dad served 20 years, half of it guarding Air Force One, he was never a politically correct kind of guy, but did his job. He retired an E-6, would have had 6 service stripes. You have to make E-7 to go beyond 20 years, he said it was offered but he turned it down and retired.

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Jul 14 at 2016 6:36 PM

2016-07-14T18:36:20-04:00

MOS plays a big part when it come to promotion. As an example you have one E 5 supply sgt slot in a line compared to at least 18 E 5 slots.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2016 1:23 PM

2016-07-24T13:23:41-04:00

Because he has been in that long. I had 9 years of broken time. 13.5 years active duty USMC. Guard since 2007.

Response by SSG Michael Webb made Aug 17 at 2016 9:50 PM

2016-08-17T21:50:44-04:00

I had 6 service stripes.I retried with 20 years.

Response by CPL Michael Paul made Aug 26 at 2016 5:56 AM

2016-08-26T05:56:13-04:00

Not everybody get promoted

Response by PFC Bruce Flaherty made Sep 6 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-09-06T12:10:29-04:00

I saw a PFC on the plane to Nam had about as many. He also had faded stripes under his E-3s. Could be a case of the Article 15 Blues!

Response by SSG Isaac Hardy made Sep 24 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-09-24T08:56:52-04:00

Its possible, he may not have made the E-7 list, or got in some trouble

Response by SFC(P) Richard Warren made Oct 8 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-10-08T17:25:02-04:00

A SSG's RCP date is set at 20 Active years or 40 Reserve years. That dude can have a lot of service stripes. Sadly, I have 5 now.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Oct 9 at 2016 2:25 PM

2016-10-09T14:25:25-04:00

Article 15, administrative demotion, etc.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 9 at 2016 4:38 PM

2016-10-09T16:38:27-04:00

broken time. or maybe ran afoul and real ball-breaker officer.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Oct 10 at 2016 1:32 AM

2016-10-10T01:32:40-04:00

My guess would be a nice collection of Article 15's. No offense, I don't know the man, just saying.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Oct 16 at 2016 8:02 PM

2016-10-16T20:02:15-04:00

Created May 2016 and today is OCT 2016.
This is nothing new. I'm from the post nam era.
Now I was just a little PFC at that time but my NCOIC SSG Best, served in Nam with the 5th Special Forces and He was an E6 with almost 20 years of military serves getting ready to retire. Of course during that time, 1977 on, we once had a 20 year retirement, that changed to 30 years a few years later. I made my E6 while in the reserves shorty after I got out under the grand Ruptman law became full blown.
Sometimes it happens when the promotion is so high that there is no sign of promotion anytime soon and when that happens questions start to pop up. Your an example of those questions.

Response by SSG Mark Matteson made Oct 20 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-10-20T19:39:54-04:00

And you will stay confused, why dont you ask about the roughly 10 combat stripes? hit the bricks, double time march

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Oct 27 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-10-27T14:40:01-04:00

I had 8 service stripes as an Sgt...I also had various number of service stripes at different times in my career. When I first made SSgt in the Corps, I had 1 stripe for being over 4 but under 8 years. When I may Gunny I had 2 stripes, I had 10 years and 11 months at the time. I got out 6 months later. Fast forward several years to when I joined the Army National Guard. I was administratively reduced to E5 and had 3 service strips. Later I had 7 service stripes as an E6 with 21 years in and retired as an SFC. Years later, I returned to the active reserve status and was brought in as a Sergeant once again. In March of 2008, I was an E5 with 8 service stripes. I retired in April and promoted back to SFC and retired as an E7 with 8 service stripes.

One may have any number of service stripes for many different reasons.

Response by SCPO Charles Hamilton made Oct 27 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-10-27T15:23:58-04:00

Service stripes and rank are not married

Response by SGM Steve Richards made Jan 12 at 2017 2:36 PM

2017-01-12T14:36:24-05:00

Some of the soldiers I was stationed with had prior service in the military during the Vietnam Era when they left. During the late 70s and early 80s, when they decided to come back in, your service time doesn't start again, therefore whatever service time they earned continues into there new enlistment, giving them whatever time in service they earned prior to the new enlistment. That is how this soldier probably earned his service stripes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2017 7:07 PM

2017-05-16T19:07:19-04:00

You said it, 18 yrs. Once you become an E6, you're a lifer..but you have to finished NCOER shool or they send to a reduction board..

Response by SGT Larry Mullins made May 18 at 2017 5:35 PM

2017-05-18T17:35:45-04:00

Got an article 15 and got demoted?

Response by SPC William Weedman made May 25 at 2017 3:05 PM

2017-05-25T15:05:56-04:00

Possibly also NG. Had a friend who retired after 20 as an E-5. He did nothing wrong, there were simply no E-6 slots available in out unit or a unit close enough to transfer to, so he was allowed to stay for 20, but could not reenlist past that.

Response by SFC Ronnie Baldwin made Jul 11 at 2017 1:11 PM

2017-07-11T13:11:20-04:00

maybe prior service

Response by SFC Ronnie Baldwin made Jul 11 at 2017 1:14 PM

2017-07-11T13:14:31-04:00

prior service?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2017 11:17 AM

2017-07-13T11:17:43-04:00

How is it not possible? I had a couple 18 year TIS SSGs in my first unit. I've seen a few retire as a SSG. So what? Depends on their MOS sometimes. Some are harder to get promoted in than others.

Response by SPC Korey Kilburn made Jul 13 at 2017 3:10 PM

2017-07-13T15:10:42-04:00

Unless retention has changed, E-6 retire at 20 years. 18<20 so there you go.

Response by SPC Korey Kilburn made Jul 13 at 2017 3:14 PM

2017-07-13T15:14:29-04:00

SSG McCulley, that's not all I'd like to debate about that traitor. He should get the firing squad. The SGT stripes piss me off the most. My MOS dropped points 1 month before I went to the board and remained at 798 until the day I was med-boarded.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Jul 13 at 2017 7:00 PM

2017-07-13T19:00:47-04:00

not actually that uncommon with a variety of reasons for it, First and most simple, as SSG Terry Kemp stated, SSG is the most common of retirement rank, made his 20 and called done, there is no time requirement (up or out) for SSG. 2, prior service with a long break after getting out as something further up the line (E7 - E9) seen that one once, last (but least likely in my opinion) he got a bust and is in his last year or so and being allowed to finish his 20 out because it was not bad enough for a bad chicken, again, I have seen it for a guy that got caught in the situation and had an understanding CoC. Just to name the 3 reasons off the top of my head, maybe more.

Response by SSG Quince Kreb made Jul 17 at 2017 7:56 PM

2017-07-17T19:56:35-04:00

As a 24+ year veteran of Active Duty and Army Aviation, a very slow promoting career field, I'm perfectly fine with retiring as a SSH. I loved my job as a mechanic and crew chief on UH 60 Black Hawks and didn't want to get promoted to just a desk and of the hangar.

Yes, I do happen to be very decorated from my time in Desert Shield and Storm, Somalia and Iraqi Freedom.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Jul 18 at 2017 11:30 AM

2017-07-18T11:30:24-04:00

SPC Sean O'Hara you asked the question “How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?” There is also one other reason which no one mentioned the most common type of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is called survivors’ guilt once you have worn green tabs on Army greens and someone has died you might not want to be a leader anymore.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 16 at 2017 12:57 AM

2017-08-16T00:57:55-04:00

What is so unusual about a SSG, E6 having 18 years worth of service stripes ? Plenty of people retire with 20 years as an E6, nothing is wrong with that ! There are plenty of factors that determine how far You may go in rank including an MOS that has less opportunity to advance. That is true in any branch of the Armed Forces. Also if He were Reserves of National Guard unless there is a vacancy for a higher rank and He can get into that position a promotion isn't even possible. There are a limited number of spots available and even less as You rise in rank., quite often it is a case of waiting for others to retire or pass on to even be able to move up.

Response by CPL Michael Paul made Aug 17 at 2017 3:59 PM

2017-08-17T15:59:49-04:00

Lot of people retire as a E-6 not unheard of to see this

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Aug 17 at 2017 6:43 PM

2017-08-17T18:43:51-04:00

He may have had disicpline rank reduction, UCMJ judicial reduction in rank, none of which reflects on years of service and service ribbons

Response by SSG Lonny Self made Oct 13 at 2017 10:49 AM

2017-10-13T10:49:32-04:00

I can tell you how sometimes in the messed up world things are not perfect I was E-5 P with 17.5 years of service how well first MOS in the army was taken away disbanded one of the missile sites I was at is a state park in alaska so had to change jobs and career fields all at one time as an E-5 with ten years of service I made it in under 3 years but shortly after they the army started closing missile sites I got hosed on promotion with a lot of other guys becuase are promotion points where 998 and stayed there I had 997 at the time when I should have got promoted but no then they changed the time in grade and time in service rule and pulled form promotion list add a change for my shortage MOS in the engineers to an overage in the supply field , so lets just call it right place wrong time ,

Response by SPC Tommy Faircloth made Oct 14 at 2017 11:27 AM

2017-10-14T11:27:01-04:00

This has to be some kind of joke. There's no way you haven't seen a 6 with that long of a service as as a 42A. It happens all the time. Shit I've seen an E6 with 22 years in before.

Response by SGT Andrew Schmidt made Oct 14 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-10-14T11:29:05-04:00

I don't understand this question. I would say that SSG is one of the ranks that a large number of soldiers retire at.

Response by SPC Glenn Lovell made Oct 14 at 2017 11:36 AM

2017-10-14T11:36:34-04:00

I've seen guys retire at 15 years as SGT/E-5. And there are plenty of MOS' out there like 88K where promotion to E-5 is next to impossible because the points are perpetually maxed out. It's not really that uncommon to see a SSG with that much time.

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Oct 14 at 2017 11:37 AM

2017-10-14T11:37:14-04:00

E6s don't hit their retention control point until 20 years. I've known more than a few that have stayed E6 until their retirement in the Infantry. And there are some in an MOS where NCO level promotions almost requires a human sacrifice to the gods. IMHO being a SSG was the perfect blend of responsibility and freedom from oversight, kind of like the SPC of NCOs.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Oct 14 at 2017 11:38 AM

2017-10-14T11:38:09-04:00

Yup, and if you don't make E-7, you have to get out at 20. My dad did that in the air force. it happens.

Response by SSG Matthew Koehler made Oct 14 at 2017 11:41 AM

2017-10-14T11:41:15-04:00

I retired E-6 with 8 service stripes...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-10-14T11:43:41-04:00

Maybe you should ask him directly instead of speculating on his situation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-10-14T11:43:55-04:00

20 years is max time for an E6. I disagree that this is the most common rank to retire at. Pretty sure that's E-7. It could be his MOS. He could be Guard or Reserve in which I've seen 8 service stripes or more for an E-6. So there are plenty of reasons as to why it could happen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-10-14T11:43:57-04:00

Not unheard of. Since enlisted promotions are based upon MOS some are much harder to be promoted in than others. I've met many retired E-6s who used to be forced out at 20 but I think they can go to 22 now. It's even more common in the Guard and Reserves where you can retire as an E-4. I had 6 service stripes as an E-5 before I made E-6 and went to OCS. If I could still wear service stripes I'd have 10 now and 11 next year...

Response by SSG Warren Armitage made Oct 14 at 2017 11:52 AM

2017-10-14T11:52:59-04:00

Umm because a ssg can do 20 years like myself. I was in an mos that was hard to get promoted in due to the numerous soldiers competing for promotion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 11:59 AM

2017-10-14T11:59:59-04:00

Hey PFC O'Hara, why don't you go ask him why? Afraid you'll end up having a really shitty day if you do? You haven't been in the Army long enough to understand how it works, and definitely not long enough to judge.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 12:02 PM

2017-10-14T12:02:19-04:00

He’s probably a 92F honestly. E-7 is hard to get to in this MOS.

Response by SGT Robert Mcfadden made Oct 14 at 2017 12:03 PM

2017-10-14T12:03:44-04:00

It's not uncommon to retire as an E6 I made rank very fast, then stayed an E5P for 9 years. I wasn't a dud, but with no college and working in the field I was in 798 points for ever no way to get promoted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 12:35 PM

2017-10-14T12:35:55-04:00

I retired as an E6 with 30 years in the Army Reserve. I already drove an hour and a half to a battle assembly. To get an E7 Slot I would have had to drive 4 hours to a unit that had and E7 slot. To me that was nuts. How was I going to do it? You just can't take off work an heaven help you if you worked 2nd or 3rd shift. They said oh after a year you can come back. By this time I was deployed for a year guess what happen when I came back from deployment. The Unit I was a member of was relocated to Mississippi! Luckily I was transferred into a unit in the same building I was attending Battle Assemblies. Otherwise My career would have ended.

Response by SSG Marshall Paul made Oct 14 at 2017 12:41 PM

2017-10-14T12:41:22-04:00

When I retired, my mother, a LTC's wife, asked me my rank and I said E-6. She said "We didn't do very well in that department, did we?" I laughed and explained with three breaks in service, an Art 15, and serving in Navy and Army, it was pretty damned good. I made Say at 23 and retired at same rank, had a real good time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 12:51 PM

2017-10-14T12:51:15-04:00

I have served with some superb NCOs who had 18-22 years of active duty service. Yes, it can be very tough to attain SFC.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 12:53 PM

2017-10-14T12:53:51-04:00

I guess I will show my age a bit by reflecting that many NCOs retired as E5 when I joined in the early 1980s

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 12:55 PM

2017-10-14T12:55:07-04:00

I don't wanna come off as bitter or disgruntled because I am an SSG with 6 service stripes, I've done things that I know wouls stop me from ever getting promoted and would do it again, but this is the dumbest question I've read on here.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Oct 14 at 2017 1:12 PM

2017-10-14T13:12:07-04:00

This seems to come back as promotions as a good reason. I was in I have seen a great cycle of promotions and very bad cycles. I had friends because of career fields retire as E5 and E6 that was qualitifed as I was because of career fields. Direct a/c support were promoted at 440 points and it took me 460+.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 2:54 PM

2017-10-14T14:54:11-04:00

I had an E-5 with that many back in the day.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 3:47 PM

2017-10-14T15:47:50-04:00

I had a great soldier in my Conpany retire as a Specialist. Not sure how he stayed in as long as he did, but he was a model soldier that never quite had whst it took to be an NCO, and ge was ok with that. He retired in 2004 or 2005. Kind of made me wish we maintained the specialist ranks. He should have been a spec-7

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 14 at 2017 4:06 PM

2017-10-14T16:06:22-04:00

Not to sound crazy, Specialist O'Hara, but most of us don't go from Specialist to Staff Sergeant in less than 5 years. To be a SSG with 18 years of service is not usual...I made my SFC at 19 years of service.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-10-14T16:18:50-04:00

This can also be different if the SSG was an AGR soldier in the National Guard. While it is rare, I have seen several SFC's and 1SG's take an administrative reduction to SSG or SGT for an AGR position. Most States don't allow a SFC or higher to enter into the AGR program without a reduction.

Response by CPL Donald McKenna made Oct 14 at 2017 4:20 PM

2017-10-14T16:20:25-04:00

I always understood the TIS stripes were based on your PEBD.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Oct 14 at 2017 4:22 PM

2017-10-14T16:22:38-04:00

My father was demoted from E6 to E1, E7 to E1, and finally E7 to E1 in his 12 years in the Army in the 60s and 70s. You can't go by rank on the arm as an indicator of time in service. Hell I separated as an E4 because my last month I was in I failed a PT test and I was in for 14 years.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 5:16 PM

2017-10-14T17:16:34-04:00

Many NCO's only reach the rank of E6. You have to understand that there are different slots for different MOS's (and different requirements), making promotions work different (and happen at different speeds) across the different jobs. And, many NCO's are unwilling to switch MOS's to get promoted faster.

Additionally, in the guard and reserves there are even less slots/positions available the higher you go up in rank, making it even harder to promote (especially in the guard, where you are limited by small number of available slots within your state--unlike the active Army). So it is actually quite common to see people do a full 20 years and only be an E6 or E7 when they get out, and it has nothing to do with that person's competence or whether or not they ever got into trouble (most of the time)...

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if we learned the SSG in this picture is actually a guardsman.

Bottom line, don't assume this NCO is a fake, got into trouble, or is somehow incompetent. I know *many* outstanding NCO's that have done 15-20+ years and got out as an E6 or E7.

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Oct 14 at 2017 5:29 PM

2017-10-14T17:29:13-04:00

Retention control points did not come about until after Desert Sheild/Storm. I worked with a Navy E-5 who retired in 1989 with 20 years of service wearing gold rank, which meant he had never been in trouble.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 14 at 2017 7:24 PM

2017-10-14T19:24:56-04:00

To easy, A. he only has 18 years of service. or B he is a reserve/guardsman.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Oct 14 at 2017 7:27 PM

2017-10-14T19:27:18-04:00

I had an uncle, AND my father in law, both retire at 20 as E-6.....Not all MOS are neccesarily leadership positions. When is the last time you saw an E-7, or E-8 Supply sergeant? Or a motorpool sergeant????? Get over your selves guys. Both of the men I knew were good soldiers, dedicated to their craft.....It just wasn't meant to be. Ask MP's how easy it is to make rank.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 7:32 PM

2017-10-14T19:32:05-04:00

Could have been a reservist. There is no RCP in the reserves... I've seen SGT's with 6 or 7 service stripes.

Response by SSgt Kenneth Besosa made Oct 14 at 2017 8:04 PM

2017-10-14T20:04:53-04:00

I did 20 years and retired as a SSgt. Don't know how many times my test number came within 2 digets of the cut for TSgt. It all depends if the force is in a draw down or a build up. To many good workers get overlooked.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 8:06 PM

2017-10-14T20:06:03-04:00

He could also be in the National Guard, in which each NCO position is based on MTOE. You cannot promote higher than the MTOE will allow. In my old Medical section, There was 1 E6, 4 E5 and, 8 E4 and below. My new Medical section is 1 E6 and 3 E4 and below. So, it does not matter if you have points or not, you aren't promoting in your position. Also, when there is a limited number of E7 spots in the state, I believe 16, then the changes of the other 24 E6's to promote is very unlikely or slow, until someone retires or literally dies. Good luck changing MOS at E6 as well. Good news, I LOVE MY JOB, so I don't care if I stay an E6 for a few more years. Oh yeah, getting into ALC or SLC as a 68W seems damn near impossible these days too.

Response by 1LT Tom Wilson made Oct 14 at 2017 9:21 PM

2017-10-14T21:21:41-04:00

When I was growing up, Staff Sergeant was something of a career slot, because of its particular functional role in the military performance matrix. I shot rifles in college and the rifle coach, SSG North, was a career E-6.

In 1947, Army doctrine was changed from the private soldier as the basic unit of the military organization to the squad, based on lessons learned from the Wehrmacht*. As a result, the SSG became the essential leadership slot in the Army A team B team dynamic. From my experience, the squad leader is the hardest working member of the chain of command but SSGs tend to stay there because they like the duty.

A soldier with 18 years as a SSG has earned his/her retirement, but a 30 year SSG has probably over-stayed his/her value and should have attained SFC status as a mentor to younger SSGs. You lose a step or two after 20 years.

*(CF: Men Against Fire. S.L.A. Marshall)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 11:09 PM

2017-10-14T23:09:56-04:00

Could be he was prior service too.

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Oct 15 at 2017 12:09 AM

2017-10-15T00:09:11-04:00

The Retention Control point for an E6 is 20 years, so seeing an E6 approaching 20 years should not be a surprise. You can argue he is a low performer or has lost rank. That is really not a given though. He could be in an MOS which is extremely competitive for E-7 ( I am looking at you Supply). He also could lost time when a lot of people stayed in, say when the economy crashed in 2008 leading to to his path taking longer. Now Specialist O'Hara you seem to be the type with ambition and that is good but do not ever look down one someone because his path took longer than you would have liked.

Response by SGT Nick Landry made Oct 15 at 2017 12:26 AM

2017-10-15T00:26:18-04:00

Hey, I was an E-5 and I did 16 years. No Article 15. Of course, I was Guard for 9 of those years, and I was medically retired before I could do my last stint. Plus I had a 2 year break in service. Still, most NCO's retire at E-6

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Oct 15 at 2017 12:31 AM

2017-10-15T00:31:31-04:00

Could be a slow promotion M.O.S.
Could be prior service with a break in service.
Could be went from reserves to active duty.
There are lots of possibilities that don't reflect negatively on the soldier.

Response by SSG Philip Spier made Oct 15 at 2017 12:39 AM

2017-10-15T00:39:01-04:00

How about National Guard/Reserve? I stayed for 28 (3 active, 25 NG) E6 retired with one MID.

Response by PO1 Jotham Anderson made Oct 15 at 2017 2:16 AM

2017-10-15T02:16:37-04:00

Many in the military that do 20 years in retire as an E-6.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Oct 15 at 2017 2:27 AM

2017-10-15T02:27:44-04:00

Instead of questioning a SSG about his combat stripes, SPC, we should honor him for being the example, even in the face of adversity. I got guidance in the Army from SSG Deter Hooks, who went on to become CSM at the 18th Airborne Corps HQ. Learn from them; rather than criticize their excellence. Thanks.

Response by SPC Christopher Jackson made Oct 15 at 2017 3:36 AM

2017-10-15T03:36:53-04:00

depends I think. E6 is the hardest to get. After E6, then to get E7 comes from the DA. But certain MOS's have a hard time with available slots for E5-E7. Infantry is a great place to get rank. cutoff scores depending on DA needs also affect promotions too

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2017 5:29 AM

2017-10-15T05:29:43-04:00

Hey boss. He was an AIT platoon sergeant in my Batallion while I was going through. While I was there in 2016, he had been at 19 years. My understanding is that he’s retired now.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2017 4:00 PM

2017-10-15T16:00:43-04:00

He was my PSG in AIT. He was an amazing NCO, but unfortunately it took him a while to get there. He pinned me at graduation and while he was pinning me he gave me a speech about keeping yourself in check because you don't want a bunch of stripes and not the rank to go with it. He told our platoon a lot about how he messed up a lot as a Jr soldier. I met him when he had like 18.5 years in and he was killin it, but he was capped at E6 after getting ucmj too many times at the beginning of his career. So it's safe for you guys to assume the article 15 thing because it's true, but POS? Absolutely not. One if the most inspiring people I have ever met.

Response by SSG Rickey Nelson made Oct 15 at 2017 8:53 PM

2017-10-15T20:53:19-04:00

I retired as an E6 with 21 yrs service. No openings to move up unless I changed mos. like my job so I stayed.

Response by CPL Guy Grafton made Oct 15 at 2017 9:00 PM

2017-10-15T21:00:46-04:00

I retired as a CPL (E-4) with 20 yrs, 26 days, I had 6 stripes (couldn't set myself up to return to PLDC due to various deployments, and Guardsmen have harder time to schedule classes due to personal life commitments). Not overall uncommon.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2017 12:01 AM

2017-10-16T00:01:26-04:00

He is a 35m...... it should say it all

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Oct 16 at 2017 6:09 AM

2017-10-16T06:09:46-04:00

You have no idea what the SSG's service background is. Unless you are accusing him of stolen valor, you'd best give him the benefit of the doubt. I made E-6 pretty quickly in the Navy, but after a 7-year break in service I had to start over again as an E-2 in the Marine Corps. I retired as an E-6 in the Marine Corps, and I earned every one of my service strips.

(edit) Crap, I posted in a zombie thread again. I hate it when I do that. I'm just glad I'm not the one who revived it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2017 11:48 AM

2017-10-16T11:48:46-04:00

Sometimes you just hit a roadblock for promotions, it just happens sometimes despite character, by the way that is one of the best NCOs I have ever met

Response by SSG John Bacon made Oct 16 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-10-16T13:13:42-04:00

He could also be dual service as I was. those service stripes translate over too.

Response by PO3 Donnie Donnelly made Oct 18 at 2017 10:37 AM

2017-10-18T10:37:23-04:00

He’s a grunt!

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Oct 18 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-10-18T12:34:27-04:00

Is he active duty or is he in the National Guard?
If he's in the Guard, I can tell you that he's an E-6 with over 18 years because, unlike the active Army, he can only get promoted within his MOS and within his state.
So if he's a squad leader in an engineer company and there is only one engineer battalion in the state, that means 3 companies with 3 platoons of engineers (1 platoon in each unit is HQ platoon and one unit in the Battalion is the HQ company). In order for him to make E-7, he has to compete for exactly 9 Platoon Sgt slots in his state of which only 1 will open when someone either retires or is promoted. If the E-7's and E-8's are all young, he may never see another promotion.

Bottom line, once you hit E-4 in the Guard, promotions will slow down and after reaching E-5, they become almost stagnant.

As for myself, I retired at 21 years as an E-6.

Response by SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano made Oct 18 at 2017 2:38 PM

2017-10-18T14:38:39-04:00

A break in service resulting in a reduction of ranking upon re-entry or changing branches of service might do it.

Response by SSG Greg Dodson made Nov 29 at 2017 8:48 PM

2017-11-29T20:48:32-05:00

There could be several reasons why. One possible reason is the MOS the person is in could be a hard MOS for rank. Another reason could be the person may have been reduced in grade at some point or they may have gone from Reserve to active duty at some point

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 9:14 PM

2017-11-29T21:14:20-05:00

When I retired in 2009, I was an E-5 with 7 Service stripes on my Uniform. Unfortunately I was in the National Guard and a Combat Medic. In the National Guard it is hard to make rank. It is usually accomplished by one of three ways, Someone retiring and opening up a slot, Someone dying and opening up a slot, or Someone getting promoted and opening up a slot. If there is no slots then you can have all the points and still not get promoted. And as for an E-6 with 18 yrs service on active duty, that is possible.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Dec 20 at 2017 7:04 PM

2017-12-20T19:04:53-05:00

He was maybe an officer who resigned his commission and went back to his last enlisted rank to serve out the remainder of his enlistment. We had an E-6 who was a Captain but he didn't have a college education so he had to step down.

Response by SPC Andrew Ross made Dec 20 at 2017 7:31 PM

2017-12-20T19:31:40-05:00

How does an E-4 not understand that?
Maybe we're due for a little training session...

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jan 2 at 2018 8:18 PM

2018-01-02T20:18:03-05:00

The SSG could have been in a Reservist or National Guard solder where advancing in grade can be slower.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2018 5:22 AM

2018-01-20T05:22:18-05:00

TIS should not be the question here. Many great SM go through a lot to earn what rank they achieve. In my case I have 8 years Active and just short of 8 Reserve. Its sometimes if promotions don't happen due to other issues. It is best to ask respectfully, just because they don't have that higher rank with service, does not mean they don't deserve the respect for what they have done. Deployments may happen for some and for others they may support those deployments stateside, remember we all bleed red and we all maintain freedom. Therefore, appreciate those who put their time in service and don't get stuck on menial arguments of why they are only a certain rank.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 21 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-01-21T14:00:46-05:00

Because I can't see the picture in depth, I cannot make a determination on his ribbons. One or more may indicate service in the Reserves or National Guard, we have guys who are E-6's with close to 35 years in. This is not an issue in my humble opinion.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 21 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-01-21T14:03:56-05:00

After saving the image I blew it up as far as I could, looking at the lower row of ribbons, the center one and far left one (soldiers left), appear to be non federal, but I can't say that with 100% accuracy as the resolution is lost fast.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 21 at 2018 5:15 PM

2018-01-21T17:15:08-05:00

Look at the other arm?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2018 5:37 PM

2018-01-21T17:37:41-05:00

I just watched an E-5 with five on a national network game show.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 7:46 PM

2018-03-01T19:46:00-05:00

Easy in 1973 DMZ Korea, there were 2 E-6s that had 20+ years in service. How are you an E-6 with 20+ years in service, one of them told the squad. He was busted 6 times, something or another, fighting and for being drunk, he did always drink, Old Grand Dad".
He was a veteran of Vietnam, and he knew his shit, and one of the best squad leaders I had, the Lt listened to him, and he knew how to keep you alive.

Response by PVT Ted Brennan made Mar 1 at 2018 10:48 PM

2018-03-01T22:48:18-05:00

He's a fucking human resource assistant...lol guess his change of command failed him to explain Shit Rolls down hill

Response by SSG Owen Kingsley made Mar 2 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-03-02T14:06:03-05:00

Myself I had 6 service stripes as an E-6 SSG. I spent 20 yrs in 13 yrs TIG as a SSG. Not everyone makes E-7 or above. Some MOS’s were harder to get past E-6 than others. Also in my time if someone on the promotion board knew you and didn’t like you your file would end up in the do not promote pile no matter how your record was

Response by SSG William Jones made Apr 13 at 2018 6:01 PM

2018-04-13T18:01:49-04:00

I have 5 (15 years) and still came out as SSG... but I had a 16 plus years break in service. Served from 1968-1974 and 1990-1999. I had to drop a pay grade when I got back in. (Didn't have to go through Basic though. Just trained for my new MOS's)
P.S. I know this post started TWO YEARS AGO, but I just thought I'd respond since others have also responded fairly recently.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 7:46 PM

2018-04-13T19:46:55-04:00

Many reasons. Broken service. Reduction and recovery. Just two of a few.

Response by SSG Owen Kingsley made Apr 13 at 2018 10:00 PM

2018-04-13T22:00:33-04:00

I retired as an E-6, 13 years time in grade and proud of it. No article 15’s, I just didn’t kiss butt plus I ruffled a few feathers along the way. During my time, when it came to DA selection boards it all depended if someone knew you are not and if you kissed their butt or you pushed them off at some point. I am proud of my service and my accomplishments.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Apr 14 at 2018 8:34 AM

2018-04-14T08:34:38-04:00

SGT reports into a unit and asked if it is hard to make SSG in the unit. Response was "not if you are SFC".

Response by SGT Arthur Burke made Apr 28 at 2018 5:58 AM

2018-04-28T05:58:34-04:00

Very possibly. I was a SGT E5 with over 12. It depends on the position and rank cap.

Response by SSG William Zopff III made May 7 at 2018 9:30 AM

2018-05-07T09:30:46-04:00

Some career fields have a vary narrow path to career advancement, with only so many slots for E-7, and even harder after that. There are a number of factors that contribute, as medical, I didn’t have the EFMB, and in 1994 I had a Senior 91P (68P) SGM inform me that I would not see E-7 without earning the EFMB. I had earned my Bachelors, but it didn’t help. I retired in 2008, I had positive experiences with every assignment, I’d still be serving if allowed. I had 7 service stripes when I retired.

Response by MSG John McDevitt made May 21 at 2018 3:25 PM

2018-05-21T15:25:26-04:00

Many rules for mandatory out was waved during the two conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan. A fact of life for a voluntary Army.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 21 at 2018 3:53 PM

2018-05-21T15:53:12-04:00

Without going through the 800 comments, he has to be promoted today or retire tomorrow.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jun 24 at 2018 11:46 PM

2018-06-24T23:46:43-04:00

maybe he doesn't recall how many stripes for each 3 years?

Response by 1SG Donald Elmore made Aug 12 at 2018 3:41 PM

2018-08-12T15:41:52-04:00

I have seen an SP4 with 7 service stripes due to being busted. When I retired there was a SGT E-5 retiring and he had also 7 service stripes. Many soldiers retire as SSG and SFC and have 6 service stripes.

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Aug 12 at 2018 5:17 PM

2018-08-12T17:17:31-04:00

The new RCP for staff sergeants is 20 years of service. Since 2008, they have been allowed 23 years. There are 3 possible reasons I see: He is a Re-thread, he got out came back, busted, or in a very high density MOS SFC is way to hard to get to.mBut don't ever ass-u-me to know by a picture any persons history. His ribbons tell a different story of a soldier with awards that include a CAB and his combat bars by my tired eyes, are 8 and that means 4 years down range. That's a hard almost 1/4th of his career.!

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Aug 12 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-08-12T22:10:40-04:00

BTW, it looks like the good NCO is attending a graduation with 4 of his troops.

Response by SFC Harry H. made Aug 12 at 2018 10:25 PM

2018-08-12T22:25:56-04:00

If this is a concern, You would be surprised to see how many E-4’s E-5’s in the National Guard who have 18years. He may be Guard. Some Guard Soldiers dont always have the luxury to attend schools like active duty. Civilian jobs can sometimes play a huge factor. Besides deployments, the employers have rights under USERRA as well. Which can cause conflicts with professional growth.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Aug 13 at 2018 12:32 AM

2018-08-13T00:32:41-04:00

Can't tell his branch, but looks like he also has seven combat zone stripes.

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Aug 13 at 2018 8:31 AM

2018-08-13T08:31:16-04:00

Don't know what you are trying to imply...but I knew many NCO's in the AF that may not have gotten the promotion, but were the best patrolmen that I worked with. They had the technical knowledge to do the job and were great at training others, but just couldn't test well or didn't care about . Hell, this SSG may have spent his off time getting a Masters Degree or even a PhD for his after military life.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Oct 27 at 2018 2:36 AM

2018-10-27T02:36:52-04:00

I retired at 20 as an E6 I was in a small MOS promotions were tuff

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2018 6:04 AM

2018-11-20T06:04:39-05:00

I spent 12 years as a SSG. It took me reclassing into a MOS that had room for promotion. My old MOS was deleted 2 years ago.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Dec 18 at 2018 5:34 PM

2018-12-18T17:34:08-05:00

When I was in Korea there was a PFC with a WWII Big Red One Patch in our outfit.. Of course, he never kept rank above E-5. Lifer/Drinker series... 8-) Just saying That's ONE Way!

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 19 at 2018 6:24 PM

2018-12-19T18:24:24-05:00

E6 is a respectable rank to earn. 18 Years in is a respectable time. This man deserves respect, not implied insults.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 1:26 PM

2019-01-10T13:26:38-05:00

He might have spent time in the gaurd or reserves.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Jan 11 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-01-11T16:22:03-05:00

Many SSG retire at 20 years. Not unusual for a SSG to have 6 service stripes.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 9:29 PM

2019-01-19T21:29:31-05:00

Some MOS promotion rates to SFC are 2%. Retention control point for SSG is 20 years. Either he is promotable or going to retire as a SSG.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Feb 1 at 2019 9:06 PM

2019-02-01T21:06:06-05:00

Could’ve been busted

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2019 12:54 PM

2019-03-19T12:54:37-04:00

I had an 18 year PFC once.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2019 2:45 PM

2019-03-19T14:45:06-04:00

Actually a Staff Sergeant with 18 years isn't that uncommon.

Response by SSG William Zopff III made Apr 17 at 2019 1:20 PM

2019-04-17T13:20:17-04:00

I had 7 service stripes, for 21 years, retiring at 22.5 years, would be over thirty years now, if it was possible, loved it that much!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 1:59 PM

2019-05-12T13:59:06-04:00

Unless he was demoted. But I don't know

Response by SPC Joseph F Dolloff made May 26 at 2019 8:25 AM

2019-05-26T08:25:49-04:00

I knew a few Sargents, right out of Nam, who had gotten out, then came back a few years later. They also bucked the system a few times, one being knocked down to a PFC, but allowed, and chose to stay in the unit.

Response by SFC John Mikelson made May 30 at 2019 5:58 PM

2019-05-30T17:58:52-04:00

When I was at ANCOC it had been 20+ years since BNCOC and 4 MOS changes. I still retired an E7 with over 26 years

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jul 9 at 2019 12:44 PM

2019-07-09T12:44:22-04:00

He's in the National Guard - that's my fist thought.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2019 9:39 AM

2019-07-18T09:39:50-04:00

I have a SSG that works with me who's been in for 18 years.

Response by SPC Curtis Kennedy made Aug 11 at 2019 2:46 AM

2019-08-11T02:46:23-04:00

It is very difficult to get promoted to E-5, even more difficult to make rank that has fewer positions to it for each rank, E-4 and below has a higher turnover rate than E-5 and above

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Sep 11 at 2019 3:49 PM

2019-09-11T15:49:43-04:00

It is very possible. There are a number if MOS's that have a bottle neck at the E-7 level. I was in one. I tried to get retraining to a different MOS but was told mine was a critical MOS.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2019 9:33 PM

2019-09-13T21:33:29-04:00

I'm 14 almost 15 in and have my 6 just now. My platoon sergeant dragged his feet to provide guidance for my 5 packet. And maintaining a passing APFT while working on my profile packet (figuring out why I my body is breaking down) kept me a SPC for quite awhile.

Also the wait list for ALC is long, terribly long. I waited 3 years just for one of 20 seats. Had to pass ALC for promotion.

Response by SSG Gary Johnson made Sep 15 at 2019 11:41 AM

2019-09-15T11:41:29-04:00

Maybe in that 18 years, he got busted in grade. Also could have a bad MOS. I had one of those, a Balanced MOS. It couldn't be changed to something else. Also, one one slot per Maint. Co. TO&E. I got lucky as I was the ranking E-5 and was the Armament Shop Foreman. I got prompted to E-6 while in Transit to CONUS from Korea. When I got to Fort Meade, there were 4 other E-6's in that Maint. Co. I ended up the Company Reelistment NCO. I got out shortly after that. I guess that the PTSD bothered me then but I never realized it then.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 10 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-10-10T14:33:28-04:00

I'd be more concerned with his left sleeve - that's a lot of hostile fire pay.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 5:52 AM

2019-11-06T05:52:26-05:00

Could be a rough MOS to promote in. Could be a few cases of the Korean fast track for ranks. Could just be that they rode the fine line of that cap before you have to move up or get out. Also could be reserve/guard time - I’m not sure but I think their time is counted the same even though most of it is not served as an active component.

Response by SSG Wayne Brown made Nov 8 at 2019 3:06 PM

2019-11-08T15:06:40-05:00

I retired E6 yes had some troubles but MOS and prior service had something to do with it, but I am proud of every stripe and year I served

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2019 11:59 PM

2019-11-08T23:59:44-05:00

Oh you poor child...

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 9 at 2019 8:15 AM

2019-11-09T08:15:39-05:00

He has been in at least 18 years. Why a big deal?

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 9 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-11-09T10:08:10-05:00

It is not unusual for a SSG. to spend 18 years or more in the Service.

Response by SGT David Petree made Nov 9 at 2019 11:41 AM

2019-11-09T11:41:57-05:00

even if you have all the schools, & have the points . you can Not get promoted with out a Slot . that`s how a E5 ends up with 8 service strips !!! and retires with a cheek in the mail box..

Response by SFC Lyle Green made Nov 9 at 2019 12:24 PM

2019-11-09T12:24:33-05:00

Ability, skill and down right tenacity of "smart" are now always depicted on ones sleeve. The smartest most deadly soldier I ever met was (at the time not wear any signs of rank) a LRRP Sargent . E5 Graff. Had a Camel hanging out his mouth, sucking a can of Black Label in his hand. Looked like he had been just dragged through a plowed mud field, smelled similar to a dead hog in a slop pit. We picked him and 4 others up somewhere in Cambodia, at night, some how we started a long friendship on the trip back to the FSB. He'd been in for 16 years, couldn't count the decorations he had, the promotions and busts he had looked like a laundry list. Problem was, he loved his booze and whooping heads. He got another stripe back in the time I knew him, they just couldn't keep this outstanding warrior/leader down.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Nov 9 at 2019 2:34 PM

2019-11-09T14:34:29-05:00

Whats even more interesting is that he has four years in a war zone SPC Private RallyPoint Member. Dean you at Fort Totten? That was where i first did my reserve duty after getting off active duty. I have friends at the FDNY Fire Marshals office. Usually there once a year.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Nov 9 at 2019 3:46 PM

2019-11-09T15:46:40-05:00

I thought E6 gets kicked out at 20 yrs? Not sure cause I got out of active duty at 21.

Response by Charley Nichols made Nov 12 at 2019 5:18 PM

2019-11-12T17:18:21-05:00

Service stripes or "hash marks" signifying timne in service are normally worn on the left sleeve. At one time (and may still continue today), each hashmark on the right sleeve reprsented 6 months in combat or 6 months overseas service. Either / both are proudly worn.

Response by PO1 Sharon Anderson made Nov 27 at 2019 5:59 AM

2019-11-27T05:59:20-05:00

Hard to make rank in certain jobs...sometimes it takes time...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2019 6:33 PM

2019-11-29T18:33:53-05:00

Gotta take into account some circumstances. Many support MOS's were on the chopping block from 2009 to 2014. This was called the sequestration. Many E4's and E5's got kicked out (RCP or barred from reenlistment) when the promotion points got locked out at 798 for those years. And the the ones that didn't get kicked out had to remain stagnant until the 2014 when the promotion points finally came down.

^^^ This scenario was true for tens of thousand active duty members during that time frame. It was rough seeing most of my old transportation company get booted out between 2011 - 2013.

I barely survived myself. Heck, I was a E5 at 14 years before I got promoted to E6. I had to hunker down and gut it out with college classes to gain more points. Still retired though. But it was DAMN tough.

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Nov 30 at 2019 3:11 AM

2019-11-30T03:11:11-05:00

Don't take the test after E-6, like me. Didn't want sea duty at the time.

Response by SSG Alan Lee made Nov 30 at 2019 7:42 AM

2019-11-30T07:42:50-05:00

I retired after 22 years as a SSG. I did 4 1/2 years active duty and the rest in the National Guard. All of my promotions were while on active duty. I had no bad paper. In the Guard they promoted the military technicians of the favorite people first. I was on a waiting list for ANCOC and the BN S1 sent someone further down the list over me because "he needed it more".

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 30 at 2019 8:54 AM

2019-11-30T08:54:30-05:00

18 years of service is not uncommon for SSG. Many retire with over twenty and still SSG.

As an e-4 you should know that.

Response by SSG John M Jacobson Sr made Nov 30 at 2019 9:04 AM

2019-11-30T09:04:18-05:00

Active duty and Army Reserves, combined I had 24 years in the service. So I have 8 service stripes. It just happens sometimes. I can make all kinds of excuses but it does not change the fact that some of us knew we would never go higher in rank due to the fact that if you don't always please the people in charge in the Reserves, you just will not go any higher in rank even if you deserved it. of course I don't know how it is in todays Army, I have been retired from the Army/Army Reserves since 1998. So I am a bit out of touch with how things are today. Just remember an NCO is Still an NCO.

Response by Capt Richard Chason made Nov 30 at 2019 11:54 AM

2019-11-30T11:54:42-05:00

High Year Tenure or TOP-CAP for an E6 is 22 years so an E6 could have 7 at retirement.

Response by SFC William Sutherland III made Dec 1 at 2019 6:15 AM

2019-12-01T06:15:48-05:00

Most of the enlisted Soldiers or military that I have known completed are anywhere between E5-E8 in 18 years. If that is active duty. For Reserve duty there could be a multitude of reasons why a member hasn’t made that next acceptable rank. For me, I thought my college and private businesses overshadowed my military reserve. Years ago, 1999-2000, St. Louis Reserve Command, would promote an individual to SFC *(E7) and then follow up on ANNOC. If you didn’t complete it like some did you were then demoted to E6. For me, I found a MSG Position but according to hold it, you have to be in that position 24 months to hold the rank. If you are medicinally retired or in my case MRD than even thought you had kept it 13 months doesn’t count.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2019 8:01 AM

2019-12-01T08:01:53-05:00

I know you can retire at E-6 in the Navy. I'd be surprised if it was different in the Army. As for the character of his service, I know it's damn tough to make HM1 in the navy (poor community management and not the fault of the junior hospital corpsmen). With the Army being larger, I wouldn't be surprised to find that they have the same problem with certain MOSs.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Dec 12 at 2019 8:08 PM

2019-12-12T20:08:01-05:00

I was an E6 at 18 years. Some of us were happy where we were at.

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Dec 15 at 2019 2:15 AM

2019-12-15T02:15:13-05:00

If an NCO is in a dead end MOS it's possible. Maybe he/she doesn't want to retrain and change jobs. Here's the catch though; at 20 years of service it's move up to SFC or get forced out. The soldier could be in the NG or USAR and like their job. I once had a E5 clerk in my section that did custom gun engraving. He made twice his army income doing his part time work.

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Dec 15 at 2019 7:47 PM

2019-12-15T19:47:36-05:00

A long-time between promotions!

Response by SP6 Greg Jetter made Dec 20 at 2019 2:49 PM

2019-12-20T14:49:49-05:00

Simple , that E-6 could be like I was sitting on the promotion list for over 8 years because there were NO open E-7 slots at that particular time , some MOS like mine 91b at the time only had a certain number of slots for that rank , I could either change MOS or accept the fact that I was on the list for E-7 but would not make it before retirement because the army just did not have a need for me at that rank in that field. I'm not the only one this happened to , but man did I have time in grade and time in service over the other guys !!!

Response by SSG Kenneth Covey made Dec 21 at 2019 12:24 AM

2019-12-21T00:24:40-05:00

Yes I’m one of those pos SSG retirees with more combat stripes then service stripes ... I chose to stay with my MOS and my guys and unit then dodge deployments to get more education that would have certainly advanced my career... the 10th mountain is a highly involved unit in the army and it will make you you quickly realize the difference between self advancement and the survival of your fellow soldiers ... 6 service strips and 10 combat stripes

Response by CSM John Mead made Dec 22 at 2019 2:17 PM

2019-12-22T14:17:19-05:00

You'd be correct in that the SSG has 18 plus years service. He may or may not be promotable to SFC. If not, there can be any number of reasons. Numbers of SFC's in his PMOS, shortages or overages? It's all about requirements for SFC's in their respective fields. Someone said that he must be a dud. I'd say prove it. He doesn't appear to be. Perhaps he's a Guardsman or Reservist. Promotions are slow in those type units. I'd say, ask him, don't make an unfounded judgment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 12:35 PM

2019-12-26T12:35:52-05:00

Maybe someone has stated this already; He could be prior service or reserve time.

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Dec 27 at 2019 9:28 AM

2019-12-27T09:28:47-05:00

Whatever the reason, his or his Uncle Sams, there's no rational for questioning the soldier visa vie this forum. I was once told by a mentor that the stark difference between an NCO and an officer is that the officers don't discuss fellow officers discrepancy on open MIC. Let's support one another and remember, the other difference between the two is that the NCO IS an officer, non-commissioned, but an officer none the less.

Response by SSG Roland Shelton made Dec 27 at 2019 10:11 AM

2019-12-27T10:11:22-05:00

The man is a SSG, he served his country and retired. No need or right to question him of his service.

Response by SFC Jon Van made Dec 27 at 2019 10:39 AM

2019-12-27T10:39:14-05:00

I was active duty, then did 6 years in the reserves then came back into the Active component. I was an E6 for 8 years due to screwy TIS/TIG calculations from my reserve time. I ended up getting promoted to E7 with 22 years BASD for pay AND i was a 1/1 NCOER for all but 2 of my time in the active army. Before you judge a person based on a picture, shit in your hand and put it in your mouth. SOME MOS's such as Chem have almost NO E7 positions. 10,000 E5 -> 5,000 E6 and 200 E7. (that is how it felt) To make E7 I had to go special operations. Just for the record, as an E6, I was the S3 SME and was paid more than all but one E7 in my battalion. THis guy probably has a break in service and or a MOS with a tight pyramid of promotion potential.

Response by SSG Ralph Jeffries made Dec 28 at 2019 3:42 AM

2019-12-28T03:42:26-05:00

I retired in 1994 after 20 years of active duty as a 95B Military Policeman. I did every job available except drill and recruiting (just not my thing) and served in Desert Sheild/Storm. In the years before retirement when I was prime for th 7-list, the Army promoted less than 1% of ALL E-6s eligible....and guess who those went to. Drills and recruiters. Even though I made the list my last year in and could have stayed, I read the writing on the wall and retired never looking back. After 18 years in, I spent the last two with those 6 service stripes and proud of every last one.

Response by SGT Alan Simmons made Dec 28 at 2019 8:10 PM

2019-12-28T20:10:13-05:00

Let me add my two cents in... Once I hit Sergeant E5, the promotion points in my MOS (71D) remained at 998 for quite a while. When I was medically discharged, I had been "promotable" for over two years - that's right - an E5(P) for TWO years. There are always MOSs out there where the promotion points remain high and/, or slots available for senior NOCs remain full. And the only choice many NCOs have is to either reclassify into a faster-promoting MOS OR to stay put in their current MOS, knowing they may retire as only a Staff Sergeant/E6 or maybe even a Sergeant First Class/E7.

There's always more to the story than the crappy barracks philosophers will tell you.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Dec 30 at 2019 12:18 AM

2019-12-30T00:18:46-05:00

To a large extent it depends on your Rate or MOS to you non-seafaring types. As an Electronics Technician, I made E-6 in under six, and I goofed of for my first three years. Other rates took a lot longer, for example Photographers Mate, another rate I had looked at had an average time in grade of 6 years to make E-5. Yea, he could have been a screw up, I replaced one ET-1 who was busted back to undesignated SN for gross incompetency, so yea it happens. I also served with a CPO (E-7) who once got busted from E-5 to E-3 for punching out a O-1 while both of them were drunk and stupid. I suppose in today's services that would rate a BCD or something, but I served before we had a kinder gentler military. LOL

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Dec 30 at 2019 7:19 AM

2019-12-30T07:19:12-05:00

We had a company clerk who had been in 12 years and an E4. Would make rank then go on a binge get an article 15 and loose it. He was too good of a clerk to kick out

Response by Sgt David Sylvia made Dec 30 at 2019 8:59 AM

2019-12-30T08:59:38-05:00

Meh, I’m a (retired USMC) E-5 (Sgt) with 5 service stripes & never got busted down or went to office hours. I served 10 years in the Air Force as a cook, then got out at age 27. The next month I joined the Marines as an E-1 private. I was informed that although my previous 10 years in USAF WILL count towards total service time, the “high year of tenure” rules won’t kick in until I make E-6 (which I never did). So I served 22 years total (5 service stripes). The USMC has 1 service stripe for every 4 years. But I think the Army has 1 service stripe per three years, so a SSgt with 20 years in the Army should have 6 service stripes (the OP didn’t specify which branch).

Response by 1SG Juan Aviles made Dec 30 at 2019 11:35 AM

2019-12-30T11:35:17-05:00

It doesn’t matter. The fact is that this soldier has served 18 honorable years of service to the country. He’s done a lot.

Response by SGT Shane Serna made Dec 31 at 2019 7:05 AM

2019-12-31T07:05:27-05:00

Heh I was1 year away from 5 stripes as an E-4. Hit E-5 on my very last day as a medical retire.

Response by MAJ Lee Goehl made Dec 31 at 2019 7:57 AM

2019-12-31T07:57:15-05:00

Not knowing the total context of the photo, it's hard to say. But it is not uncommon. Like it was mentioned slow pro mos, career choice there ate so many reasons. He could of had a breakvin service. I have a buddy getting ready to retire next yearcwith his 30 that had a 10 year break in service. cost him a a strip up front and prob a strip or 2 promotion wise to leave. but we all make career choices, that's part of life

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2019 8:33 PM

2019-12-31T20:33:00-05:00

I agree with Major Cheek and Colonel Lopey. I have seen great leaders at all levels and I have seen some not so great ones at very high levels. What I would tell a young new Soldier is that you respect the rank and you follow orders, but you will learn that true leadership, has nothing to do with the rank on the chest. The kind of leadership where men and women will follow you anywhere, has nothing to do with what is on your chest, but what is inside. Never judge a book by its cover fits here. I would put a specialist that used to work for me who I made a corporal then a Sergeant before I left, up against many senior enlisted and officers. He was that good. Because he ended up with an illness that he could have retired on out of Panama, (BUT CHOSE NOT TO) he never looked like the same Infantry stud he was when he went in and he never got past SSG, but man was that guy smart and capable. The military is a huge bureaucracy that mostly, but doesn't always get it right. This NCO looks fit, confident, and by the medals and badges on his chest, competent. And. . . Most importantly, he is a volunteer Soldier that served his country during a time a war.

Response by SGT Joseph Mingram made Jan 1 at 2020 12:52 AM

2020-01-01T00:52:20-05:00

Easy, he could be a reservist.

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made Jan 1 at 2020 3:18 PM

2020-01-01T15:18:53-05:00

Wow the NCO corps really has gone to shit, reading some of these replies.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 11:36 PM

2020-01-01T23:36:19-05:00

My guess is crappy career progression his MOS. I realize that this is an old post but still relevant. It popped up on my feed.

Aside from all that, perhaps your attention should swing over to his right sleeve and note the roughly 5 years he spent in a combat zone. Get back to work.

Response by Sgt Marbury Keys made Jan 2 at 2020 10:09 AM

2020-01-02T10:09:18-05:00

Four years and even officers have service strips.

Response by SGT Roger Norris made Jan 2 at 2020 4:19 PM

2020-01-02T16:19:13-05:00

I was in the Army National Guard for some time. I personally know E-5 that have 7 service stripes and are the most squared away NCO you will ever find, or soldier for that matter. It depends on open slots and points if you get promoted or not. So I personally see this as not that unusual especially if you are talking about the Army National Guard.

Response by PO2 Keith Ruesch made Jan 2 at 2020 4:27 PM

2020-01-02T16:27:36-05:00

Okay, this is a NAVY reserve story... During my time in the reserve the most long-term sailor we had retire had over 40 years. He joined just after WW2 and retired as an E6 (First Class Petty Officer) with an arm full of good conduct (GOLD) stripes on his sleeve in 1985.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-01-03T13:11:06-05:00

I know him. You answered your own question - he had been in longer than 18 years... You’re insinuating that he’s done something wrong because he didn’t fly through the ranks. What you failed to understand is that our points were maxed out for YEARS up until 2015. Back then, not everybody promoted after being in the Army for 6 hours.
The best CSM I’ve ever had was a SGT for 10 years before he made SSG. Slow progression isn’t always a reflection of wrong doings.

Response by SSG Michael Doolittle made Jan 5 at 2020 3:39 PM

2020-01-05T15:39:16-05:00

Why is that hard to understand, yes a SSG E-6 could have 18 years of service as this SSG displays... He also has 5 or 6 overseas stripes which for 18 years service is not a great deal of overseas time....

Response by SSG William Neu made Jan 6 at 2020 1:04 PM

2020-01-06T13:04:23-05:00

I retired out of the Army Guard as an E6 with 20 years and 3 months. I was AGR I had 10 years Weekend Warrior and I had 10 years Active Duty. When I went AGR I had to take an Administrative bust to an E5, then in 6 years I was promoted back to E6 due to MOS and Organizational Structure. The reason why I am putting my 2 cents in is this. I was asked 3 times to take an E7 slot, the first 2 times I didnt consider myself ready to take on the responsibility of the platoon. I felt I didnt have a good enough 1st Sergeant, Platoon SGT and I didnt want to carry any of their leadership skills and ability with me if I took it. There was no one to emulate what a good leader was during the time I was in. Needless to say this. I served proudly irregardless of my rank. I took more satisfaction of enlisting and completing my duties to the best of my ability no matter what rank I was.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 9:21 PM

2020-01-06T21:21:18-05:00

Breaks in service, or perhaps reserve or national guard in an MOS with too many senior NCOs making promotion difficult. Maybe even just didn’t pursue promotion aggressively or wasn’t current on NCOES.

There are many reasons why some people promote quicker through the ranks than others, also E-6 isn’t a bad career at all.

Response by SSG Richard Wright made Jan 8 at 2020 12:05 AM

2020-01-08T00:05:51-05:00

Positions for promotion is department of the army driven, you have to build points through education, positions worked, levels earned, there is allotted number of the next level promotions army wide by mos(job title): thousands of staff sergeants are on the list, but only a minimum number is granted annually, depends on billets filled and DA board each year, most 20 year retirees are staff sergeants or sergeant first class, all depends on time and grade, time in service, education, position worked, MOS

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2020 1:14 AM

2020-01-13T01:14:33-05:00

Not uncommon at all spent a while with sham shield preparing for time as a nco then had TIG requirement then ranked up again or had to wait on schools because he ruffled someone’s feather or feel into ranks and put into not priority position for school when schools became available because got promoted without needing school at that time

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 9:32 AM

2020-01-22T09:32:03-05:00

There's lots of reasons. He could have gotten out and back in at some point or gone Reserve or Guard for a while, or many other things.

I left active duty and went Reserve to go to college. I put more into college than getting promoted. I was stagnant for a while due to my own priorities. I'm now returning to active as a SSG with a college degree and 5 service stripes but only 9.5 years of active duty time, the rest is Reserve. It slowed my career progression but I'm sure there will be assumptions that I'm a POS or got UCMJ. You can't judge a book by its cover. If you want to know, ask. He could have got UCMJ, he could have just decided he wanted to stay an E-6 because he likes being a squad leader (I did meet someone who never wanted to go above E-6 because he hated the idea of being anything more than a squad leader) or many other reasons.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 2:44 PM

2020-01-22T14:44:13-05:00

maybe it's petty but, as a prior enlisted guy, it bothers me just a little that I am not allowed to wear my 6 service stripes for the time I was enlisted. Odd that I am allowed to wear my Air Force and Army GCMs, Army NCO professional development ribbon and Air Force NCO PME graduate ribbon but not my service stripes. I earned those stripes just as much as I earned those ribbons.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2020 11:13 AM

2020-01-23T11:13:01-05:00

Don't be confused, not everyone has the same military experience and we should all want that. That SSG should be rightfully just as proud of his military service as a general officer. One of the best NCO's I ever had the privilege of working with was an E-5 with 15 years in the army, he was the most professional and technically proficient individuals, regardless of rank, I ever knew. He eventually had to get a special waiver so that he could reclassify into another MOS so he could get promoted to SSG and retire.
My point is don't judge someone by there rank and how much time in service they have. Not everyone shoots up the ranks and becomes a "superstar" and don't assume things about their career, I don't think anyone else would want to be judged based upon unwarranted assumptions. One of the things I like most about being retired from the army is not being judged every day. The army is so judgemental (can't speak for the other branches) that we just can't help ourselves. From the moment we walk into our units first thing in the morning people look at you and they begin judging. What does your hair look like? what is your demeanor? , what time did you step into formation?.
Don't get me wrong, there is a necessity behind this need to judge/evaluate others in the army but this environment creates a culture where we take it too far and begin to make assumptions about people based upon these judgments. For example, the NCO who may carry a few extra pounds but makes his tape. People may assume things like, "oh he/she is a slug", "he/she isn't as motivated or professional as other NCO's".
I can remember when I first came into the army and was an infantryman. The mentality in the infantry was that if you weren't in the infantry you were less of a soldier, weak, insignificant. It took me a long time to overcome this way of thinking even when I reclassified into another MOS. Other MOS's would counter this mentality with if you are in a combat arms MOS you are stupid. Of course, it took me a long time to figure this out but the real truth is we really only need to judge ourselves and do our best to meet the standards established by the army, our supervisors, and ourselves. Everything else is just white noise that distracts from our real purpose in life.

Response by CPT Edward Barr made Jan 27 at 2020 9:17 PM

2020-01-27T21:17:13-05:00

I haven't read all of the comments, so I may be repeating:
I could give a better answer if I could zoom in close enough to see his good conduct medals. As said, retiring an E-6 is very common. However, several overseas deployment stripes give a very small opening to wonder why not higher rank. VERY small.
As I said, look at the good conduct medal. 1 award for every 3 years, or every 1 year during times of War. Look at the number of Bronze/Silver/Gold braided knots on the ribbon. At 18 years, he should have a Silver with 1 knot. However, over the last 18 years, I do not recall how many of those we were Congressionally declared "at war." So, he might have a Silver with 2 knots, or a Gold with 1 knot. If he has a Bronze knot, then you know he got in trouble at least once or twice. Or, you can do the investigating, and math, to exactly which bar and knots he should have.
Either way, he's probably an outstanding Soldier, who was happy to stay in an MOS keeping him locked in a long term full billet.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2020 12:43 PM

2020-01-29T12:43:11-05:00

Not sure what the confusion is, I have seen plenty of NCO's retire as E6. Retiring as E6 would give you at least 20 years. Maybe he has an MOS that promotion points are Seven Ninety Never and it takes forever to make rank. Not all MOS's have a lot of E7 slots. Maybe all the E7 slots are full and no one has been promoted in several years. This is nothing to be confused about. Maybe he doesn't want to make E7 and is very happy as an E6. There are lots of reasons and they are not for you to question.

Response by SFC Joh Williams made Feb 3 at 2020 7:24 AM

2020-02-03T07:24:33-05:00

Retention control point used to be 20 years

Response by SGT Kenner Mckie made Feb 4 at 2020 2:28 PM

2020-02-04T14:28:02-05:00

A number of reasons could have been a screw up early on ..or maybe an NG that went active...or as hard as it is to believe lol had a CO who just didn't like him...

Response by SGT Dan Keeler made Feb 4 at 2020 7:39 PM

2020-02-04T19:39:24-05:00

Could be that he is an MP. They promote slow as hell.....

Response by SSgt John Hutto made Feb 5 at 2020 9:43 AM

2020-02-05T09:43:04-05:00

That might be you one day PFC! hey hes been in 18 years! Thats quite an accomplishment in itself! Dont try to cheapen it! You are a PFC, so that means you havent been in long enough to question such things! I find your question a bit disrespectful. When i was a young Airman we were treated like kids, meaning you only spoke when spoken too, and you never interupted adults(NCO's) or questioned them in any way! Unless they were giving u a known unlawful or unsafe order! See i came up when times were alot different in the AF. We were more like an actual branch of the military and you got real discipline when you said stupid shit like you just did or did stupid things!

Response by PO3 Con Gubser made Feb 6 at 2020 7:07 AM

2020-02-06T07:07:52-05:00

I was in the US Navy. They use a stripe for every four years. I knew the Army was three years per stripe, but was confused about how each level (E-1, E-2) appeared on the sleeves. I am trying to convince a nephew that serving is a special way to give, and earn respect and experience, and grow up ! Something I was scheduled to do in 1970, but changed my mind. My best friend did go in on 16 Jun 1970, into the Warrant Officer program for helicopter pilots. I later became a pilot for fixed wing, but regret not getting helo training.
Thank you very much !

Con Gubser

Response by SFC Ray Guti made Feb 6 at 2020 9:53 AM

2020-02-06T09:53:42-05:00

It could be possible that he was in the guard for a spell before going active duty as well.

Response by PO2 Dennis Beeh made Feb 6 at 2020 2:07 PM

2020-02-06T14:07:53-05:00

Happens quite frequently in the Navy and I assume other branches are the same, depends upon your Rating/MOS. Some jobs it's damn near impossible to advance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2020 2:10 PM

2020-02-06T14:10:52-05:00

He could be in the National Guard.

Response by SFC Stuart Stevens made Feb 6 at 2020 2:44 PM

2020-02-06T14:44:02-05:00

Actually the important thing is the rank he or she wears regardless of service or deployment stripes. I know a few service members that due to assignments never deployed. They have my respect for what they did and how they did it. Also NJP doesn’t have tO be a career ender for young service members if they learn from their mistakes and don’t carry a chip on their shoulder.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2020 5:06 PM

2020-02-06T17:06:50-05:00

Back in the 1980 and pre-war in general, getting out at E6 was quite routine for some folks. Just do your job, hit the target as best you can, show up and do what's asked of you. Not hard to do back in the day...... Becoming an E7 and a Platoon SGT was not always in the cards for some folks, sometimes they just were not presented with the option or in may cases, a personal decision that they just didn't want to deal with it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2020 6:57 PM

2020-02-06T18:57:06-05:00

I'm confused about the question. Do you think it took him too long to get SSG or vise versa?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2020 9:14 PM

2020-02-06T21:14:51-05:00

Just...uh..................ask the SSG? Stand at parade rest and respect his service and ask him how long he's been in. If this is a picture, ask an NCO at work. If you're not at work, go do soldier stuff like drink and post embarrassing photos on Instagram like everyone else, not rallypoint.

Response by SSG Michael Vance made Feb 6 at 2020 10:59 PM

2020-02-06T22:59:48-05:00

It makes perfect sense, I retired from active duty with 20 years and 12 days service which means for the last 2 years of my active duty I was required to have 6 services stripes reflecting 18 years of service but less than 21

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 12:55 AM

2020-02-07T00:55:38-05:00

I'm an e6 and have 5 service strips

Response by PO1 Don Tillack made Feb 7 at 2020 1:03 AM

2020-02-07T01:03:51-05:00

You can retire as an E-6. Nothing wrong with that.

Response by PFC Garry Tarvin made Feb 7 at 2020 11:15 AM

2020-02-07T11:15:32-05:00

I knew a good gunny that topped out at gunnery Sgt in 86 he got out in 96 gunny after 26 years

Response by SSG John Ciurana made Feb 8 at 2020 4:34 PM

2020-02-08T16:34:30-05:00

PFC is definitely on to something. What is RCP for E6 nowadays?

Response by 2LT Evan Arguello made Feb 8 at 2020 5:13 PM

2020-02-08T17:13:19-05:00

Six service stripes for Marines, Navy and Coast Guard is a lot for an E6 because theirs are every 4 years. Army is every 3 years, and you have to account for a lot of reservists who get stuck in a rank for years.

Response by SGT Jon Creager made Feb 8 at 2020 7:53 PM

2020-02-08T19:53:57-05:00

He has been a hard worker, done his time and been over looked. It happens some people are low key, get the jobs done time and time again. These are the givers. They will give anything to make the Army better, but these same people seldom stand out nor to they attract attention to themselves. He is the man who knows his job inside and out I want him by my side when bullets are flying. I dont want that kids who has all the college. and Little Experience . When I got out I saw a lot of pfc with BS and even MS degrees. oh they can read the books, but their life experiences I would not have wanted to go to war with them. They lack something COMMON SENSE!

Response by Sgt Michael Hearne made Feb 9 at 2020 3:25 AM

2020-02-09T03:25:31-05:00

Explain for us (non-Army) types; i.e. Swabi's, Jarheads, Coasties, and civilians, are you referring to time in service stripes, enlisted grade stripes, or something else.

Response by Cpl Gerald Hill made Feb 9 at 2020 2:46 PM

2020-02-09T14:46:36-05:00

OK in the Army you call them service stripes 1=3 yrs. In the Marine Corps we call them hash marks 1=4 yrs. I never knew there was a 1 yr difference between the two branches of service!

Response by SPC Mark Stevens made Feb 9 at 2020 7:02 PM

2020-02-09T19:02:09-05:00

PFC, you are out of pocket. Shut it down now. Your question is rude and disrespectful. Why or how he is an E-6 with 18 years means JACK. He is a non-com and as such has earned the respect due his rank.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Feb 9 at 2020 9:30 PM

2020-02-09T21:30:53-05:00

I have met some great NCO's who have had a loss of service time due to mistakes in earlier service. Not sure if that is the case in the circumstances you cite here.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 3:52 AM

2020-02-10T03:52:43-05:00

No offense but why is a PFC questioning a SSG career how about the PFC learns there place!!! Last time I checked a SSG doesn’t answer to a PFC. however on the other hand this PFC obviously needs to be educated on that after SPC promotions aren’t automatic for doing your job and showing up. Slots/ schools/NCOERS are all factors on why someone is a SSG with 18. I’m a SFC with 20.

Response by SSgt Kevin Hunt made Feb 10 at 2020 10:16 AM

2020-02-10T10:16:44-05:00

As a USAF retiree (1987-2007), I retired as a SSgt (4 stripes) with an honorable discharge. I served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. We test for promotion. I'm a terrible test taker because I have trouble concentrating. I was forced to cross-train after 10 years.

I went from a career field where sometimes 1 out of every 10 were promoted to a career field where sometimes 1 out of every 100 were promoted.

I know quite a few Veterans from all branches that retired as an E-5 or E-6. Not one of them had any derogatory information in their records. It just happened to be the career field/MOS they happened to be in.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Feb 10 at 2020 6:50 PM

2020-02-10T18:50:25-05:00

Evidently he was passed over on E-7 selection boards. There could be dozens of reasons and none of them mean the person was sub standard.

Response by CW3 Chris Davis made Feb 11 at 2020 1:29 PM

2020-02-11T13:29:25-05:00

Sean,
Let's start this conversation off right, why do you feel that there is an issue with an NCO simply because they have been in the Army for 20 years and only an E6? Heck I had some outstanding NCO's back when I joined that were E5 at the 20 year mark, the thing that I didn't understand at the time was how they could be content with only having E5 or E6 as your argument states, which is an awesome reason for the Army to bring back the Specialist ranks back up to Spec. 6 now this is just my opinion, because some Soldiers are really good at their jobs and do not have the hankering for the additional responsibility that ensues with the additional rank. Now with that said and in mind does that make it right? Probably not because those NCO's somewhere along the line didn't have the proper leadership to guide them along the way. my suggestion to you is always seek a mentor in whatever you pursue in your career whether you continue and make the Army your home for 20+ years or even in the civilian sector but before you judge an NCO for their service stripes take a moment and get to know them and find out their story, they may amaze you at their knowledge base, i.e. don't judge a book by it's cover. Just my 2.5 cents.

Chris R. Davis
CW3 (Retired)

Response by Sgt Robert Lombard made Feb 11 at 2020 4:13 PM

2020-02-11T16:13:49-05:00

That question reveals an ignorance of life in general, never mind the military. You oughta start paying attention, private O'hara. Might save you some grief.

Response by SSG Leroy Kirk made Feb 11 at 2020 9:32 PM

2020-02-11T21:32:24-05:00

I’m a Retired Combined Service Sgt; with 21.5 years of honorable military service.... So, yes it’s understandable that a E6 can have 6 or more service stripes, because I have 7, alone with a combat patch and metals...

Sgt. (Retired) 100% Disable Vetern: LJ KIRK...

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Feb 11 at 2020 9:51 PM

2020-02-11T21:51:16-05:00

Unfortunately, it happens. Many, many variables to include MOS, funding, drawn down, etc. This is much more common in the Air Force. Don't assume based upon rank. Some of the best don't get the promotions and, unfortunately, some who are promoted shouldn't be. This holds true for both enlisted and officer but never WO's :-).

Response by SFC Andrew Moore made Feb 12 at 2020 10:10 AM

2020-02-12T10:10:24-05:00

Worry about your own career and making it to E4. Or how about asking the Soldier yourself. It’s called verbal communication. Something most privates do on the phone now.

Response by SGT Andrew Howard made Feb 12 at 2020 1:22 PM

2020-02-12T13:22:08-05:00

Reserve or national guard time is possible

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Feb 13 at 2020 8:00 PM

2020-02-13T20:00:19-05:00

I did 20 retired as an E6 I was in a small MOS and getting E5 and E6 was really hard both times I was promoted with well over 900 points. I was an 11B for three years I could have climbed the ladder really quick but I went to school as an E4 picked up 84B as an MOS there was only 250 photographers in the Army.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2020 8:49 PM

2020-02-13T20:49:41-05:00

Could possibly be prior service or just NJP’d and cleaned up and re-enlisted. You can complete 20 years of active service as an E-6 after all.

Response by SGT Scott Moreland made Feb 14 at 2020 7:46 AM

2020-02-14T07:46:07-05:00

First off, congratulations on your recent promotion. When you see this always assume first that this SSG may be in a particular MOS that doesn't have many openings for E7. Always give people the chance to prove their character before assuming anything.

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made Feb 16 at 2020 9:41 PM

2020-02-16T21:41:46-05:00

Somewhere someone missed the boat but he could have had a bad run . My goal was to see as many people make E-7 or better. But if they don't help themselves you can't do it for them . All branches of military have courses that must be completed to advance in grade and rank and require those wanting to be promoted to achieve . The old saying God helps those that help themselves and along with rank comes responsibility and most important you have to be in the slot or billet .

Response by PO1 Timothy Kline made Feb 26 at 2020 6:12 PM

2020-02-26T18:12:45-05:00

I retired at 20 years as an E6. Nothing to be ashamed of. I just happened to be in a job that was top heavy for many years.

Response by SSG Anthony Piper made Mar 2 at 2020 4:55 PM

2020-03-02T16:55:59-05:00

i had 8 when i retired in 09 and no art 15s

Response by SPC James Seigars made Mar 3 at 2020 12:25 AM

2020-03-03T00:25:27-05:00

I had 24 years when I retired as a Specialist. Before a bunch of people call me a liar or otherwise attack my character there is a simple reason for that, several in fact.
1. I served in the Army Reserves, National Guard in three towns and on active duty twice.
2. I had four MOS’s because either my new unit didn’t have a slot in my old MOS or it took longer to get promoted in my old MOS than in my new one.
3. When I was doing this if you left the reserves/guard to go active or visa versa you went back to the rank you were when you had left that part of the army, so if I was an E-4 (p) and had been an E-2 when I changed I technically lost three ranks for no reason aside from that was the regs back then.
4. I was stupid towards the end of my service. I didn’t (and still don’t) drink much so I didn’t think about what constituted a DUI in Europe were I was at the time. It was a 0.05 instead of the 0.08 that we are familiar with here. I went to get my step daughter on New Year’s Eve after she was left stranded and I only drank two drinks 1.5 hours prior. I went through a checkpoint and blew a 0.054. First DUI of the year went from an E-5 (P) back to an E-4 for the third time.
5. More stupidity on my part. Everyone knew I had got a raw deal since that was my only article 15 the second time I was active (I also had one the first time I was active as well for not reporting for duty when I had paid someone to take my shift. They didn’t and I was with my girlfriend. Two article 15’s in 24 years is pretty good in my opinion. I know many with a lot more than that in less time) and wanted me to go back to the board. I refused for 6 years. At first it was because I was mad, but once I got to my last duty station it was because I enjoyed working with the officers I was helping in some small way with their training and knew if I was promoted I would have to leave & probably work in an office somewhere alone. I was a Supply Specialist at the time working in an admin position. So there are five reasons why a Specialist (p)/Corporal had Eight service stripes on his uniform. Everyone is different so we all take different paths on our journey to the same destination. (Btw: I have just finished college at 53 and am now a professional photographer. It makes all the bs I went through, regardless of if it was mine or the army’s doing, worth it).

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 9:17 AM

2020-03-05T09:17:28-05:00

Technically it is possible considering 20 years is cap for E-6

Response by PO1 Susan Craig made Mar 5 at 2020 1:13 PM

2020-03-05T13:13:39-05:00

not an issue, as an E6 at 15 years all it takes is missing the cut-off by a few points once or twice

Response by CMSgt Michael Mazerat made Mar 5 at 2020 6:06 PM

2020-03-05T18:06:18-05:00

My dad had 43 years in service 1951-1994. He wore E-7 for 23 years.

Response by LCDR Michael ,Driscoll made Mar 6 at 2020 9:49 AM

2020-03-06T09:49:16-05:00

I was under the impression that each service stripe was for 2 years...

Response by PO1 Jack Marshfield made Mar 6 at 2020 10:31 AM

2020-03-06T10:31:41-05:00

I retired as an E6 in the Navy. Yeah I had some authority issues but my leadership still thought I was worth keeping on. And on the subject of promotion. I was the ONLY crewman in a marking period to receive a Navy Commendation Medal from the Secretary of the Navy,... and somehow was still passed over for promotion in that cycle. If you LOVE your "job",... KEEP DOING IT, and do it to the very best of your ability. Your Country, your unit, those you report to, and any men/women whom you lead DESERVE that.

Response by SSG Gerald Buerger made Mar 6 at 2020 11:43 AM

2020-03-06T11:43:32-05:00

I spent 12 1/2 years in and got out because 10 of those were as E-6. I had four service and 5 combat stripes.

Response by SSG Gerald Buerger made Mar 6 at 2020 11:50 AM

2020-03-06T11:50:32-05:00

Got out after 12 1/2 because 10 of those were as E-6. Had four service and 5 combat stripes.

Response by SP6 Dickie Swindle made Mar 6 at 2020 2:05 PM

2020-03-06T14:05:58-05:00

H may have been busted in rank

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Mar 6 at 2020 2:43 PM

2020-03-06T14:43:13-05:00

Great Question a lot of NCO are E6 with 18 years nothing unusual most don’t make E7 in some MOS fields like Army Mariners rsnk is very hard to get because you must be licensed to grade to get the next stripe the average is 4 to 5 yrs

Response by Chris Wesling made Mar 6 at 2020 3:11 PM

2020-03-06T15:11:59-05:00

My father was active duty Marine 1942-1972. The Marines hash marks are for 4 yrs each. 6 hash marks in the Marines would be 24-27 yrs. Dad had 7 & retired E-9 Mgy/sgt. 7 would be 28-32 yrs

Response by Sgt Jeff Greenwell made Mar 6 at 2020 5:41 PM

2020-03-06T17:41:21-05:00

some mos rank is slower fact of life

Response by LCDR Joseph Richter made Mar 6 at 2020 5:55 PM

2020-03-06T17:55:37-05:00

Broken service, perhaps some guard or reserve time, there's a number of ways for that to happen, although nowadays with high year tenure, 18 years would be his last eligible year of service. In the navy we have a number of E-6's with 18 years of service, thy're good troops, not good at testing or in a rate that has slow advancement.

Response by SPC Tom Regan made Mar 7 at 2020 2:28 AM

2020-03-07T02:28:41-05:00

3 stripes above his lone rocker denotes his/her enlisted rank... three separate stripes on the right sleeve...one for every 3 years of service. Only displayed on the" class A" uniform.

Response by CPL Ronald Kearns made Mar 7 at 2020 8:32 AM

2020-03-07T08:32:52-05:00

What does it matter. I knew a PFC that had 7 service stripes. Shit happens.

Response by SP6 Ron Geatches made Mar 7 at 2020 9:46 AM

2020-03-07T09:46:31-05:00

I was in the military for 28 years and only made it to E-6. On Active Duty for 12 years I only got to E-5 because the promotion points were 999 for 71L.. In the National Guard I was still a 71L when we went to Iraq where I made E-6. Since we got back I became the NBC NCO for my unit then we all became 88M. Still only made it to E-6.

Response by PO3 Timothy Gonzalez made Mar 7 at 2020 10:40 AM

2020-03-07T10:40:36-05:00

Could also have prior enlistment before they handed out promotions like they are candy. Used to be really hard to make E-6, especially in specific rates.

Response by SSG Richard Perry made Mar 7 at 2020 10:53 AM

2020-03-07T10:53:55-05:00

There is nothing to be confused about young PFC. I am one of thousands of SSG's that retired. I have been on 6 different deployments, 4 of them combat tours. The Army has changed a lot and I wasn't one of those "Kinder more Politically Correct" NCO"s that the Army was looking for now days so needless to say I was overlooked for promotion. But when they needed an NCO to get the job done, they knew who to go to. My morals, pride and honor mean much more to me than a stripe. Those who knew me worked with me know who I am and that I will never cave to appease their need. All I have to say and I'm proud to have done my service and I'd probably still be in the Army if they wanted and needed a NON-politically correct NCO and one that gets the job done.

Response by SPC Patrick Bourcier made Mar 7 at 2020 12:43 PM

2020-03-07T12:43:14-05:00

Sure - he has worked in some very slow promotion MOS fields, or he got out and reenlisted losing a stripe or two, or he's been busted a time or two and lost a few stripes along the way. Several reasons I can think of. None of which are good but possible.

Response by SSG John Mercer made Mar 7 at 2020 2:15 PM

2020-03-07T14:15:41-05:00

Every MOS has a "hump" that it's nearly impossible to get over... I was a 31G (later 31J) Communication Chief. Every company had an E-5 31G, but there was only one E-6 slot per battalion-sized unit. I spent over six years on the quailfied list with a PQS of over 800 (max was 1000 in those days, don't know about now) and there wasn't a single E-5 promoted in that time.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 3:25 PM

2020-03-08T15:25:49-04:00

MOS could play a major role in ones abilities to make the next higher rank in the branch of service. PFC do confuse time in service with rank and capacity to perform a task or MOS skill set. To be honest in the future high ranks will be even harder to obtain. So please do judge by the books cover.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 11:21 PM

2020-03-08T23:21:31-04:00

It’s probably because he’s been in 18 years and one stripe represents three years of service...

Response by PO3 Anthony Nichols made Mar 9 at 2020 12:14 AM

2020-03-09T00:14:07-04:00

JSOC nobody above him has retired in his unit they are all about the same age 8 man team 24 man team. He was a spec 4. Team only needs one E-7. Operators don't really have job descriptions that are dependent on rank spec 4 becomes E-5 and that's it. JSOC is under the president not the secretary of the army. Some guys make rank other guys drag and only advance fast enough to make sure they can stay 20 years if your sniper makes NCO you got a problem he is no longer a sniper he is squad leader or topmost everyone in the unit needs to be NCO or wants to be.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 9 at 2020 12:21 AM

2020-03-09T00:21:17-04:00

It's not hard. Relatively simple in fact. Simple math shall we?

Soldier Johns joins the Army bright and eager at the tender age of 17, he joins as a split option DEP. This means that he goes to basic between his junior and senior years. Then he goes to his AIT and let's say that he was a hard charger and his recruiter did him a solid so Airborne and Ranger along with his AIT. While nifty, that puts him in school for the better part of 7 months. At this point he has been in almost 10 months and is arriving to his first duty station. All of this as a blank sleeve, and E-1. Now it takes by regs 6 months TIS minimum to reach E-2 but a training house generally will not promote a soldier so he is stuck at E-1 until he reaches his unit and then it takes his SNCO, 1SGT and CC a minute to get him promoted to E-2. Promotions are not automatic. They still must be initiated by Command. Now, approximately 6 months later he is first eligible to get promoted to E-3 and then roughly 3 months later up to two years later eligible to promote to E-4. So he is at the minimum 2 year mark to get his E-4. Let's say that his command is average and he was at 30 months to get his E-4.

Now is where things slow down as to get to E-5 there is no simply thing of a commander puts you in. Now you have to go before a board, then attend leadership school and have a few Army mandated courses under your belt. Then you have to wait. Here is where staffing matters for various MOS's and if the army is over staffed in E-5's for a given MOS you could sit and wait. An extremely squared away troop that is motivated and hard charging can achieve E-5 in 3-4 years. It is not unheard of to see E-4's go longer, like 8 years or so without promotion to E-5 through no fault of theirs. That alone puts them at at almost 3 service stripes.

Then there is the walk to get from E-5 to E-6 and if there are combat deployments in this time you can extend that time by years. If you look on his other sleeve you will see several stripes... each one indicating a combat tour.

Response by SPC Paul Williams made Mar 9 at 2020 12:12 PM

2020-03-09T12:12:12-04:00

There are some MOS's that just do not promote that well. He may have been in one of those jobs at least for some of his career.

Response by PO3 Troy Wartman made Mar 9 at 2020 7:18 PM

2020-03-09T19:18:08-04:00

because they did 18 years , and were at the rank of E6 at that time?

Response by SFC Ron Culver made Mar 10 at 2020 1:30 AM

2020-03-10T01:30:58-04:00

Maybe he is National Guard or Reserve. Not unusual at all if this the case. Or he is in an MOS where it takes an act of God for someone to get promoted. I was a 95B, (old school MP), in the 1970s and 1980s where I was a SP4 for a little over three years before I was promoted to SGT. At that time promotions we're based on a 1000 pont system. Promotion to SGT took 998 points, you could have every award under the sn, finished as Honor Grad at every school you could attend and not reach the cut off score. When I was promoted the points dropped for one month then went right back up. So until you walk a mile in the SSG shoes, shut your pie hole PFC.

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Mar 10 at 2020 3:33 PM

2020-03-10T15:33:49-04:00

It all sort of depends on the SSGs MOS and whether or not this guy is in the Guard or not.

Not every MOS is just a quick trip up the ladder. I spent 4 years active duty and never made it to E-5 because the points were just too high. The lowest I ever saw the points go was the upper 700s. That's because I was in an MOS that people stayed in and made careers out of. Career Infantry are a rarity, but career Computer Programmers, Intel Specialists and Admin Clerks are a lot more common.

In the Guard the problem is that you cannot move up until someone moves out. Rather than having the ability to take a slot anywhere in the world, the Guard is limited to just one state which is usually around 5,000 total members and a bunch of those are a different MOS than you. Typically a state will have a single battalion of people in your MOS which makes getting past E-6 REALLY HARD. You;re waiting for that E-7 to get a MSG or 1SG slot and those guys are waiting for a SGM slot. With 1 or 2 SGM slots and only 4 or 5 1SG slots, for the dozen SFCs in the state, it's basically a waiting game and not everyone will get there despite having impeccable service records, extra training and numerous awards.

I, myself, retired at 21 years as an E-6 and I didn't make that until after 18 years of service simply because we had a bunch of guys that stayed in for 25 or even 30 years as a 1SG waiting for a SGM slot to open up.

Response by LTC David Howard made Mar 11 at 2020 9:47 AM

2020-03-11T09:47:37-04:00

Length of service and rank are not necessarily tied together and its foolish to assume that one or both can tell you anything about the soldier. When I was a young Captain in Vietnam with 4 years service at the time, there was another Captain in the unit that had 29 years service and was retiring with 30 years at the end of his tour. He had been enlisted (and part of the D-Day landing in 1944), then a Warrant, and then late in his career was offered a commission and he took it. Neither his rank nor his length of service could be assumed to mean what you might assume about this good soldier and good man.

Response by SFC Mike Taylor made Mar 11 at 2020 11:01 AM

2020-03-11T11:01:17-04:00

OK so now the fun begins I was A 91S40 when I retired I had 6 service stripes and 4 combat stripes but because I was in an MOS that there were 973 of us in the Army, and because people tended to stay I was promoted real slow real slow like needed 793 points slow, then retired as a 5 because I didn't had TIS OR TIG as a 7 so I got part of my 7, part of my 6 and a lot of my 5 pay> in any case the stripes on your sleeve don't represent any thing more than how long you have been around

Response by PO3 Andrew Kelly made Mar 11 at 2020 12:14 PM

2020-03-11T12:14:30-04:00

Now this is Navy but when was in I had an AE1 POIC on one of my deployments that had 20 years in. He was good enough at his profession for the Navy to retain but he didn't seem to get past the Chiefs board for reasons he would never go into.

Response by Sgt Peter Schlesiona made Mar 12 at 2020 10:19 AM

2020-03-12T10:19:32-04:00

Why be confused? He is a SSGT with 18 years. Lots of good reasons why that may be - but your question smacks almost of a back-handed accusation. Why is it even important to you?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 1:22 PM

2020-03-12T13:22:21-04:00

The United States Marine Corps recognize an E-6 as a SNCO, the DOD supports this and does Grant retirement to those at 18 yrs, it does however take some recommendations to stay active duty passed 18yrs as a E-6 or SSgt, but it has happened many times before and it will continue that way, because the USMC's structure.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 1:33 PM

2020-03-12T13:33:50-04:00

I knew SSG Cowell myself and it was an honor serving with him. He is a great NCO. You don't control the promotion rate in your MOS. Some MOSs are very slow when it comes to promotion. That does not make less of you as a Soldier.

Response by SGT Michael Milligan made Mar 12 at 2020 2:47 PM

2020-03-12T14:47:13-04:00

In my time, 68-75, that might have caused a few raised eyebrows. But in today's Army, it is everyday. My son graduated top of his class at Corry Station, FL then spent 4 years basically running his team at Ft. Meade. Got out as an E-4.

Response by SPC Glenn Ferguson made Mar 13 at 2020 6:08 PM

2020-03-13T18:08:13-04:00

He may have been prior service or served in a different branch of the military and in either of those cases you would most likely take a rank reduction if not have to start all over. besides the obvious.

Response by PVT Edward Roselle made Mar 13 at 2020 8:54 PM

2020-03-13T20:54:04-04:00

<RANT>
Anyone figure he just likes being an E-6? Maybe refused to go higher because of the politics? Or just knows that he will have to transfer from a great unit if he hits E-7? Come on people, no right to ASSume and shit on someone, seriously it's a fricking picture, if you know the guy then great, shut up and don't talk about him behind his back... if you don't know they guy, shut up and quit talking crap about someone you don't even know! He's serving honorably just like the rest of us are, or have!
</RANT>

Response by Cpl Richard Morgan made Mar 14 at 2020 12:27 AM

2020-03-14T00:27:12-04:00

I was thinking it was 4 years per stripe but I guess thats just for Marines

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2020 9:01 PM

2020-03-14T21:01:57-04:00

I did, I was comfortable where I was at and then I picked up my 7

Response by SPC Albert Schafer made Mar 15 at 2020 10:11 AM

2020-03-15T10:11:36-04:00

I had enlisted in the Army in Cleveland, Ohio and took the train to Fort Knox Kentucky for basic training..
Upon arrival in Kentucky it turned out that they were having one of the worst winters on record and we were billeted in the usual barracks of WW ll era. We were still in civilian clothes and it was like a block of ice in those barracks... Way too cold to sleep.... Their solution was to have us all climb out of the bunks and issue us a bath towel to wrap around our head until the next morning... A corporal was in charge of us during this time.. He commented something akin to we were the sorriest bunch of recruits he had ever seen in his seventeen years in this man's Army.... Someone blurted out a question or statement to the affect "You have been the Army for seventeen years and you are just a corporal?... It went downhill from there.... I have never seen a madder white man in my life...

Response by SPC Albert Schafer made Mar 15 at 2020 10:20 AM

2020-03-15T10:20:12-04:00

Three times six = 18 plus..

Response by SSG Skylur Britz made Mar 15 at 2020 2:07 PM

2020-03-15T14:07:40-04:00

He could be reserves, could have gotten out and came back in, could just like the rank and not want to go further, or his MOS doesn't promote that much. If I hadn't been medically retired, my goal was SFC.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Mar 15 at 2020 8:40 PM

2020-03-15T20:40:29-04:00

He may be prior service. 2nd what about being a reservist.

Response by CW4 Eric Clayton made Mar 15 at 2020 10:46 PM

2020-03-15T22:46:15-04:00

That SSG has more overseas stripes than I did and I retired with 28 years of service! He’s been deployed so much he doesn’t have time to go to college or NCOES but he sure can ruck up and deploy. Either way the Army is slowing down promotions so it’s back to the Cold War promotion timeline where SSG’s retired at 20 and it was no big deal. If you made SFC you over achieved.

Response by SFC Charles E Hightower made Mar 16 at 2020 2:30 AM

2020-03-16T02:30:49-04:00

I lot ass hole are on E-7 selection board Sergeant First Class is a Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Army at DoD paygrade E-7. This page describes how the Army determines who is eligible for the promotion list to Sergeant First Class. If you don't have max EER or not kiss CMS ass you wont get promo. I was SSG for 10year for making SFC . The QSP is a drawdown tool designed to align military occupational specialty populations with future requirements.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 1:38 PM

2020-03-16T13:38:58-04:00

Being a 42A, This is your area. You should know exactly how and why this could happen. Being a SPC I am guessing your time in service is relatively short. This question would have been better asked to your leadership in the admin arena.

Response by SFC Charlie Broadus II made Mar 17 at 2020 4:06 PM

2020-03-17T16:06:49-04:00

That’s easy he has been busted or Pryor service

Response by SFC Dana Houston made Apr 7 at 2020 10:33 PM

2020-04-07T22:33:16-04:00

Did he have prior service before? ETSed, and re-entered the service. That would also be possible. Depending on his age.

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2020 12:06 AM

2020-04-08T00:06:57-04:00

Low density MOS = slow promotion rate. This looks like it could be Ft. Jackson, SC. Anyone know what bldg. #185 is?

Response by SGM Robert Murray made Apr 8 at 2020 10:31 PM

2020-04-08T22:31:58-04:00

Prior service? I really never questioned how perhaps an inter branch transfer would work. . .running an analysis of how it could be correct if in fact it is.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Apr 8 at 2020 10:48 PM

2020-04-08T22:48:55-04:00

Hey kiddo, I had 6 when I retired with just over 20 years.

Response by SGT Rafael Calvo made Apr 9 at 2020 1:20 AM

2020-04-09T01:20:23-04:00

I made sgtE5 in 21 months.

Response by SSgt Samuel Harris made Apr 9 at 2020 2:18 AM

2020-04-09T02:18:01-04:00

While serving in the Marine Corps I met a Marine that had prior service in the Army (4 yrs) and also in the Navy (4 yrs) in theory if he served 20 in the Marine Corps and retired a SSgt he would have 28 years in service and 7 service stripes. I think something like that should be admired not criticized.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Apr 9 at 2020 10:20 AM

2020-04-09T10:20:53-04:00

This question is hilariously simple to answer. The SSG in this picture has 6 service stripes because he's served for 18 years. I had that many stripes on my uniform before I retired as a SSG in 2008. Now depending on what he has done during his time in(MOS, how long he's been a SSG, etc.), that would further explain why he's still a SSG, but that's something you would have to ask him about.

Response by CPL D Malone made Apr 9 at 2020 11:16 AM

2020-04-09T11:16:41-04:00

If you are or were in the Army or Marine Corps, this really is a basic question. If you were or are in the Air Force, then that explains a lot since the USAF is backwards in slow when it comes to how their stripes work.

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Apr 9 at 2020 11:27 AM

2020-04-09T11:27:55-04:00

There are MOS' that promote slowly - there are times following combat theatres where there are just too many NCO's in a particular MOS - Reach into a grab bag of reasons!

Response by SSG John Wesley made Apr 9 at 2020 4:58 PM

2020-04-09T16:58:25-04:00

profile in a combat arms unit = terminal E6 even if its a combat injury alot of times

Response by SSG Jason Baillargeon made Apr 9 at 2020 6:20 PM

2020-04-09T18:20:43-04:00

Well, It could be for several reasons. If they got busted down in rank. If they lost rank and had to make it back it could be a contributing factor. Some MOS's are very few senior NCO positions available, and they may have retired at that rank. They could be prior service (with a large break in service) Depending the rank at the initial time of ETS and the gap in service time could also be a factor.

Response by SSG Danny Anderson made Apr 9 at 2020 6:21 PM

2020-04-09T18:21:13-04:00

Could have been a multiple of things. He may have been in an MOS that had slow promotions, he could have served in another branch then got out and went in the Army. Thats what happened to me. I'm a retired SSG with 6 service stripes and have 21 ribbons. I spent 12 years as a Marine then switched over to the Army. Everything I earned in the Marines carried over. I had an SSG in my platoon that was in 23 years and he had 7 service stripes.

Response by SGT Bryan O'Reilly made Apr 9 at 2020 8:59 PM

2020-04-09T20:59:09-04:00

Pvt. "How long did it take you to make E5, Sarge?"
Me " Which time?"
The answer varies from MOS to MOS and from troop to troop. Also, depending on slots open can raise or lower the points needed. That, and pissing off the wrong people or looking like a dirtbag. But, I've known lot's of NCOs who retired as R6's

Response by Sgt Gregory Clark made Apr 9 at 2020 11:07 PM

2020-04-09T23:07:15-04:00

I'm a retired Marine and the rank that I retired as is E5 and I have 6 service stripes. I'd prefer not to tell you why I retired as an E5 as I'm not proud of the reason but I still retired with an Honorable Discharge. The point that I'm making is it is not impossible to be an E6 with 6 Stripes.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Apr 10 at 2020 12:43 AM

2020-04-10T00:43:03-04:00

Actually E-6 is a pretty good rank.

Response by MAJ Kevin Miller made Apr 10 at 2020 8:08 AM

2020-04-10T08:08:16-04:00

The NCO over my platoon when I was in AIT was a SSG. He was an outstanding NCO. SSG Fishback was his name. He was getting ready to retire shortly after our class graduated. Never allowed standards to be lowered, but also wasn't in your face about it either. I'll never forget that man, one of the best throughout my career.

Response by SGT Thomas Salemme made Apr 10 at 2020 11:21 AM

2020-04-10T11:21:08-04:00

It means he has served his country almost as long as you have been alive. Todays young and immature lower enlisted are the living example of why I am glad I finished my 19 years back in 2009.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-04-10T11:59:08-04:00

Not hard, I'm getting ready to put on my 6th strip this summer. As a SSG your RCP is 20 years. So SSG Kemp is correct, there are a lot of NCOs that retire as a SSG.

Response by SSG Matthew Koehler made Apr 10 at 2020 3:04 PM

2020-04-10T15:04:52-04:00

No need to be confused, some MOS's have a slower rank progression and slot availability. I retired as an E-6 with 7 service stripes!

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Apr 11 at 2020 9:11 PM

2020-04-11T21:11:21-04:00

I have had two Uncles that retired from the Army. One had 20 years combined service as he started out in the Navy in '38, then went into the Army after WWII and retired as an SFC. The other Uncle retired after a littl over 22 years as a S/Sgt. The SFC was Transportation and the other was Infantry. I don't know how the Army works their promotions. In the CG / Navy, To get from E2 to E3, you have to take and pass a course and pass Practical Factors. As an E3, you can be a Seaman, Fireman ( Engineering ), Airman, and the Navy has Construction. Each one has a menu of rates / MOS that go with it. Here, I will use Fireman. The rates / MOSes are or were, Engineman, Boiler Tender, Electricians Mate. Boilertender, and Machinist Mate. I think they have rolled up Engineman, Boilertender, and Electricians Mate into one, Machenery Technician. Anyway, If you are E2 and go to, Engineman school, and pass the course, you come out as an E3 Designated. you will have the E3 stripes plus the gear for Engineman. Now, the other way is to take the Course for Fireman and pass that and the practical factors, you will get promoted. Then you take out the Course for Engineman 3. You pass that and then you are Desinated. Once you have reached that point, the next thing is the practical Factors and then when the time comes, you take a Service Wide Exam and you are competing against guys across the service. How you score on that exam determines where you are on the list. If there are 25 Billets to fill and you are in the top 25, you get the promotion. If you are 26 and lower, tou don't unless a billet opens up. If, by the time the next Service come around and you have not been promoted, you have to take the exam agian. In short, once you have the knowledge stuff behind you, it is then based on the Number of billets to fill and where you are on the list. I don't know how the Army does it, but I assume it does have to do with open billets for that Grade.

Response by SSG Stephen Kimball made Apr 11 at 2020 9:24 PM

2020-04-11T21:24:59-04:00

I retired a SSG and had 7 service stripes because I was extended during the first year of Iraqi Freedom.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Apr 11 at 2020 10:46 PM

2020-04-11T22:46:17-04:00

It's simple really, he's not Infantry, which translates to slower promotions, used to be called a dead end mos..

Response by SSG Earl Kelleher made Apr 12 at 2020 8:34 AM

2020-04-12T08:34:14-04:00

As a retired SSG, my MOS the promotion points where always set at max to make the next rank. So a lot of us E6s where stuck waiting for points to drop or for away for us to make more points to add to our promotion packet.

Response by CWO3 Chris Kimmenez made Apr 12 at 2020 12:05 PM

2020-04-12T12:05:39-04:00

he could also be active guard or reserves. most training sites have Guard and Reserve Liaison Staff and unfortunately it seems like those guys never get promoted.

Response by SGT Bud Mullins made Apr 12 at 2020 5:48 PM

2020-04-12T17:48:10-04:00

A lot of the rank depends on the MOS you choose. A lot of the MOS's don't require a lot of E-7's, E-8's or E-9's at the top but a lot of people stay with the MOS because they like the work. My brother was a good example of that. He was in the Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning for 18 years out of his 22 year service career. They offered him E-8 and a 1st Sgt job if he would change his MOS. He refused and retired as a SFC-E7.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 12 at 2020 6:31 PM

2020-04-12T18:31:22-04:00

He stopped getting promoted. That’s about it. Whether it be a saturated job field or performance/behavior based it could be hit or miss and person by person. It’s not uncommon enough to make it weird though. There is a stigma about it in the Marine Corps and Army. More than a few times I have been questioned about retiring as a SSgt and they back off when I respond that I was medically retired with under 12 years. I won’t lie, it would be easier if I was a Gunny

Response by SSG Jacen Black made Apr 12 at 2020 7:25 PM

2020-04-12T19:25:56-04:00

See this is that mentality as a result of people getting promoted too damn fast on a regular basis. People expecting to make SFC in 10 years.

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Apr 12 at 2020 8:13 PM

2020-04-12T20:13:32-04:00

My old commo MOS had 998 points cutoff for 10 years.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Apr 12 at 2020 8:40 PM

2020-04-12T20:40:05-04:00

And your question is?

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Apr 13 at 2020 2:36 AM

2020-04-13T02:36:21-04:00

I would guess a break in service. Stripes fly away real fast.

Response by SSG William Hull made Apr 13 at 2020 9:52 AM

2020-04-13T09:52:59-04:00

I retired as an E6/SSG with 24 years of service and 34 months of combat. I earned every stripe I wear.

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Apr 13 at 2020 2:17 PM

2020-04-13T14:17:24-04:00

A lot of MOS's dead end at E-6; not only that he could be in the NG or AR. My son's KYNG unit had a Unit Armorer that was about 45 years old and was only a SP4; but he loved his job and didn't want to move. On my 1st tour at FT. Hood, TX, I had a SSG that was a section leader and would have had to change MOS's to go any higher, but he really loved his job in the Welding Section. He had 18 years in and quit to work on the TX oil pipeline in East TX instead.

Response by SGT George Stephens made Apr 13 at 2020 4:27 PM

2020-04-13T16:27:07-04:00

Trust me PFC, those stripes were earned. MOS dependant promotions, unit dependant, could have hit a bump in the road which you show me an NCO that hasn't and you'll color me impressed. He's got a hell of a stack going which shows me, that SSG didn't Dodge anything and does his job.

I wouldn't tread this trail.

Response by SFC Mitch Snow made Apr 13 at 2020 5:11 PM

2020-04-13T17:11:52-04:00

I agree with previous response, sorta. The way you worded it, even proposing it, shows you did little to investigate this yourself. That does make this a stupid question. Service stripes can come from prior service, other services. All this indicates is that he had 18 plus years of HONORABLE, NO NEGATIVE ACTIONS TAKEN time in service. E-6 after that long, with those stripes, indicates he 1. re-entered service at some point, 2. Was in an MOS that had promotions maxed out. 3. Incompetent Command that intentionally held him back or locked him in a position due to special need or skill in that specific position.
In all 3 cases, kid, you are looking at a real man. Someone who due to forces probably beyond his control served 18 plus honorable years doing a job no one else could perform.
Instead of trying to stupidly vet him, you should probably be honoring the hell out of him.

SSG Ret. Special Forces

Response by SGT Thomas LaRochelle made Apr 14 at 2020 3:06 AM

2020-04-14T03:06:53-04:00

Bergdahl is a POS!!!!

Response by MAJ Rj M made Apr 14 at 2020 11:24 AM

2020-04-14T11:24:37-04:00

I have seen people go on active duty right out of HS, do 4-6 years, get out and by their late mid- 20's go back in and stay 20 years after that..leaving active duty in their late 40's and early 50's..then go into the USAR. There are tons of scenarios

Response by CPO David Gartner made Apr 14 at 2020 8:04 PM

2020-04-14T20:04:22-04:00

First off during my Navy career service stripes denoted four years, until about 2000 when we switched to three years per stripe. It was damned confusing for a while. It was only after 1992 that E-5’s were no longer able to retire. In some jobs (MOS) somebody had to die or retire to move up. I was in an enormous rate Gunner’s Mate which had about 6000 guys in it. Suddenly the Navy retired all the Battleships after Gulf War I and now there’s about an extra 1,000 guys... At one point I went up for E-6 against 3,000 other guys for a total of two spots for advancement. That’s the post war peacetime service for you. Most guys in today have never been through a reduction in force or even a period of slow advancement. The average time to E-7 in my job in the late 80’s was 12 years, after the first Gulf War that jumped to 18. I’ve met guys who made E-7 in 8 years during the last few years. It’s all about timing. For you I’m afraid you’re going to face slower advancement for a while, but you’ll be trained by guys with loads of real world experience. Learn everything you can and volunteer for an MOS that’s critically undermanned and you should do fine.

Response by SGT Stephen Crawford made Apr 15 at 2020 6:18 AM

2020-04-15T06:18:06-04:00

Break in Service

Response by SSG(P) Danielle Birtha made Apr 17 at 2020 3:14 PM

2020-04-17T15:14:39-04:00

... aaand for those of you who don't know... when you ETS... and then return to service... you lose rank. I ets'd as an E5, and returned 3 years later, to be busted down to E2 and having to regain my rank. NO... you don't get the rank you had when you left back if you choose to return...
so there are many reasons why an E6 might have that many years of service, and combat...
An Article 15 can bust a high NCO down to private, but that now Private will still have all those stripes on their sleeves.
The only way to know the whole story is to ask the person themselves, instead of assuming ;)

Response by SGT Billy Glenn Willett made Apr 20 at 2020 2:13 PM

2020-04-20T14:13:42-04:00

He goes to a seamster to sew them on.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2020 6:26 AM

2020-04-21T06:26:19-04:00

Possible break in service. Most likely in an MOS that has limited slots for SFCs. Think of it like this. An SFC is a Platoon Sergeant or Staff NCOIC. If he is in an MOS that only has 1 platoon in each active division that would be 10 SFC slots total. That is the way slotting and MTOEs work. Sometime there are occasions where you would be over strength but it is few and far between. Now add in possibly one Staff NCOIC slot per Division and you have 20 slots in all the Army for however many are competing.

My example is the MOS 15Y. This is an AH-64 Apache Armament, Electrical, and Avionics repairer. At the SFC level there are only about 30 slots across the Army. There are about 100 SSG slots across the Army for the same mos and over 400 at the SGT level. SGT to SSG is semi centralized so if you have the points and prerequisite NCOES you will get picked up. That usually leaves you with an excess of SSGs. Not sure the number but I would estimate over 50-60 excess SSGs than slots across the Army. Some of them end up recruiters or drill sgts and other things like that, but eventually as long as they meet time in service and grade requirements they will have to compete for the 5-10 open SFC slots across the Active Army. You have to remember other 15Y SFCs still exist in this number and usually they are filling most of the Slots already. So now 100+ eligibles are competing for maybe 5 slots. I have seen many of my peers who were exceptional Soldiers and Leaders retire as a SSG. I would never take anything away from them.

Response by SSG Peter Stuckich made Apr 22 at 2020 10:55 PM

2020-04-22T22:55:45-04:00

Easy, If You Were Prior Service E-5 With 13Yrs, Some Rater Were Slower Than Others

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 3 at 2020 12:32 AM

2020-05-03T00:32:12-04:00

You should have commented on the fact that he has a CAB and 8 overseas service bars - that's four years playing in the sandbox - longer than you have been in the Army. I can't see his ribbon rack clearly but he's probably been to both Iraq and Afghanistan. If he's been in the Army 18 years that means he's been in combat zones for almost half of it.

There are several reasons why an NCO might be an "underachiever" (or POS in some circles).
First there are reasons that might be his fault - bad NCOERs, PT failure, failure to complete NCOES courses and/or pissing off his 1SG, CSM or Commander.
But, there are other reasons -
He might be in a MOS which has fewer promotion opportunities, he might not have completed an NCOES course because he was deployed (often), he might be happy and good at being a SSG and doesn't want to be an SFC, he might have had a superior who had a personal grudge against him and sabotaged his career by giving him a bad NCOER or denied him going to a school he needed.

Sure, the Army might kick him out when he reaches 20 years because of its "up or out" policy. That means they will have to recruit a new private to replace him. Will that private spend 4 years in combat zones and stick around for 20 years? Probably not.

For what its worth, I spent more time as an E-5 than anyone would believe. (Trust me.) I still managed to do two tours in Iraq ("only" 4 overseas service bars) and retire as a Master Sergeant. Yes, some of it was effort - but some of it was dumb luck.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made May 8 at 2020 8:04 AM

2020-05-08T08:04:19-04:00

I had 3 as a SP4 after a three year brake in Service. got out after 7 Years got out as a E6.came back as SP4, Spent 3 years in Active Reserve. So Sp4 don't make assumptions, as you know what it makes you.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2020 8:13 AM

2020-05-08T08:13:25-04:00

I am about to have 6 stripes as well and shit happens. I was stuck at an e4 rank for awhile to to the good ol boy system back in the day.

Response by MSgt George Fillgrove made May 9 at 2020 6:50 AM

2020-05-09T06:50:51-04:00

Why question that?

Service stripes and overseas bars are intended to communicate a hard-earned level of experience.

An E-6 in any service is an average retirement rank. This could be a lesson about MOS's (and AFSC's as in my case) that are very small career fields with limited promotion opportunities or any number of other factors that could have been beyond this sergeant's control. It happens.

This looks like a school photo to me. He's photographed with four other very junior EMs. He could have been their instructor, their class leader, or even one of the students in retraining mode. He obviously earned their respect and the photo reflects that.

Take a closer look at that uniform and what must be or have been an impressive career. There are 10 ribbons/decorations, marksmanship badges and what might be a combat action badge. That's what counts to me, not service stripes. That is what should count for you and give you an example to strive to achieve.

BTW...For reference. For me to make E-7, I retrained three times and took a special duty assignment. I was seven years as an E-6.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made May 15 at 2020 6:14 AM

2020-05-15T06:14:09-04:00

Nothing to explain really. SSG Private RallyPoint Member has been explicit that it is not uncommon for NCOs to retire as SSG and you are absolutely right that the experienced SSG has 18 years in service; no Articles or POS - SSG Cortez retired when I had just earned my first rocker and six months later I was filling the position SSG Cortez left as a SGT. My man SSG Cortez had no derogs at all in his file; Juan was squeaky clean.

Response by SGT David Stead made May 16 at 2020 11:22 AM

2020-05-16T11:22:55-04:00

I retired as a Sgt... served in three branches. List rank each time I transferred. Did not make it back. Never had and UCMJ never got reduced in grade Accept for those times while transferring to other branches.

United States Navy 1988-1994 E-1 to E-6
Transferred to United States Army
Had to go through Basic Training again.
United States Army 1994-2000 E-4 to E-6
Transferred to United States Air Force
United States Air Force 2000-2004 E-2 to E-4
Forced out due to exceeding time in grade requirements before I could get my rank back.
Transferred back to United States Army
United States Army 2004-2008 E-3 to E-5
My unit tried to get my rank back after E-5 but the civilians refused to update my ERB I went to the board with my old Army Service Record and my blank ERB along with my DD-214 the bird refused to accept. I was Separated by MEB on March 13, 2008 with Permanent Disability Retirement for injures received while deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. So that is how you get that many service stripes with out being a POS. Things happens in my life the choices I made. I still would not trade the twenty years I spent for anything. I’m happy with my service because I did it with honor and integrity. In the end that is all that matters.

Response by Cpl Ronald Everitt made May 16 at 2020 1:55 PM

2020-05-16T13:55:46-04:00

Rules change (maybe is what it's been meant by when having heard former Marines speaking i.e. WASN'T LIKE THAT IN THE OLD CORPS!) But anyway when I enlisted on the Buddy plan-1970 we had this Recruit as we all were but who had spent X-years in the Navy,though when commencement day came it was with him having X-hash marks on his uniforms sleeve and only rank of E2...but then again can not say all of us in our graduating Platoon that day had been Recruits as that era was the last the drafting law had been implanted. But do know for certain that E2 and uniform that day had my respect even when only having come out with the rank E2 as well

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 3:26 PM

2020-05-16T15:26:31-04:00

He could be prior service like me and was dropped down a rank 2 like me and had to play catch up. I am a Ssg with 18 years service and just 15 active duty. So I will have more if not the same on my chest and sleeve as a Sgt major. .

Response by SPC Lawanda Boddie made May 16 at 2020 5:16 PM

2020-05-16T17:16:58-04:00

He may have had a break in service or was part of a different branch at one time. I know I had a break in service for IRR and when I re enlisted all of that time counted towards my time in service.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 11:19 PM

2020-05-16T23:19:28-04:00

Notice they didn't say anything about the deployment stripes

Response by SPC Robert Willis made May 17 at 2020 10:55 PM

2020-05-17T22:55:00-04:00

There are multiple reasons an E6 would have that many years of service stripes...(6 stripes = 18 years)! He could have been busted down or..... it could be that the M.O.S was full and promoting to a higher rank was hard to obtain. Nothing wrong with retirement at E6 as long as you served and did your job honorably!

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made May 18 at 2020 12:53 AM

2020-05-18T00:53:49-04:00

Prior Service, missed the boat somewhere, ROAD, not liked, borrowed uniform, slow learner, etc. My question is does it matter?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2020 2:20 PM

2020-05-18T14:20:40-04:00

sometimes good Soldiers don’t get the support they need from their leadership with preparing for a virtual board and its luck of the draw. I know some outstanding SSG who have 18 years in. If you become a senior NCO make sure you help out your peers/ subordinates in doing what they need to get promoted so long as they deserve it.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made May 18 at 2020 3:01 PM

2020-05-18T15:01:26-04:00

Broken service, service in another branch, a rating that's hard to make rank or is being phased out. It could be many reason. I Can't read his ribbons so that said. Dont judge if your that curious start a conversation with him and ask if you're so inclined. Whatever respect his 18 years.

Response by CPL Joseph Langone made May 18 at 2020 3:47 PM

2020-05-18T15:47:23-04:00

I don't know about you but when I was in the service I knew Pvt's that had 6 and more service Stripes. They always wasn't a Pvt. One in Particular was once Sgt Major.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2020 3:57 PM

2020-05-18T15:57:05-04:00

I’m not even sure I understand the question. But, I’m very glad to of been discharged medically as an E6 staff Sergeant

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made May 19 at 2020 1:08 AM

2020-05-19T01:08:22-04:00

There are many ways this can happen. A person can be prior service. I went from the Army to the Coast Guard and had to take a two rank reduction, went from E-5, to E-3. They busted my chops because I had 10 years in and I had two service stripes - in the USCG or USN, the service stripes are for every four years. It took me five more years in the USCG to get back to my E-5, so I was a 5 with 15 years. My ex wife made me get out of the CG or she was moving away with my kids. We ended up divorced and I went back to the Army, so I was in the same position. He may have been in MOS'es that are difficult to get promoted, and there are some people that enjoy being an E-4 or E-5, so they sit in that position for an extended time. So PFC O'Hara, please do not judge anybody as there are even more reasons which I'm not going to go in to, as many people aren't rank grabbers. My BEST advice to you PFC is to focus on your career. Let it take you where you want to go. Achieve what you want to achieve at the level and speed you want to achieve it. Make certain you are willing and able to accept the responsibilities of the rank you aspire prior to taking it, and focus on your career, and do not judge others because their goals, aspirations, desires, skills or abilities are not the same as yours or do not meet your expectations. This will help you when and if you become a Sr. NCO. Misjudgement can really hurt you in leadership positions. Good Luck in your career and stay in your lane.

Response by SGT Rich Levesque made May 19 at 2020 11:51 AM

2020-05-19T11:51:03-04:00

Each service stripe is 3 years service. So the SSG has over 18 years of service. Hat's off!!!

Response by SSG Jose Flores made May 19 at 2020 12:39 PM

2020-05-19T12:39:25-04:00

Many ideas. You just have to be open to the possibilities and opportunities the Army provides. I retired an E6 after 20. USANG for the first seven years being slotted in an E4 position for my last half of service there, without worrying about advancement. I got back in and started development courses and promotions in the reserves, then active duty in leadership positions. When I wanted to continue with my 7 there was a long promotion halt in my MOS. Things happen and just continue to do your duties.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2020 9:37 PM

2020-05-19T21:37:36-04:00

He could be National Guard. Often times National guard soldiers have difficulties getting promotions as they rely on open slots -- I've seen it...

Response by SFC Dennis Willis made May 19 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-05-19T22:14:50-04:00

Any number of factors could be at play for not being above a certain pay grade with that many years of service . Doesn’t make the man any less of being a good soldier . OK ......

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 5:48 PM

2020-05-20T17:48:03-04:00

Having served 30 years, 10 active and the rest in the guard, all of the E7 slots in my unit were slotted for AGR soldiers. Unless you where full time you didn’t get promoted. I understood this was the deal and served proudly through multiple combat deployments.

Response by SFC Michael Palmer made May 21 at 2020 11:32 AM

2020-05-21T11:32:23-04:00

Someone here put it best; he may be in an MOS which promotes very slow. He also may have had a break in service and, when he reupped, had to take a pay grade or two step back. This happened to me. I was a SSG for 6 years in the Reserve and Guard infantry and those PSGs/SFCs are there long term and so promotions stall at SSG. I got fed up, got out after 14 years, and reupped in the Reserve 6 years later. They made me come back as a SGT. They still made me do my 18 months time-in-grade
to make SSG. I did, but they wouldn't count my previous 6 years as a SSG and so I had to do the 21 months time-in-grade to make SFC. I was always told that I was an excellent NCO, I was respected highly, maxed my APFT, and was very proficient in my MOS, yet still, at one point, was only a SSG at 16 years. This guy might be a stellar NCO, but is just a victim of circumstance(s).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-05-21T15:52:34-04:00

There are countless of circumstances that can make a Soldier stagnant in their careers. In my case, I was on active duty and then I went to the reserve. Between that, I had a 7 years break in service. I came back to active duty as an AGR, and I was demoted to E-6. I regained my E-7 in 9 months, but there were few MSG slots in my MOS (56M), an none of then occupying those positions wanted to leave or retire. So, I end up retiring as an E-7 after I serve 9 years as an AGR.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made May 22 at 2020 3:47 PM

2020-05-22T15:47:36-04:00

Maybe it took that person that long to get promoted, or that person got demoted, or lacked the education or training, and therefore the reason for the 6 service stripes

Response by CWO4 John Erker made May 23 at 2020 10:05 AM

2020-05-23T10:05:34-04:00

I'm a US Navy retiree, back in the day, an E-6 with six service striped meant he/she had 20 years of honorable service. In those days, promotions were far and in between for some skills, so many US Navy personnel retired as an E-6 after twenty years service. I myself spent eight years as an E-5 before promoted to E-6. Nowadays, one has to reach a certain pay grade in a certain amount of time or your're out. And during my time in the US Navy, I saw E-4's with six service stripes and they retired honorably.

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made May 23 at 2020 4:08 PM

2020-05-23T16:08:35-04:00

And yet i don't really understand the point of whatever the question is here??

Response by SSG Shauna Holmes made May 24 at 2020 12:52 AM

2020-05-24T00:52:13-04:00

Or, he could have missed deploying at the beginning of GWOT. Out of my friends, I was the only one who didn't see the box or the 'Stan before 2008. Even though I had the pumpkin patch, I had no combat anything. And it didn't help that my MOS is considered combat arms

Response by PO1 Michael Havner made May 24 at 2020 4:05 PM

2020-05-24T16:05:25-04:00

Maybe he's got broken service, maybe he switched branches, maybe he didn't feel a need to play politics and was content to retire as an E-6. Or maybe, just maybe, PFC O'Hara needs to go work on his own professional development and stop worrying about a senior NCOs career path.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made May 24 at 2020 5:46 PM

2020-05-24T17:46:01-04:00

Racial discrimination, blowing the whistle on seniors doing the wrong thing and denying promotion, UCMJ, Article 15s, fraudulent promotions getting reduced...I've seen all of the preceding and experienced two of them personally.

Response by SGT John Overby made May 25 at 2020 4:00 PM

2020-05-25T16:00:51-04:00

I recently asked a writer a similar question about his rank. The response was that it was very difficult to obtain promotions in his MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2020 2:38 AM

2020-05-26T02:38:11-04:00

I was one of those SSGs. I got promoted and am now a SFC with 25 years. Its not all consecutive, i did 7 years reserves too. No Ive never had an ART. 15. Any more questions?

Response by SFC Cynthia Eyer made May 26 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-05-26T17:36:56-04:00

PFC O’Hara
Why does it matter to you why anyone has anything? You mind your military career and let the SSG mind his. Questions of this aptitude are like gossip. It’s neither honorable or respectful and comprises your integrity.
SFC Cynthia Eyer, Retired

Response by MAJ John Vertido made May 26 at 2020 7:47 PM

2020-05-26T19:47:01-04:00

My experience has been for some NCOs it is the job satisfaction. I know quite a few NCOs who love their job so much, they are willing to turn down a promotion to stay where they are. The benefits are obvious, institutional knowledge is passed on and the unit has stable middle leadership. When they do take that well deserved promotion, most I have talked to felt it time to move on. They knew they trained the next leader and they were ready to go to the next level. I benefitted from this type of mentoring and made me a more effective leader.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2020 1:54 AM

2020-05-27T01:54:12-04:00

I have a friend who was a DS on active duty. He has been an E6 for a minute because he opted to extend which to people not familiar would look like he took too long to promote. In truth at that time you didn’t have to make career progression if you were on the trail. He’s got a very nice service record.
Everyone has their story.
I have more service stripes than some E4s on active duty, I had a medical issue that took a while after a Back surgery to resolve causing me to be a PFC a bit longer than I’d have wanted.
Everyone has their career and their individual accomplishments. Some just take different paths.
It seems to me SSG Kemp has provided a very solid answer.

Response by CPO Cory Cook made May 27 at 2020 10:43 AM

2020-05-27T10:43:06-04:00

POSTED, EDITED "4 YEARS AGO" There is NO VALID REASON, nor CHEAP EXCUSE to repost this trash. To whomsoever reposted this title, please leave this invaluable site to real issues. No one was appointed as the neighborhood fence gossip. - who has no idea of this person's experience, expertise, nor personality. But we do know a bit about someone else...you, ourselves, family, friends and companion.

Response by SP5 Robert Hayhurst made May 27 at 2020 11:46 AM

2020-05-27T11:46:34-04:00

A stagnant mos, I saw specialists retire in the early 80s

Response by SGT Matthew Bellemare made May 28 at 2020 8:45 AM

2020-05-28T08:45:38-04:00

I spent my entire Army career as a technician. First as a Pershing Electronics Specialist (21G) and then as TMDE (35H). Promotions came slow. At one point, I had 960 of a possible 1000 promotion points and STILL I couldn't get promoted. If you aren't in one of the combat MOS's, odds are pretty good that promotions may not come as quickly. . .

Response by 1SG Leroy Lucero made May 28 at 2020 3:32 PM

2020-05-28T15:32:34-04:00

There was a time in the army, maybe still, that MOS’s were full. And due to the promotion points so high, some Soldiers even great Soldiers could not get promoted due to no vacancies for E-7 at the time for his or her MOS. I knew a Soldier who was in 19.5 years as a SSG and didn’t pin SFC until he had already submitted his retirement. He stayed the additional 3 years so he could retire as an E7. Do think anything bad of a Soldier just because it’s hard to get promoted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 7:52 PM

2020-05-29T19:52:26-04:00

Mandatory removal date is somewhere around 20 years federal active service for the pay grade E-6, aka Army Staff Sergeant so it is plausible as not everyone is selected for promotion to the pay grade of E-7. Plus too, the SSG may have had several "good" years of service in a Reserve Component thus warranting service stripes. So yup, you can be a Staff Sergeant with 6 service stripes on your uniform.

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made May 30 at 2020 9:57 AM

2020-05-30T09:57:32-04:00

I'm an E-5 with 26 years service. My service stripes touch my PO-2 chevrons. I spent almost 12 years in the USAF and got out for a couple years. Went into the USA and had to start all over as E nobody. After 6 years the USA got rid of all MASH units (except 1 they keep around for R&D) so I switched to the USN assigned to the USMC. They gave me a temporary rank of PO-2 while I did all the requirements to keep it. During this time I went "Marine Regs". My "Navy side" CO hated Marine Regs Corpsman and ordered us out of the USMC Service Dress. I did the research on regulations and fought it. His superiors agreed with me and us Corpsmen kept of USMC Service Dress. I passed every promotion test after that. My results always came back, "Passed, not promoted". Seems Commander Izavich got butt hurt by an E-5 that knew regulations and wasn't afraid to challenge rank when it was wrong.

Response by CSM Greg Clancy made May 30 at 2020 11:47 AM

2020-05-30T11:47:21-04:00

Great question Private. So a Staff Sergeant with 18 years of service is not that uncommon. Really depends on his MOS. There are alot of MOS groups that have alot of people vying for promotion and there just are not enough promotions to go around. Also you have a fair amount of Soldiers that are comfortable doing what they are doing and have a boat load of experience as a team leader and dont necessarily want to move up. With promotion to Sergeant First Class comes more responsibility and more expectations. Some folks dont want that are are content with their current position. Now the Army doesnt approve of status quo so you might hear folks talk about up or out. I.e. do what you need to do to get promoted and strive to climb the rank ladder or get out. BLUF as a 42A Soldier you can do alot of research about promotions and MOS professional development schools to see how it actually affects Soldiers in certain MOS groups. One other point, you will most definitely see National Guard Soldiers with alot of service stripes but maybe not alot of stripes or chevrons on their uniform. Simply put, often enough they cannot get their required MOS professional development course, BLC, ALC, etc, so they languish as a Staff Sergeant for years because there are not enough school quotas offered to Guard Soldiers as Active Component Soldiers. So no school no promotion, but you keep doing your job to the best of your ability until you can complete your schooling and eventually get promoted. Hope this helps explain alittle. BTW when yiu see something like dont ever assume that something is wrong, i.e. he must be wearing the wrong things. You have to understand the big picture, get the facts dont just go with what you see.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jun 1 at 2020 1:03 PM

2020-06-01T13:03:39-04:00

It is really hard to tell, but it looks like that SSG is wearing the MI crest. Since non of the PFC's have Beret Emblems I am assuming this is an AIT graduation photo. Which means the SSG in the photo is probably an instructor, so not only is he in a very small branch, he is also been a career instructor, and there may not be many E-7 slots.

But is also possible that there are slots, but for whatever reason the points needed for advancement basically close the field at the E-6 level. It is hard to get 1000 points if your pt score is average, and you shoot average.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 8:29 PM

2020-06-01T20:29:10-04:00

Not everyone wants to get promoted and take a platoon. Thats when the job starts getting more political than fun.

Response by SSgt John Hutto made Jun 4 at 2020 2:51 PM

2020-06-04T14:51:02-04:00

Hes been in 18 yrs so what! Thats a good thing! Maybe he had his rank removed and then gained it back. It does happen!

Response by SP5 Ann Parris made Jun 19 at 2020 11:01 AM

2020-06-19T11:01:01-04:00

He could have had a break in service. You don't get the same rank you had when you ETS'd if you return to the service. Also, he may have had several years reserve service. Rank is earned differently in the reserves.

Response by Cpl Alex Moore made Jun 19 at 2020 2:38 PM

2020-06-19T14:38:27-04:00

For the Marines, each service stripe is 4 years so he would have 4 working on 5. For the Marines, it would depend heavily on MOS. I was in tanks and, with 18 years in, I would expect someone to be a Gunnery Seargent or 1st Sgt./Master Sgt. Infantry would be an entirely different story. Infantry in the Marines tends to promote much more slowly and 18 years might only be a SSgt. I would assume this is fairly similar for all the branches.

Response by SFC Rob James made Jun 20 at 2020 3:42 PM

2020-06-20T15:42:57-04:00

Everyone is quick to judge, especially on Rallypoint. The Facebook drama page for the military.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jun 20 at 2020 6:19 PM

2020-06-20T18:19:43-04:00

Service stripes, denote time spent in the US ARMY or NAVY. Just because an NCO has dix doesn't mean he's showing false valor or been busted from E8. That NCO maybe hasn't been promoted for various reasons and is not your concern. He has the service time and the stripes for service to prove it.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Jun 20 at 2020 10:17 PM

2020-06-20T22:17:29-04:00

Have they never heard of prior service? One easy way to get there as an other service Vet.

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Jun 21 at 2020 10:07 AM

2020-06-21T10:07:25-04:00

My wife, by Brother in law, my younger brother, my cousin, and 4 of my close friends all left with more than 20 years of service as E-6. None of us had issues in service, but all had MOS's that were typically slow in promotions. I had breaks in service due to Medical Discharges and waivers to return and then there is the world wide deployability (due to medical profile). Little things like that tend to put a damper on promotability. So knowing that was the possibility in my future, I opted to double my MOS's to become more employable in the civilian sector over rank issues at retirement. The Retirement pay is negligible from 20+ E6 and 20+ E-7 due to TAXES. And, there is no real advantage gained between an E6 and E7 when going into Federal Civil Service. It then becomes a matter of personal decisions and Rank Status as a Senior NCO status upon Retirement. If you can personally live with your choice/circumstances at retirement then you have achieved your goal "Retirement."

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2020 11:26 AM

2020-06-21T11:26:57-04:00

I'm an E4 and I will have my 4th stripe in January. Having a shitty command and and multiple injuries requiring surgery that have resulted in long term profiles has kept me from advancing. The most severe of which is a career ender. I am now waiting for the med board to finish so I can get out and get my C5-C6 vertebrae fused. Go army.

Response by 1SG Donald Elmore made Jun 21 at 2020 3:53 PM

2020-06-21T15:53:49-04:00

I have seen E-4s with 6 or 7 service stripes. If you are a higher rank and have 21 plus years of service and get busted down to an E-4 then you will retire as an E-4. I saw an E-5 get busted down to an E-4 and retired 3 months later with 20 years service. When I retired there was a Sergeant E-5 retiring the same day with 20 years service. I have also seen and E-6 or E-7 with 10 service stripes.

Response by SGT Roger Scott made Jun 21 at 2020 7:00 PM

2020-06-21T19:00:14-04:00

Could be several things. When I made my E-5, I only needed 500 points. My other, more difficult to learn MOS required 998 points. So, it could be that. Also, I served in the 1980s. We had a number of Vietnam era helicopter pilots that were RIFed down to enlisted crew chiefs. They mostly stayed in for retirement. The most medals that I ever saw on a uniform was one of these guys. He was only missing the US Congressional Medal of Honor, but he did have the Vietnamese one

Response by PO1 Ed Cola made Jun 21 at 2020 8:00 PM

2020-06-21T20:00:10-04:00

I made E-4 3 times in 24 years of service, but I'm much better now

Response by Sgt Joseph Jal made Jun 22 at 2020 3:16 AM

2020-06-22T03:16:23-04:00

Look here BOOT, most enlisted retire out as an E6 definitely the more common trend. How about you let your balls drop a little bit and focus on trying to become at least an NCO before you start questioning the years of service of a SNCO.

Response by SGT John Gregory made Jun 22 at 2020 5:30 AM

2020-06-22T05:30:43-04:00

PFC O'Hara,
If he is and E6 with 6 stripes, it does mean 18 years service which basically means a promotion every three years. This is possible if you are not in a combat related MOS or get passed over for promotional boards. If he did have an article 15 it doesn't necessarily mean be lost rank. I don't know if it has changed or not since I served, but there were three types of Article 15's.
Summarized
Company grade
Field grade.
Combat MOS generally makes rank quicker. Usually 20 years of service for enlisted is at least E-7 but again it depends on the various circumstances.
Hope this helps,

Response by SFC Matthew Del Rossi made Jun 22 at 2020 7:19 AM

2020-06-22T07:19:44-04:00

How are you confused? He has been in 18 years and earned the rank of SSG. My suggestion to you is be quiet and learn about rank.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made Jun 22 at 2020 1:18 PM

2020-06-22T13:18:58-04:00

Wow, really? And you’re a human resource specialist? I feel for anyone who’s records you review for accuracy.

Response by SGT John Fielden made Jun 22 at 2020 4:07 PM

2020-06-22T16:07:08-04:00

Not a day over E-5...
Enlisted USN 9Aug1984. Age 22
IRR 1994 age 34
NAVRES 2000 age 39
Enlisted Army, 3d ID 2007, age 46
Army Reserve age 49.
"Permanent and Total" VA 100%
Chapter 61 discharge 29Oct2014

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Jun 22 at 2020 9:02 PM

2020-06-22T21:02:56-04:00

Not all billets are upwardly mobile. Some MOS are top heavy and promotion can come very slow. I would suggest you wait until you are no longer wet behind the ears before you start questioning someone with 18 plus years in. Right now you may think you know a few things, in reality you know very little about the way things really work.

Response by SSG Bruce Barrett made Jun 24 at 2020 6:29 AM

2020-06-24T06:29:06-04:00

Yes, some of those NCO'S branch changed early in there career, and at the time the regs would take at least one rank for changing branch of service. And some had UCMJ that took rank, there are those where there's not many slots I've seen many motor sergeants, 88M transportation and heavy equipment engineers retire out as an E6 due to lack of slot availability.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2020 10:51 AM

2020-06-25T10:51:01-04:00

By serving in a field that has little to no promotion opportunity. Try this one - and Navy stripes are for 4 years. The O-6 was serving as the Chaplain that day; retiring officer was a 3 star who came to flyover country from DC for the event.

Response by SSG Kenneth Aponte made Jun 25 at 2020 11:50 AM

2020-06-25T11:50:44-04:00

What a dumb question.

Response by SSG Kevin Holt made Jun 26 at 2020 9:55 PM

2020-06-26T21:55:49-04:00

I retired from the reserve components as a SSG. I also served in the US Navy active duty for 11 years and left the service to pursue a college education. My rank when I left the Navy was PO1 (E-6). When I joined the Army Reserve 9 years later, I had to work my way back to SSG. I served with distinction, received good evaluations, and was personally decorated in both services. Not everyone who joins the military rises to the top ranks either enlisted or officer. There are far fewer positions available at the top ranks than in the middle or at the bottom. It used to be possible to stay in until retirement at lower ranks than is possible now. Some people are happy with their jobs at a certain level. Everyone is different.

Response by Cpl David Bientz made Jun 27 at 2020 1:58 PM

2020-06-27T13:58:32-04:00

When I was a PFC in the Marine Corps, I KNEW that if I was called to Vietnam, as soon as I got there I was going to glue my ass to an E-5 over 18, because I KNEW that bastard was coming home!
There could be any number of reasons for the hash marks and rank. As you're a PFC, I hope you learn as you grow and you have a lot of work to do there.

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made Jun 29 at 2020 1:42 AM

2020-06-29T01:42:22-04:00

I have an idea. Spend a little more time in the army, gain some experience, and the question will answer itself.

Response by SSG David Angell made Jun 29 at 2020 2:09 AM

2020-06-29T02:09:27-04:00

I will give you an example. I spent about 14 years in the Air Force Active and Reserve status. I took a break. When I decided to go back in, to hopefully get my 20 years in, for retirement. I left the Air Force with the rank of TSGT (E6).I went into the Army National Guards to finish out my time.
To do so, I was with an Infantry unit. Since I wasn't MOSQ, I lost a rank (E-6 to E-5) TSGT(USAF) to SGT(ARMY). From 1998 to 2002, I spent my time as an E5. When I was promoted to SSG (E-6), I stayed there until I retired at age 60, as a SSG. I spent a total of about 26 years in the Military. I was up for E-7 board, but by that time, I was nearing retirement and in the guards, its 60 and out..regardless of rank. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but not to many exceptions.

Response by SSG Isaac Hardy made Jul 4 at 2020 5:53 PM

2020-07-04T17:53:11-04:00

He in a dead MOS where he coukdnt get promoted, i seen E-5s wit that retired at 20yrs

Response by PO2 Leo Markfort made Jul 9 at 2020 7:39 AM

2020-07-09T07:39:06-04:00

Oh it’s army. I was going to mention red or gold)

Response by SPC Albert Schafer made Jul 12 at 2020 11:00 PM

2020-07-12T23:00:50-04:00

Is it strictly that you are paid by grade or do years in service have an impact on your monthly wages?
Fifty-five years ago I'm pretty sure it was pay by grade. or jumping out of an airplane.
I worked hard for that $85. bucks a month as an E-1/2.. less life insurance and laundry.

Response by SPC Albert Schafer made Jul 12 at 2020 11:25 PM

2020-07-12T23:25:27-04:00

Someone help me on this... I seem to remember that at some point. long past,(the 1960's) an E-6 wore five stripes. It designated SFC ... It was something that was grandfathered in... I don't remember the specifics... Like I said, I need a little help on this....

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Jul 19 at 2020 3:43 PM

2020-07-19T15:43:39-04:00

He also has 8 overseas combat hash marks. I don't care if he was an E-4 with 18 years in, he's OK. I can't tell what kind of collar brass or other badges he has but some MOS's are damn difficult to make rank in. And maybe he's in the Guard or Reserve where you can't move up until a higher slot opens up. Maybe he spent ten years in the Navy before getting smart and going Army. IDK and I don't care.

Response by PO3 Jake Lucid made Jul 20 at 2020 3:33 PM

2020-07-20T15:33:43-04:00

Not sure about the army....but for naval service many rates (MOS in land speak) promote as slow as molasses in January. Not uncommon to see an E6 with 18 years waiting for a shot at 7.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2020 8:10 AM

2020-07-21T08:10:21-04:00

The confusing thing is how are you a PFC questioning service stripes without reading a regulation or asking the SSG so you can get clarification. You are a PFC so let me school you. Before 9/11 if you retired as a SSG you made it; if you made SFC that was extra. Some NCOs has progressed based on the old criteria which was better than what we have going on right now. You think it is cool to see a 4 year SSG, maybe if they are truly squared away tactically and technically which now a day's is rare. For all these thumbs up you all really need to go back and reevaluate the reason you are in the Military, because you the future STRIPE WEARERS are the reason why some refuse to get promoted so they just ride it so they can reach 20 and retire as a SSG. You feel entitled as a PFC to question service, you are the problem.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-07-22T13:19:02-04:00

In the infantry at least, E6 is the best place to be
you're a squad leader. You have authority. you're respected among senior leadership. you're still in the action.
Once you make E7 you're basically pulled away from the fight. I've been in an E6 slot for 2 years now and its literally the best position I've had in my career. I plan on staying here till my body breaks.

Platoon Sergeant takes more of a administrative/planning role. and in the SBCT organization, 7 never dismounts.

Response by PO1 Carlos Rodriguez Jr made Jul 22 at 2020 2:04 PM

2020-07-22T14:04:00-04:00

That's a special kind of stupid question. To assume an NCO SSG retiring in that pay grade is a indication of failure is asinine. Grow up.

Response by SSG David Keeling made Jul 22 at 2020 3:20 PM

2020-07-22T15:20:38-04:00

Well I retired as a E-6 after 21 years and have 7 service stripes.

Response by SSG David Keeling made Jul 22 at 2020 3:33 PM

2020-07-22T15:33:44-04:00

As a side note, I was in the Army in 1973, when they still SP5, SP6, SP7 and SP8 ranks. My MOS was 96B and promotion was a little difficult. I was Active Army 15-1/2 years, Texas Army National Guard 5-1/2 years as a 13B and Army Reserve for 5 years.

Response by 1SG Will Arnold made Jul 22 at 2020 8:02 PM

2020-07-22T20:02:38-04:00

Leave it to a PFC to ask a stupid dumb-ass question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2020 12:05 PM

2020-07-23T12:05:14-04:00

That is actually one of my good friends. He is also one of the best ncos I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Not every job promotes the same, some are much slower and some are much faster. For instance, my current MOS is about 400% over strength at the E7 level. This changes every year, but basically the Army promoted too many people one year. I could be Top Dog and still not get picked up for Sergeant First Class. I have about 5 more years to go, so unless something drastic happens a promotion is unlikely. Don't judge people by what is on their uniform, we put too much stock in that as a military. At the end of the day it is just shiny stuff. The best ncos I've had in the past we're the best because of who they were and the things they did for their soldiers, not because of what pretty things they had to show off or the duty assignments that they lucked out on. The individual in this photo is one of the most dedicated and professional individuals I've ever known. I would deploy again with him in a heartbeat oh, I know that I can trust him decision making skills, and I have personally watched him care for and Mentor his soldiers. This is not the truth about everyone, and rank is certainly not indicative of those qualities. A PFC can be more of a leader than a CSM in some circumstances. Sure, it isn't the way it is supposed to be. We are supposed to promote the best. But it doesn't always work out either for reasons of number of people in that MOS, Duty positions, bad luck, good luck, bad branch managers, Etc.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Jul 23 at 2020 2:02 PM

2020-07-23T14:02:30-04:00

I've known a PFC who was allowed to retire as a PFC...some times Soldiers only rise to the level of their ability. Now, you will never see that, but in the past it was pretty common. I know several people who preferred to continue their service as Specialists, they didn't want the leadership responsibilities of an NCO.
I retired as an E7, I should have risen higher, but I stayed in an MOS that is a very small community, Public Affairs. There is not much upward potential when there are only 5 E8 positions, and ONE E9. There were 37 of us competing for those 5 E8 slots. However, I served as a 1SG in Iraq in 05-06...I just couldn't wear the diamond.
If I had to do it again, I would have returned to one of my other MOS, 88M, 79R or 25U...though 25U didn't have an E9.
I remained an E7, because I chose to stay in a field that I had little chance of promotion.
Don't judge a situation unless you have all the background information.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2020 3:11 PM

2020-07-23T15:11:51-04:00

Some MOS's are hard to get promoted in. I went to AIT, Intl Analyst, we had 4 students that were E-6. They all have 15+ years. Looks as though he has quite a few combat time stripes as well.

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Jul 23 at 2020 10:58 PM

2020-07-23T22:58:09-04:00

There are several valid possibilities. 1 – the NCO could be in a CMF that has fewer SNCOs than say, CMF11 or CMF18, 2 – the photo was taken prior to the NCO advancing to the rank of SFC. He could be on the next promotion list, 3 – he could have had a break in service and has only recently returned to Active Duty and 4 – he could have made a lateral transfer from another branch (E.G., Navy, USMC, etc.) along with reclassification into what might be a totally different CMF. And as, SSG Terry Kemp mentions, there are still a lot of NCOs who retire as SSG in both the Army and USMC, PO1 in the Navy and USCG and T/Sgt in the USAF.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 24 at 2020 5:29 AM

2020-07-24T05:29:48-04:00

I was an E-5 with 8 hash marks, I liked where I was at in rank, I was following my dad's thought, why be greed and you don't need the headaches, he was a Master Mason, and didn't want to over extend himself.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 24 at 2020 5:54 AM

2020-07-24T05:54:00-04:00

You did your own math. It is simple and highly normal for an SSG to have 18, even retire at. There are no reasons necessary. To make SSG is very honorable and challenging in the Army, RESPECT Private.

Response by SPC Bryan Holmes made Jul 24 at 2020 2:39 PM

2020-07-24T14:39:01-04:00

Actually I had an E6 who was a former O-3 and was reactivated after 9-11 and became one of our Fire Department Fire Chiefs- more common than you think, I got out as a CPL with 10 Years in, some MOS’s don’t have a lot of slots

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 24 at 2020 3:45 PM

2020-07-24T15:45:40-04:00

quite easy actually - first, he probably is not in a combat arms MOS, Competition in non combat arms is very intense, and has a very slow promotion rate, It is quite possible that as an E-5 he was promotable, but did not have the points required to pin SSG, one of the ways the Army controls NCO population within MOS's is by making the points to promote 798, or in soldier speak, seven ninety never. It is within the realm of possibility that this NCO doesn't have the time in grade requirement to be looked at by a centralized board for promotion to SFC. Second, He was most likely grandfathered when the Army switched the RCP for the ranks, I see a CAB on his chest, which means he definitely was in the service when the RCP for a Sergeant was 15 years, a SGT (P) 20, and a SSG 23. I believe the services reverted back to the original RCP's in 2015, when the actions in Iraq ended, and and the drawback from Afghanistan.

Response by LTC Howard Wooster made Jul 25 at 2020 6:37 PM

2020-07-25T18:37:11-04:00

I lived next door to a retired E6 so it's not unheard of, he might have had UCMJ problems after he passed the 18 year lock in.

Response by SSG Douglas Espinosa made Jul 26 at 2020 1:27 PM

2020-07-26T13:27:33-04:00

Maybe he was in a slow promoting MOS and points were always maxed out. Maybe never got selected for SFC due to not having appropriate schools, there tons of scenarios. He could be one of the sharpest NCOs around for all you know. I met plenty that were hard chargers, just didn't get promoted for certain reasons.

Response by SSgt David Izquierdo made Jul 26 at 2020 1:27 PM

2020-07-26T13:27:37-04:00

Probably a reservist...or Article 15, who knows.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Jul 26 at 2020 2:10 PM

2020-07-26T14:10:33-04:00

I employed thousands of veterans with a paramilitary company for 41 years, the MOS, skill sets, performance and training typically reflected NCO or Officer rank after 20 years

Response by SGT Beth Day made Jul 26 at 2020 2:25 PM

2020-07-26T14:25:27-04:00

I was an E4 when I got off active duty. Got my sergeant stripes pretty quickly in the Guard. And there I sat and sat and sat. There were only 2 senior NCO slots in the state for my MOS and those guys were going to die in them. So ... since I was good at my job, and liked it ... I soldiered on, knowing the odds of promotion were slim to none.

Response by SP5 John Clark made Jul 26 at 2020 2:32 PM

2020-07-26T14:32:10-04:00

No! I my friend Clyde made E-6 under three years in Germany

Response by SFC Michael Greenwell made Jul 26 at 2020 2:40 PM

2020-07-26T14:40:09-04:00

One of the best Platoon Sergeants I ever had was an E-6 who ultimately retired as an E-6. He was a Viet Nam Veteran, who had a 15 year break in service, came back in as a PFC, retook OSUT Basic Training, Infantry AIT, and Airborne school at the age of 36. By the time he was 38 he pinned E-6. SSG "O" (Lacey O'Neal) it was an honor and a privilege to have served with you, Rest In Peace.

Response by SGT David Greth made Jul 26 at 2020 3:44 PM

2020-07-26T15:44:55-04:00

Well in the "olden days" of the 1980's and 1990's when I was in by regulation "move up or move out" and it was impossible to retire at 20 years as an E-6 in the Army. Things changed (for the better in many ways I think) after 9/11.

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Jul 26 at 2020 6:12 PM

2020-07-26T18:12:33-04:00

I recall as a young Lcpl (E-3) sitting in enlisted club at Camp Pendleton when a man with salt & pepper hair, 3 full boards of ribbons and PFC chevrons walked in. Pissed somebody off that is how it is possible. Doesn't mean he's a POS as someone said maybe just made a mistake and some stick in their butt ran with it. Old native american proverb- walk a mile in the other mans' moccasins before you pass judgement

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2020 11:10 AM

2020-07-27T11:10:36-04:00

I generally don’t even comment, but I am one of the 18 years SSG. Well almost 18. I joined May 2003. I fast tracked to SGT, I unfortunately stepped on my crank and Got a DUI in 2005 which resulted in A GOMAR. I still made my 6 in 5. However since 2011 when I was eligible for promotion. I have been unable to get over the hump. I have rebounded nicely, and never became a “POS”. I have always worked hard and perform. I am good at PT, but not elite. Sometimes you just step on it for a second and it derails your chances. Plus I don’t wrap my worth in rank. I don’t mind being considered an expert SSG. Hell. I have been one for 11 years. The only thing I do know is, I will keep driving until they me I can’t, and that I am just happy to be able to retire from something that has changed my life for the better. I don’t know if I deserve SFC, but I can think of way worse ranks then SSG. To me it’s the best rank as an NCO. You have direct influence with responsibility. Best place to make the Force strong.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2020 2:35 PM

2020-07-27T14:35:56-04:00

Disrespectful question if you ask me. Every one has their path through the Military. I retired as E-7 with 34 years do you take issue with that. I could of have made it to E-9 but I chose a different path

Response by SFC Ed Griswold made Jul 27 at 2020 4:26 PM

2020-07-27T16:26:54-04:00

I agree with SSG Kemp. A lot of NCOS' retire as a SSG; Nothing wrong with that. Could be his or her MOS is a tough one to get promoted in or a possible medical issue that kept them from being promoted. You have to look at the whole soldier, don't just look at the service stripes and think the worse.

Response by SSG Clyde Rainey made Jul 27 at 2020 6:32 PM

2020-07-27T18:32:37-04:00

I am an example of that I joined when I was 32 as a reservist. Then after doing basic training and working and going to drill with my reserve unit. Then joined the Active U.S. Army and reclassing into a need MOS for the U.S. I was a 51R10 in my reserve unit. Then I went to MEPPs again in Nashville and got tested and got a better MOS after I joined the Active army. I happen to reclass into the same city I lived in. Reclassed as a 27B10 and went to school and AIT. I had finished AIT before with the reserves. I was able to go to school reclass. I went to my active Army unit at Fort Hood. I stayed in the Army from September 1989 and retired May 2012. I was in excellent shape and retired as an SSG /E-6. I was 57 when I retired. As soon I as retired I went to school. I will enroll in school again and retire from my job as a cafeteria worker in May 2021. And after retirement go back to school again to complete my computer technology degree.
I knew from the beginning of my service what I wanted to do. I am very glad I served.

Response by SN Herman Lee made Jul 28 at 2020 9:57 AM

2020-07-28T09:57:14-04:00

3 years for a service strip? I was in the U.S. Navy and they awarded it after each 4 years or the point of the service strip based on the indiviual branch (Army Vs navy).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2020 3:34 PM

2020-07-28T15:34:06-04:00

I am a SSG and I have 9 Stripes. I have never received any disciplinary action. It is what it is.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2020 4:55 PM

2020-07-28T16:55:14-04:00

First and foremost, it shouldn’t matter. That’s his career and journey that service member took. Should worry about your career and journey. His MOS could bottle neck, his career path with no standout assignments, trouble or bumps in the road, or simply that NCO was at his capacity or level and didn’t not demonstrate the qualities and attributes to lead at the next level or didn’t want it! Everyone is always concerned with the next man instead of themselves.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2020 8:21 PM

2020-07-28T20:21:36-04:00

When I joined the Army three decades ago, seeing a SSG with that many strips was very common and they were extremely proficient in their MOS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 8:32 AM

2020-07-29T08:32:13-04:00

I retired as an E6 after 23 years of active duty. Some individuals are in slow promoting Miss's and some just get unlucky. Most E6s get passed over for E7 due to not being placed or rated I am E7 position. At least this was the case as told to me by numerous E8s and E9s. Upon my retirement in 2015, I had been the senior I lost SSG in the Army with 18 1/2 years on Time-in-Rank (pinned E6 Sept 2001). It can and does happen to those unfortunate NCOs out there.

Response by 1SG Edward Cullen made Jul 29 at 2020 1:31 PM

2020-07-29T13:31:07-04:00

It’s very possible. I’m going to show my age back before up and out( 1980s) there were many SGTs with 20 plus years of service. I agree with CSM it may simply be the MOS is slow to promote. It does not necessarily mean anything derogatory.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-07-29T16:37:38-04:00

I have 7. Things happen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2020 2:57 PM

2020-08-17T14:57:41-04:00

I had 6 service stripes as an E-5. It happens, especially in the reserves and Guard. Even in the active component some MOSs just don't promote many people beyond E-6. People freak out when I tell them I've been in since 1985 and I'm only a major. Harder to make rank in the Guard, even though I'm active duty.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2020 3:07 PM

2020-08-17T15:07:38-04:00

It happens. Many MOSs in the Army promote few people beyond E-6. Signal, Chemical, Medical, Finance, and Admin have all been traditionally slow promoting MOSs with few opportunities at the E-7 to E-9 level. I had 6 service strips at E-5 because I was Chemical (Signal and Artillery before that) before I went to OCS as a junior E-6.

Response by SSG Mark Ledford made Aug 18 at 2020 8:36 PM

2020-08-18T20:36:47-04:00

I ONCE NEW A SGTMAJ I SERVED WITH IN THE U.S.MARINE CORPS THAT WAS PROMOTION IN HIS 16YEARS OF SERVICE IN VIETNAM HE WAS PROMOTED TO 2ND &1ST IN COUNTRY BUT HAD TO GIVE IT UP WHEN HIS TOUR OF DUTY WAS UP. NOT BAD @ALL

Response by SSG Mark Ledford made Aug 18 at 2020 8:38 PM

2020-08-18T20:38:31-04:00

BAD TYPE 0 2ND &1ST LT IN VIETNAM

Response by SSG Timothy Hertenstein made Aug 19 at 2020 9:37 AM

2020-08-19T09:37:23-04:00

Well young Man, I Retired in 1988 as a SSG with 20+ years and had no AR15s or any other problems.
I also did My time in Viet Nam.

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Aug 20 at 2020 10:28 PM

2020-08-20T22:28:13-04:00

Cutoff scores have a lot to with promotions, in order for me to Make Sergeant and Staff, the cutoff scores were at 999, when I was active duty, there was only one SFC slot open, with 105 people hoping for that slot. Each branch has different requirements towards promotions. I have seen senior SSG's turn down SFC as they have plans on getting out after 20yrs. I love it when a Pfc is an expect at something and has no idea on what's going on.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Aug 21 at 2020 1:27 PM

2020-08-21T13:27:50-04:00

Please understand that in everyone situation things are different explanations, I retired in 2015 with 25 years of Military Service completed and documented as an E-5 Sergeant, 17 years time in grade; with no Article 15 with 1 ARCOM and 5 Army Achievement Medals. I don't know the Staff Sergeants situation but it is possible. In 1975 I knew of a Col. that was in the big rift after Vietnam and he was reduced from COL. to SP/4. I won't go into details of situation because it is Militarily Sensitive and I have been warned by JAG. It is possible as you have seen.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2020 1:29 PM

2020-08-21T13:29:55-04:00

I am a SSG with 6 service stripes.....come at me bro!!!

Response by SSG Robbie Douglas made Aug 21 at 2020 4:20 PM

2020-08-21T16:20:55-04:00

As the Chief was saying must be in a slow rank structure. I was in one myself. 91c is a utilities repairer. They are in the same group as mechanics and couple other classified groups. I started in infantry my 1st 6 years to go out with an SSG rank. I was out for 22 years got back in as SSG but if I’d stayed infantry would have probably made master SGT but the field I came back in very slow moving up cause I was also a federal tech with all of us mechanics, ultiites repairer and couple other. We had just in our group that fell in line at least 300 on that post and many others that was normal civilians that was in our group in one location

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made Aug 22 at 2020 9:32 PM

2020-08-22T21:32:30-04:00

I was in the Military for 23 yrs never had a article-15 or any type of bad marks of any kind but I was hurt while in PNCOC an could not advance in rank an was forced out of active duty with a medical discharge was transferred to the Kentucky National Guard without a break in service an retired their.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2020 1:26 PM

2020-08-23T13:26:57-04:00

I retired as an E-6 w/22 years.... admittedly though... I had a nasty habit of running off at the mouth when I was a young Joe... that being said... I have 5 friends who also retired within that same time frame.... couple years less actually but none of them had a big mouth like me and still only hit staff before retiring.... just say’n

Response by SP5 John Smith made Aug 23 at 2020 3:46 PM

2020-08-23T15:46:00-04:00

I’ve seen this type of conversation for years more then 5 years to be more exact

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Aug 23 at 2020 8:09 PM

2020-08-23T20:09:57-04:00

I'm not sure if I've answered this one already, but there are a number of reasons that a career soldier with 18 years or more is a Staff Sergeant and NOT a Sergeant First Class or senior. One of the ones that I've seen frequently in the Support and Service & Support world is promotion points staying at 798 FOREVER. There's also the situation with an oversaturation of junior soldiers that got their stripes all at once. One of the other ones I've seen is schools holding up the promotion process i.e. you have to graduate the school at YOUR INDIVIDUAL LEVEL plus complete your Structured Self-Development Courses for your level BEFORE you can be placed on the promotion list. That can cause a huge backlog of Sergeants waiting to become Staff Sergeants, which will delay their 1st and 2nd looks later on down the line. On the flipside, there are Sergeants First Class with 8 years and a few months in service as well. I've seen all kinds of craziness with rank and promotions during my Army career.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 9:23 AM

2020-08-24T09:23:00-04:00

Maybe not as common these days. I served with a 45yo Specialist who had 10 years in back in 2006. Stop loss was a bitch for some dudes who couldn't make rank.
I did a funeral for a Navy vet who retired as an E5 with something like 27 years in. Before the aspects of High-Year-Tenure came around, I guess it wasn't uncommon to see guys with loads of time, but not a lot of rank back in the day.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Aug 24 at 2020 1:13 PM

2020-08-24T13:13:03-04:00

There are a number of reasons...some good and some bad. MOS realignments, promotion freezes (point system) DA board promotion number, possible UCMJ issues. Because you're new to the military and not aware of the Army system back in the days it would seem 'strange and confused' but during the '90s and Y2k, the Army made MANY changes which greatly affected promotions thru-out the ranks in which some MOS promoted rapidly while others were at a standstill for a very long time...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 1:41 PM

2020-08-24T13:41:19-04:00

I'm a CPL with 9 years of service... Now I was IRR for most of those years but life had other priorities for me. I also hear that NCOs don't always want to pass SSG since they can still spend time with their troops vs being stuck in an office all day doing paperwork or the admin path.

Response by SP6 Bruce Kellar made Aug 24 at 2020 2:44 PM

2020-08-24T14:44:36-04:00

He might be the bad ass that keeps your young ass moving without winning any popularity contest.

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Aug 24 at 2020 8:34 PM

2020-08-24T20:34:44-04:00

I wouldn't worry about an NCO having six service stripes. What really angers me is the poser I caught wearing 20 of them, five special forces tabs, and has his ribbons out of order and some ribbons the Unites States Department of Defense NEVER AUTHORIZED. By the way, this poser was also wearing a Navy Seal trident on what he was trying to pass as an Army uniform.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Aug 24 at 2020 9:06 PM

2020-08-24T21:06:44-04:00

6x18 do the math every 3 years you get a stripe possibly mean that the SSgt has 18 years active duty

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Aug 24 at 2020 9:09 PM

2020-08-24T21:09:02-04:00

It was a typo a stripe for every 3 years

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Aug 25 at 2020 11:44 AM

2020-08-25T11:44:37-04:00

Lots of possibilities, PFC. I re-enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 47 as an E-5 after a 10 year break so I was an E5 with 4 or 5 hash marks. Retired at age 60 with even more.

Response by SSG(P) Ell Pizarek made Aug 25 at 2020 4:44 PM

2020-08-25T16:44:07-04:00

The military is ever changing and evolving and unfortunately it can toss a roadblock in your path. Years ago, when the army communications network switched from analog to digital, the mos structure and unit personal rank structure changed and the E7 positions were increased. The army started mass promoting for these positions. Then Clinton was elected as president and he slashed the military deep and moved many to the reserves and ang. This left the army with to many e7 in its ranks. We went almost 10 years before the promotions returned.

Response by MAJ Jimmy M. made Aug 26 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-08-26T16:37:31-04:00

Context is important. But, since he has three unit service awards and the other four do not, it raises questions. If they are in the same unit, they should all wear the same awards. If they are not, it means that he was in a unit that was awarded them and can wear them even after leaving. Since the man in the middle is of a significantly higher rank and the only one not holding a diploma or other document, it makes me think that he is there to support his Soldiers when they had completed a course.
Now, let's correct the two on the right with their headgear on incorrectly.

Response by MSG David Gagnon made Aug 26 at 2020 4:42 PM

2020-08-26T16:42:57-04:00

PVT. why don’t you ask the SSG. Do you have a problem with the SSG?

Response by SSgt Wilson Ortiz made Aug 26 at 2020 10:34 PM

2020-08-26T22:34:23-04:00

easy. switched branches and Army took years to transfer his prior service. I know an E6 with 30 years time in service

Response by SSG Michael Sweet made Aug 26 at 2020 11:00 PM

2020-08-26T23:00:30-04:00

I’m a retired SSG that was 11 months shy of 11 service stripes. It’s tough to go to NCOES if you’re deployed or cannot get a medical board to get cleared for duty.

I do resent not being able to add a rocker or two before I packed my duffle for the last time. let’s face it my retirement check is a little short for a vet with 32 years. However I don’t regret the opportunities I had to develop both soldiers and officers in my MOS.

I wasn’t eligible for promotion, so I celebrated their successes as my own.

Army red tape kept my career in limbo but it couldn’t keep me from having a career that I was not proud of.

I may have only been paid as a E6 but my last two times down range I was given O5 responsibly.

That was probably the reason it took so long to for the Army to say why are you still here.

If an juniorNCO has many years, chances are they are pretty good at the job. If they were “POS” their are area to make certain soldier cannot re-enlist

Response by SSG Lisa Wright made Aug 27 at 2020 11:07 AM

2020-08-27T11:07:02-04:00

I'm an E6 with 7 service stripes, and I have served proudly for 23 years. When I get to 24 years next July, I'll have 8 service stripes, 1 for each 3 years of service. Your math is correct. I am not sure why you're confused. Please explain.

Response by SSG Ramon Torres made Sep 16 at 2020 8:56 PM

2020-09-16T20:56:27-04:00

Some MOS don't promote and until you walk in his boots you won't know his story. Looks squared away. Just my 2 cents.

Response by SGT Fred Thomas made Sep 18 at 2020 2:29 PM

2020-09-18T14:29:41-04:00

I don't want to get too far off the subject but what makes me angry in 1968 I was in Vietnam if I had been captured by the enemy then I would have been a prisoner of war, you have to be in a war in order to be a prisoner of war at least that's my understanding. So how can a president say he don't like prisoners-of-war he rather have somebody who's not a prisoner of war when this as bucket got a doctor to say he had bone spurs to keep his ass out of Nam when I was there. This man that put the military down ever since he's been in there I just can't stand a individual who feel is no he no more than those of us who have served.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 20 at 2020 8:01 PM

2020-09-20T20:01:36-04:00

His MOS could play a part in it. Some MOS'S have limited levels of rank to achieve. Could be a chance the SSG. must like his job that much

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 20 at 2020 8:57 PM

2020-09-20T20:57:49-04:00

Why don't you ask him?
That would be the direct approach. Anything anyone may give is speculation

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2020 11:49 PM

2020-09-22T23:49:59-04:00

There's nothing wrong with being a an 18 year SSG...Some of my best leaders were SSG...Most people can't even do 20 years in military, let alone make SSG...

Response by CPT William Jones made Oct 7 at 2020 7:46 PM

2020-10-07T19:46:49-04:00

He has lots of Those little bars each for 6 months in Hostile fire zone. My machine does not give me clear image of ribbons bt looks like 12 medal or so plus a badge on top. He may have one of those strange MOS that only have 2 or 3 in the whole army. We had a map company in my Bn way back when. There were two such units in army and each had a warrant plus one in the puzzle palace. They were transferred (TRADED PLACES) WHEN THEY WANTED. THEY CALLED WHATS NOW HR AND TOLD THEM WHERE TO SWITCH THEM TO. all three were transferred at the same time. They were a real exclusive club.

Response by SSG Kenneth Huhn Jr made Oct 15 at 2020 10:04 AM

2020-10-15T10:04:38-04:00

I'm a retired SSG with a total of 28 years in the military (4 years active Navy 2 years IRR) 22 years in the NJ National Guard. When I was forced to retire I would have been promoted to SFC but the Army made it a requirement to get promoted or re-enlist you had to pass the APFT and because of my age (I was 57) I couldn't pass it.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Oct 15 at 2020 11:27 AM

2020-10-15T11:27:50-04:00

I was an 01 for 87 days until they found out I was a German citizen and went back to being an Sp5 and had only 2 years in the Army with NO service stripes on my jungle tunic sleeves. By the way, what's the big deal?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2020 1:52 PM

2020-10-15T13:52:19-04:00

One of the main reasons I got out in 99 was because I did not want to spend 18 years in and not be able to retire due to reaching my RCP. So yes an E-6 in a MOS with high promotion points and a crap ton of E-6 Soldiers all going for that E-7 could have 6 service stripes. Read your regs before asking a question like this.

Response by SP5 Steve Chappell made Oct 16 at 2020 4:25 AM

2020-10-16T04:25:20-04:00

Yep, O'Hara's confused.

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Oct 16 at 2020 9:48 AM

2020-10-16T09:48:19-04:00

PFC O'Hara, stick around long enough, you just might be that E-6. The MOS has everything to do with promotions once you reach E-6, as does your physical profile. I opened my mouth and stuck my foot in it when I was an E-6, and mentioned to some co-workers, that I'd be ashamed to retire as an E-7. My attitude and mouth kept me from being promoted to E-8.

Response by CSM Greg Clancy made Oct 16 at 2020 2:02 PM

2020-10-16T14:02:36-04:00

PFC O'Hara, great question. I would hope you're question is based on your desire to learn about uniform wear and appearance and NOT rooted in you're desire to pick apart a fellow Soldier. If its the latter you best look for a new career because looking for ways to pick apart your brothers and sisters in no way to go through life.
So lets look at this Staff Sergeant. If you notice he has 6 overseas service bars on his left sleeve, this means he has been overseas 6 times for a total of 36 months ( 6 months per stripe). Also notice what looks like a Combat Action Badge above his ribbons on his left breast. Obviously been deployed and seen some sort of action. Also see the 4th Infantry Division badge on his right breast pocket. Again been deployed with the 4th ID. I don't see any blue so he's not an Infantry Soldier, but maybe Combat Arms. So, being an 18 year Staff sergeant is nothing to be ashamed of and also not really out of the ordinary. A lot of Combat Arms MOSs have painfully slow promotion cycles and minimal upward mobility due to the density of people in those MOSs. There used to be certain gates you had to meet in your MOS career path to remain in the service called Retention Control Points (RCPs). If a Soldier didn't make a certain rank by a certain time frame they would be processed out of the Army. They have been revamped and obviously due to countless years of combat deployments, a lot of MOSs have been backlogged for NCO professional development education so they gates have been waived. I would presume, I never assume anything, this Staff sergeant is most likely in that category. Either way, he does not appear to be a POS. I used to tell my Soldiers two things about appearances, 1) image and perception are reality, doesn't matter how good a Soldier you are. If you act and look like an ate up POS, people will see you as an ate up POS.
I don't know any of the back story about this Soldier or the event but he looks squared away and obviously put in time on deployments which is more than the majority of our Soldiers can say. Again, this doesn't mean a POS can't dress and act professionally and still be a POS but the odds are they are good troops. Long story endless, do some soul searching and check out the Army Regulations regarding uniform wear and appearance. Also go ask your S1 personnel NCOs about promotion rules and timeframes for your MOS so you'll know what going on with your career. I don't know where you are stationed but take a look around your formation next time and ask some of the SSGs how long they've been in the Army.

Response by 1SG Carl Brown made Oct 17 at 2020 10:41 AM

2020-10-17T10:41:43-04:00

I retired as a 1SG but the majority of soldiers at the ceremony were SSG. No shit bags. They just got caught up in the wrong MOS or were happy being a SSG.

Response by 1SG Carl Brown made Oct 17 at 2020 10:44 AM

2020-10-17T10:44:10-04:00

I retired as a 1SG. At the retirement ceremony most were SSG. Not bad soldiers but got caught up in a slow MOS or were just happy to be SSG.

Response by SGT Everett Fray made Oct 17 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-10-17T13:00:14-04:00

Reserve time served as active duty.

Response by Brad Powers made Oct 17 at 2020 3:49 PM

2020-10-17T15:49:09-04:00

Some people seem to wiz by the adversity life has to offer some people seem to avoid it and some people get all up in it and make it out and move forward all the way.

Response by Brad Powers made Oct 17 at 2020 4:31 PM

2020-10-17T16:31:30-04:00

As soldiers break into NCO ranks how much more teamwork is put into making sure that the right ones can climb up. Or is it less teamwork involved. It you may have a lot of soldiers that need to attend a meeting though room cant hold them all at once

Response by SSG Juan Serrano made Oct 17 at 2020 9:59 PM

2020-10-17T21:59:38-04:00

There are all kind of reasons, depends on the individual, their MOS, or it can be for disciplinary reasons. You'll have to ask him , I was once stationed at Ft Lewis, in 1982 we had a spec 4 who had almost 20 years in , I wondered the same thing, well it turns out he was a Silver star recipient from the Vietnam era, pretty much untouchable.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2020 7:14 AM

2020-10-18T07:14:42-04:00

As a 42A you should know that there are many reasons that a person could be at 18 years as an E6.
Do you know if he is Active or Reserve or National Guard?
Guard and Reserve positions are more scarce than Active.
Do you know if he got out and came back in? (Those previous years count towards service).
Do you know if he was in another branch and did a branch transfer? Lastly did you bother asking the person you speak of, or are you posting random pics of situations you know nothing a out without that persons knowledge?

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Oct 18 at 2020 1:51 PM

2020-10-18T13:51:43-04:00

Like myself.Had prior service in another branch.

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Oct 18 at 2020 1:53 PM

2020-10-18T13:53:01-04:00

Lke myself.Prior service in another branch

Response by SFC Frank Hayden, MPA made Oct 19 at 2020 6:33 PM

2020-10-19T18:33:00-04:00

I don’t feel like it’s a dumb question, however, I do see how it would irritate a SSG, lol... Just saying. Some NCO’s just are not built to be PSG’s. In most cases though, it’s the career field... SFC/E-7 is a DA selection and unfortunately, many do not make the cut. Yes, it’s quite common to have 6 stripes and several combat stripes and still be a Staff Sergeant. Good question, and in order to avoid this if making the Army a career, it to be well-rounded and maintain high PT scores, max military and civilian education, and attend all military training offered asap. No one will focus more on your career than you. Be proactive!!

Response by Sgt Edward Padget made Oct 19 at 2020 11:52 PM

2020-10-19T23:52:18-04:00

He's re-enlisted about five times.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 11:38 AM

2020-10-21T11:38:47-04:00

I think Soldiers are the worst critics of each other and always trying to one up each other. Yes I am a retired Soldier of over 34 years before I am hit with a negative response. We should learn to value every Soldier service equally no matter the rank, no matter the MOS/Branch. They served that is more than most in the U.S.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 7:49 PM

2020-10-21T19:49:03-04:00

I am prior service with a long break before joining the Natl Guard. I'm an old E6 with 15 yrs service...it happens.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2020 10:34 AM

2020-10-22T10:34:26-04:00

I retired at SSG with 7 service stripes while acting as platoon sergeant. Yes, my military career hit a few snags, but I consider it to be more successful than not. Tell you what, SPC, try stepping into the leadership positions that come from being a NCO before you pass judgment on people who could be your superiors.

Response by SGT Christopher Doyle made Oct 22 at 2020 11:50 AM

2020-10-22T11:50:27-04:00

I medically retired at 19 years as an E-5, I was a 92a and had promotion cut off of 798 for like 10 years, I was also prior service and made E -4 my first time in but started out as E-2 second go round.i made E-5 by 1 point ,then points capped out for the rest of my career, no chance to reclass as MOS was critical. So some times people will only make E-6 before retirement. Loved my service and have no regrets

Response by Sgt William Turner made Oct 22 at 2020 12:09 PM

2020-10-22T12:09:17-04:00

did you ever think that perhaps he may have major reserve time or perhaps national guard. perhaps for a few years in the beginning he was AR or ANG the sought to o full time. there are lots of legitimate reasons which in the end are really NOYB(none of your business).

Response by SP6 Timmy Hayden made Oct 22 at 2020 11:30 PM

2020-10-22T23:30:37-04:00

I know plenty of dudes that are sitting in MOS that are hard AF to get promoted in. Close friend of mine is a fire rescue dude. PT Stud, College grad, has a deployment to Afghanistan and he’s still an E4 because there are a very limited number of NCO slots for him to move into. My old roommate is an active guardsman with almost 20 years of service and he’s still an E5 because when folks get those jobs they do not leave them til the ARNG kicks them out from old age. I’ll finish with this: I’ve served with dudes that had 20+ years and still E6 that I would go anywhere with without hesitation and I’ve had pretty young 1SG’s I wouldn’t follow to the grocery store.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Oct 23 at 2020 5:37 AM

2020-10-23T05:37:33-04:00

When i entered the Guard, STPA was not a thing. I made E-5 in 4 years. After STPA came into being, I remained an E-5 for the next 10. No ones fault but mine, as I loved the unit I was in and wouldn't transfer. Turned down lots of offers to remain with my guys because honestly, it WAS my hobby, not my job. When I finally did move on, I made E-6 and because I was called to active duty, made E-7 eleven months after that. I would be willing to bet that this man's situation is similar.

Response by SP6 Greg Jetter made Oct 23 at 2020 2:09 PM

2020-10-23T14:09:26-04:00

It is dependent on the soldiers MOS , For example , myself , I was a 91B E-6 , I sat on the promotion list for 3 years waiting for E-7 before I finally got out , their were a few hundred others like me on the list , there were very few E-7 91B slots available army wide , so we all would watch the Army times each month to learn if any one was going to get promoted . Like many others I could have transferred into the infantry and make rank as they had the slots . It's all part of the bigger picture , we are all part of the machine you go where they need you and if you want the money and the rank AND you can do the job feel free to hop around till you get where you want to be.

Response by SGT Charles Cameron made Oct 24 at 2020 11:29 AM

2020-10-24T11:29:34-04:00

Being a former MP, I've run into this situation & question before...so I asked a Spec 5 with the same service stripes...to many Article 15's on his record. He can.t be promoted per-say, he might have a specific MOS that another couldn't fill, but who really knows...? The Non-Com, and he CO who "did this to him: really know the circumstances...and maybe, an "am-bare-ass-ment" to the service man. The serviceman I questioned...sadly had an " I could care less" attitude. He got his years, he got his $'s, and he didn't have to "put-up" with what he claimed as the BS of his rank and "time in service". On the other hand, depending on your MOS, rank attainment is almost impossible...just ask an MP 'bout that. Sometimes rank is verry sloww... It depends on what is needed at the time, and what comes down from HQ. You do the best with what you've got.

Response by Cpl Markus Wolff made Oct 24 at 2020 2:17 PM

2020-10-24T14:17:18-04:00

Remember this comes from the mind of a PFC, a PFC with probably one or less years in & doesn't know shit. I am proud to have been a Marine for 6 years & was an e2 twice e3 three times and e4 twice. Loved every minute looking back, but hated it when I was in. I wish I had the caliber to be a SNCO. This guys service stripes represent a lot of years talking a 2ndLt out of some really bad ideas.

Response by SGM Marie Carmelle Lerouge made Oct 25 at 2020 3:07 PM

2020-10-25T15:07:18-04:00

I am glad PFC O’Hara that you noticed that the Staff Sergeant has been in the Army for 18 years and you feel he should have more rank. 1. Why didn’t you ask the SSG directly of the circumstances for him not getting promoted? I don’t think he would have mind talking to you depending on how you ask. I see a great counseling session coming out of that encounter. 2. Not everybody is destined to be leaders, so maybe he did not take the necessary steps for promotion. 3. He probably did not have a good leadership team looking after him. 4. It could be his MOS didn’t warrant promotion above E6 or he could have had some minor infractions. At any rate, I applaud him for not giving up. One last advice PFC O’Hara, if you don’t want a PFC asking the same question about you in the future- you make sure you aim for the next grade by knowing your supervisor’s job description and duties. Hope I addressed your question.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 25 at 2020 6:34 PM

2020-10-25T18:34:35-04:00

Back in 1966 I knew an E-4 with 20 years; he drove a fuel truck on the flight line, it was all he wanted to do and he did it well.
An E-6 is OK for 20 years and retirement.
Not everyone is as cute and smart as you.

Response by Cpl David Bientz made Oct 25 at 2020 10:22 PM

2020-10-25T22:22:55-04:00

Some are quick to judge but when I was in the Marine Corps, I said if I got orders for Vietnam, I was going to find an E5 over 18 and glue my ass to him. That guys coming home!

Response by SSG Eddie Montalvo made Oct 26 at 2020 1:26 PM

2020-10-26T13:26:30-04:00

Un-confuse yourself and move on......or try asking the SSG

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Oct 26 at 2020 8:36 PM

2020-10-26T20:36:24-04:00

The SSG has 18 years of service in his sleeve pretty much explains that. Hell the army is full of 18 and 19 year SSGs. He probably was talked in to an OUTSTANDING MOS like anything medical or tanker or infantry or intelligence or vet tech or boat driver etc etc etc

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2020 3:29 PM

2020-10-27T15:29:32-04:00

Every situation is different, and until you know everything you should be cautious about jumping to conclusions. I wear 8 service stripes and will have 9 when I retire from active duty in two years. National guard and reserve time also is reflected in service stripes. Some MOS choices could mean slower promotions also. And it could be a choice. The point is, don't think every situation is the same for everyone.

Response by SGT Derrick Lawrence made Oct 27 at 2020 5:03 PM

2020-10-27T17:03:32-04:00

Each stripe represents 6 months in a combat zone I personally was a E-5 with 6 stripes also.

Response by Sgt Michael Clifford made Oct 29 at 2020 11:54 AM

2020-10-29T11:54:00-04:00

When I served in the early-mid 60's I can remember E-4 that had 20 years in the Corps. They were men who were from the "Old Breed". Men from WW2 and Korea and were proven Marine warriors who went up and down the rank structure more than once. They knew and did their jobs in a superior manner but had some difficulty adjusting to their off duty time. In those days we were not as familiar with PTS and its impact on individuals.

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made Oct 29 at 2020 6:22 PM

2020-10-29T18:22:19-04:00

Same situation during my time, but for different ranks. We started in one of the first COHORT Light Infantry BCT/ICT and then to Unit. My Company alone was 320 guys. At the end of a 3 year hitch, we only had 10 people make SPC, and only 1 make it to Cpl. due to the slots given to the Company, and the fact everyone one lattyda had same time in service. If you wasn't the "King" nut/best ball kisser, you didn't get those slots....So this is exactly what we went through. This SSG was probably held up by no slots/to many qualified/passed over reason or other, none of which is his fault. Shit happens!

Response by PO1 Steve Ditto made Nov 1 at 2020 4:30 PM

2020-11-01T16:30:24-05:00

I was Navy, and retired as an E-6 and made that at the 6 yr mark. I made the board for 11 yrs but was never promoted, my evals we 3/8-4/0. Back then you had to have 4 yrs per hash mark, when I retired at 20 yrs I had 5 Gold hash marks, and the only way to get the gold is to have not been to Captians Mast or worst for at least 12 yrs. I put my first gold has marks on at the 12 yr mark. My rate was very tight and they did not advance many. I was a Radioman on Submarines and made over 20 patrols, so just MAYBE his MOS was just as TIGHT as mine.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2020 7:31 AM

2020-11-07T07:31:05-05:00

That is posible. If he was in the reserves or National guard.

Response by SSG Eric Tong made Nov 14 at 2020 8:55 PM

2020-11-14T20:55:15-05:00

I was one of those with 6 service stripes and multiple deployments similar to the NCO pictured. You'll also note that there isn't a lot of fluff on his rack. He probably doesn't give a damn about multiple AAM's either and I'd bet this man wouldn't write his own award if his career depended on it. All-in-all, he probably has a high degree of integrity and doesn't give a damn about being an office jockey.

I entered service in 1991. My reasons for not progressing in rank encompass multiple breaks in service, several MOS changes, a general lack of interest in sitting in an office, enjoying being a subject matter expert at my chosen profession and a complete lack of faith in the senior NCO and officer corp. to adequately protect my soldiers. At no time in my career was I ever busted down in rank.

What you should be looking at with absolute confusion is not an NCO with a lot of time in service and numerous deployments. It should be that CSM with a lot of awards and one combat stripe with 25 years in service. That's the shit-bag.

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Dec 4 at 2020 10:41 PM

2020-12-04T22:41:59-05:00

Sometimes it's just what makes folks happy. I had to cross train (or Kiss my commander's....) I cross trained. A fellow member was just happy to retire at E-6, I made E-7 that was my goal. My career was pretty political. I still loved it. Would have been nice to make E-8 or 9 but life is short too!

Response by PO1 Steven Ewing made Dec 6 at 2020 9:32 AM

2020-12-06T09:32:22-05:00

I have a friend that retired from the Navy as an E-5 (Petty Officer 2nd Class). He didn't have any Article 15s, he just had multiple breaks of service and every time he went back in he was set backwards in rank from what he had been in his previous enlistment and had to start over.

Response by MSG Allen Ness made Dec 6 at 2020 5:19 PM

2020-12-06T17:19:48-05:00

My last few years were on division staff. It was "voluntary" that all sr nco's attend the monthly retirement ceremony. At one of them I was standing beside the G3 SGM when the families went out to the formation to stand with their retiring soldier. The SGM says, "look at the SSGs, they've got families." They did, wives, two or three kids, sometimes four or five. Then he said look at the MSGs and Sergeant Majors." Most of them stood alone or at best with a trophy wife of recent vintage. He finished with a simple statement, "it's all about where they put their priorities, family or army, family or promotion."
I thought my family would sacrifice like I did for the Army, instead I sacrificed two families to the Army. My inability to balance Army and family had done that.
Don't write them off as turd burglar's, maybe they have different (healthier?) Priorities.

Response by SGT Christopher Patnode made Dec 6 at 2020 6:51 PM

2020-12-06T18:51:28-05:00

You never know someone's story if you don't ask them. Everyone's experience is different. I met an E4 in AIT that could have went to ocs after enlist because he had a master's degree. Instead he chose to enter and get enlisted time in service before going officer. He said he didn't feel right coming in and being an officer without doing any of the leg work first.

Response by GySgt Mike Grow made Dec 6 at 2020 10:11 PM

2020-12-06T22:11:50-05:00

PFC O'Hara this is how you get the hard chargers on your ass. Your questions shows you know how service stripes are earned. You should be asking yourself what can that SNCO teach me. Leadership is about much more than stripes, bars, or hash marks.

Response by SSG Brian Carpenter made Dec 6 at 2020 10:58 PM

2020-12-06T22:58:22-05:00

I read a bunch of these before I decided to answer. Private I don't know if this is your NCO or someone you spotted but let me say this one thing. If you are trying to shit stir the pot on this obviously dedicated NCO then your career is not with my Army. Baby SFC are very rare or used to be. In my day 70% or better of the NCO's I knew, myself included, all retired at SSG. But if you really wanted to know I would suggest you be straight forward and ask this NCO yourself. You might learn something that you can use later on in your career. Come on guys let's hear you'll whine because I was to harsh...BWAHAHAHAHA BWAHAHAHAHA BWAHAHAHAHA BWAHAHAHAHA BWAHAHAHAHA

Response by SSG Jason Collins made Dec 7 at 2020 10:38 AM

2020-12-07T10:38:39-05:00

I am confused why you sign PFC and your name on here is with SPC. I was only in for 6 years and was fortunate to make SSG in 4 and a half. With that said some military occupational specialties are harder to make SFC. I have seen plenty of great SSG’s that didn’t make it to SFC even when spending 20 years in the military. It is said when soldiers like you try to clown NCOs for not making the next rank. How long have you been a PFC or SPC since your post is misleading on your rank. Also since you are a reservist, sometimes units simply do not have the position open for a person to get promoted. With your type of questions I do not see you making it that far in the military.

Response by SSG Roger Shattuck made Dec 7 at 2020 5:43 PM

2020-12-07T17:43:20-05:00

If he was like me he had prior service. By the time I made SSG, I had 11 years active. NG and Rervists can also have a bunch of service stripes and not much rank. I retired as a SSG with 23 years. Some MOS's promote faster than others

Response by SFC Frederick Dalton made Dec 7 at 2020 6:02 PM

2020-12-07T18:02:46-05:00

It is not your place to question this, PFC O’Hara. Your place is is to learn your job, listen to your NCO’s, and not question their rank progression. Sticking your nose in places it does not belong will adversely affect YOUR rank progression.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2020 9:31 AM

2020-12-14T09:31:53-05:00

Let’s be real, it’s the army. He probably doesn’t have a sub 14 minute run time.

Joking aside, he’s probably in a miserably slow MOS for promotion or he’s in a highly competitive one. Or he could just not want to be promoted. SSG is a fair balance between desk responsibility and connection to soldiers. It’s very possible he just likes where he is.

Response by SSG Clayton Lam made Dec 14 at 2020 11:27 AM

2020-12-14T11:27:53-05:00

I had seven service stripes and retired at 23 years. That’s right, I did not get promoted to SFC. Are you going to judge me now? What was the point of this question? Was it to mock an NCO? Give me a break

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2020 7:06 PM

2020-12-14T19:06:23-05:00

This question is just the type of misinformation that needs correcting in our ranks.

Response by 1SG Randy Book made Dec 15 at 2020 9:33 PM

2020-12-15T21:33:36-05:00

Lot has to do with MOS, early AR15, break in AD service etc.
Old joke:
Join the army, make CSM in 4 years. Join the air force, call your boss Bob. Join the navy, sleep with your buddy. Join the marines, Utah!

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Dec 17 at 2020 4:56 AM

2020-12-17T04:56:48-05:00

An interesting question with numerous like responses.

Here's a scenario - first hand.
Women's Army Corps (WAC) 65-66, 17 months E-4
USAR Troop Program Unit (TPU) 74-79, 4 years E-5
USAR Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) 79-81, 2 years E-5
ARNG (AGR) 81-86, 5 years E-5
USA 86-89, 3 years E-5
USAR TPU 89-21 2 years E-5
USAR Inividual Ready Reserve (IRR) 89-92, 3 years E-5
IRR Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IRR/IMA) 92-2000, 8 years E-7
USAR TPU 2000-2002, 2 years E-6*
USAR Retired Reserve 2002-2007, 5 years E-6

Total years service 34 retired as E-6.

*Caveat - Promotion to E-7T contingent upon completion of ANCOC. Went to the TPU as E-7 with an ANCOC date confirmed. The unit had been without a PAC NCO for 2 AT rotations so denied my ANCOC because the dates coincided with their AT the year I was assigned. Couldn't get another date as the slots were filled well in advance.

Bottom line, all sorts of things can happen. My service totals - 12 years 'RA,' 17 USAR. At one point I as an E-5 w/18 years TIG and 6 service stripes.

Response by SP5 Paul Riley made Dec 20 at 2020 4:13 PM

2020-12-20T16:13:16-05:00

I am guessing that soldier had an article 15 or maybe two in his career. Doesn't mean he isn't an outstanding NCO. I personally never trusted an NCO that didn't have at least one article 15. I knew a 1ST Sgt. when I was stationed inFort Wainwright who had 4 Article 15's because he had a drinking problem and his soldiers idolized him. But the Staff Sergeant in question may not have an Article 15, he might be unable to make E-7, E-7 is a hard rank to achieve, I Know E-6's that have had to retire as an E-6 because even if they had the time and grade and the right schools they could not get a slot. Personally retired as a Sgt. (E-5) after a rank reduction to Specialist (E-4) for rolling my eyes at a senior NCO. I am going to be a lawyer and will proudly display that framed field-grade article 15 for everyone to see. To all those that are retired have an outstanding holiday season and to those still serving stay safe and have a great holiday season as well.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Dec 27 at 2020 8:31 PM

2020-12-27T20:31:07-05:00

Maybe he has prior enlisted service in one or more other branches.

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Jan 2 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-01-02T18:54:24-05:00

As a 42A ,and since clearly you've gotten past the 3rd grade and can multiply 6 x 3...what's the BS point of your question?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2021 11:59 PM

2021-01-05T23:59:40-05:00

There are many factors to consider. I have been in the army for 20 yrs now which I had reached the rank of E5 and then switch to become an officer and now currently a MAJ to which I have met many outstanding soldiers of all ranks and years of experience having served in active duty, national guard and Reserves myself.. You have to consider the any career paths that soldiers take for either their own personal interest or ambitions. Some have done active duty time and then switch to either national guard or reserves. National guard for example has a very slow rate of promotion. I met many soldiers from E4 to E6 with 16 plus yrs of service and its due to no available promotion slots in their MOS in their state. I even have friends who have been in the reserves that i known since 2005 when i was a sergeant with them and they are still E5s today because they remained in the medical service MOSs. Never judge a person by their rank and years, every individual has a story and experience and you never know if you may have life changing experiences that pull you into similar situations. I was a PFC back in 2000 and im glad I had a few mentors that taught me this lesson. Keep strong and seek mentors my young green brother.

Response by SSG Patrick Washington made Jan 7 at 2021 2:37 AM

2021-01-07T02:37:09-05:00

Got out came back on or did timr sd a reserve

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jan 7 at 2021 1:53 PM

2021-01-07T13:53:18-05:00

Likely the staff sergeants time was not all on active duty. There may be some Reserves or National Guard time in there too.

Response by SFC Raymond Thibault made Jan 7 at 2021 11:17 PM

2021-01-07T23:17:06-05:00

It's simple. He has an MOS that has limited promotion opportunities. My MOS was an MOS that fed into 63Z. Competition was across the 63 CFM. I know of SGT E-5 who had 20 years and no UCMJ problems. I retired E-7 with 22 years and 7GCMs. E-8 was hard to make in the 63 CMFs.

Response by SSG Daniel Langevin made Jan 8 at 2021 9:09 AM

2021-01-08T09:09:16-05:00

There are several scenario 1 being the same as mine. I had 7 years of active duty service and then got out. After a 10 year break I joined the National Guards, the fact that I had over a 5 year break in service they put me back in as a Pfc with the understanding I would make E5 with a good 6 month Eval (On Contract) along with having to go back to BT all over again (Ft. Lost in the woods which was a joke after being 11B1P and a L.R.S team member) 45 day's after returning to my unit I was promoted to Spc and did not see my stripes for another 1.5 years. I did not care as I joined because I wanted to be back in the military but not full time as I had a career. I did learn quickly that it was hard for soldiers to make rank in the National Guards as spots are far, few, and in-between. I was medically retired in 2014 with 3 tours and 17 total years of service and retired as a SSG as well with 1 year shy of 18 years. 85/88 96/2000 2004/2014

Response by SSG Daniel Langevin made Jan 8 at 2021 9:09 AM

2021-01-08T09:09:29-05:00

Response by SSG John Jennett made Jan 8 at 2021 1:50 PM

2021-01-08T13:50:30-05:00

I retired with 20 years active, 1 yr National Guard and 3 years Reserves for a total of 24 years of service. I retired as a Staff Sergeant. No, I didn't get any article 15s Yes each time I switched back to active duty I was reduced back to E4. The reason I didn't get promoted to SFC was because 1. there were only 600 FA Surveyors in the Army which leaves very limited amount of SFC slots, 2. I opted not to go to ANCOC because I liked where I was at. So, I retired a Staff Sergeant with 8 service stripes. 6 AAM's, 5 ARCOM's and MSM. When I first came in it wasn't uncommon for people to not even make SPC in their first tour.

Response by SFC Douglas Entwistle made Jan 8 at 2021 4:36 PM

2021-01-08T16:36:21-05:00

Prior service where the break in service was long enough to lose rank is one possibility

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Jan 9 at 2021 2:33 AM

2021-01-09T02:33:51-05:00

After two Active Army Tours, I went to a Special Forces Reserve Unit. They were wonderful soldiers, and I would deploy with them at any time, but paperwork & administration were not their strong suits. I was pegged at E-6 with 15 years in, because they could not get me into an NCOES course that was required for promotion. With the deactivation of the Group, I went to a Drill Sergeant Unit. Upon getting Drill Sergeant qualified and completing ANCOC, I went from E-6 to E-8 in two years. Sometimes, the administrative "stars" just have to line up.

Response by SFC Robert Falco made Jan 10 at 2021 6:30 AM

2021-01-10T06:30:24-05:00

Simple answer. Since promotion to E7 SFC is centralized at DA, he is an E6 SSG most likely because there is not an available billet for another E7 SFC in his/her MOS. I knew many great NCO's that retired as SSG's.

Response by SSG Rickey Nelson made Jan 10 at 2021 8:49 AM

2021-01-10T08:49:49-05:00

I retired with 21 yrs as an SSG. MOS was slow to make rank in my Trans Unit. I saw a lot of promotions to E-5 and Spec 4 when we where deployed to Desert Storm in 1990. Nothing above that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 9:24 AM

2021-01-10T09:24:08-05:00

Well PFC let me help you out here. I'm an E6 with 20 years in March. I'm AGR (Active Duty National Guard) and I'll have 20 years federal service 2025. So let me answer your question why I have 6 service stripes.
TITLE 10 moves/PCS every 2-3 years. Me title 32 AGR same exact pay, BAH, BAS, tricare prime remote, etc etc as an Active Duty member. However I do NOT have to move, I own 2 houses, and about to buy a 3rd. All my mortgages combined are less than a shitty trailer outside any post for rent. Bottom line I love where I live and raise my family and when I retire it will all be damn near or fully paid off! I'm playing the financial long game that Benefits ME, not as concerned about extra rockers.
Oh and if you want to say nasty girls or any other BS towards the guard and me. 2 deployments to Afghanistan, CIB, BSM, blah blah and a 3rd to GTMO.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made Jan 10 at 2021 5:47 PM

2021-01-10T17:47:25-05:00

He could be in an MOS that has locked him at SSG. He could be National Guard and capped out in his unit. There are many reasons for a soldier to be in for 18 years and be an E-6. I know a lot of people including my supply SGT who retired as E-6 because they loved their job. Supply at the unit level caps out at E-6. If you are AGR (Active Guard Reserve) you may go up and down in rank to maintain your active position when unit MTOE changes. If your unit changes your current position as E-7 could change to E-6 and to stay in that unit you will have to take a reduction in rank. I had seen it dozens of times. My MSG was close to retirement and took a rank reduction so another younger E-7 could get promoted. He was my mentor and the one who pinned on my SFC rank. He retired with 42 years of service as LTC. He had been rifted by a general that didn’t like him. He helped write the first 10 & 20 manual for Field Artillery in the 60’s as a Major. When we were in Japan in 1994, the commanding general of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces made his entire entourage wait in our area for 20 minutes so he could spend some time with MSG Boardman. Don’t judge a book by its cover & never judge a soldier by his sleeves!

Response by SSG James Harlow made Jan 10 at 2021 9:43 PM

2021-01-10T21:43:39-05:00

How about that NCO holds a MOS that only has a few slots in the Army. I belonged to one of those 25M, MultiMedia Specialist. There are only 300 people in that MOS Army wide. PFC O’Hara you need to pull your head from your 4th point of contact and think before you post.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jan 10 at 2021 11:14 PM

2021-01-10T23:14:56-05:00

My service stripes go down one sleeve at end it says continue onto next arm, at the end I'm happily retired and collecting my pay. Don't worry about the petty stuff

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 12 at 2021 3:28 PM

2021-01-12T15:28:34-05:00

Time in service is one way to get Service stripes and other awards and decorations. It's not uncommon for E5 Ssgts to have three or more Service stripes or other decorations. Don't ask somebody else, who might have a jealousy stripes across their forehead, how the wearer can have so many. If enquiring mi n ds want to know, ask the wearer himself. He'll either tell you or not.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Jan 12 at 2021 5:06 PM

2021-01-12T17:06:19-05:00

There are only two possible answers to that question. The firsts that he is not as smart as you think. The second is that at some point in his 24 years he was busted for something. Are you a good enough friend to ask him?

Response by SFC Brad Sorrell made Jan 13 at 2021 9:00 AM

2021-01-13T09:00:30-05:00

It is very possible that he had a break in service or transferred from a reserve component to an active component. At either option if given the right criteria, it may have resulted in a reduction in rank in order to transfer or enlist. Never judge a book by the cover.

Response by 1SG Steve Round made Jan 27 at 2021 9:48 PM

2021-01-27T21:48:41-05:00

Most likely either in a slow MOS like MP or something where there are limited billets for E7 or had a break in service and has to start in the back of the pack. With QMP boards etc, especially when reviewing staff sergeants for promotion to sergeant first class - if he was a clown, art 15 etc he would of been discharged. Has quite a few combat service bars each representing 6 months in a active combat zone so my guess would be break in service after several tours overseas. Barring being a PX warrior or something uknown then that is likely the deal. RTLW!

Response by SGT Thomas Winter made Jan 28 at 2021 12:27 PM

2021-01-28T12:27:05-05:00

Well that's an interesting question. When drafted in 1971 while Viet Nam war was on, myself and 19 others in my basic training unit who who got a non selected MOS of 11B were sent to Ft Polk for a 2 week LPC (leadership prepareation course) then on to IAT Infantry training. After compleating that the 20 of us were sent to NCO school @ Ft Benning for 3 months and after graduating we all were E5 Sargeants trained to be squad leaders in infantry units in Nam. At this point in time I had only been in 8 months. Now in spring 1972 President Nixon started pulling troops out of Nam and after taking 30 day leave all 200 of my graduating class got orders for differnt places than Nam. I got Germany and spent my 2nd year there attached to 3rd Armor Division in a mecinized infantry unit. While there there were several other NCO's who had several years in and were E-5 - E-7. So if a major conflict is going on you can make rank fast. I got out after my 2 years, something I have regretted many times.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Feb 9 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-02-09T17:42:53-05:00

I have a couple of answers to this question but I am coming from a Navy perspective and having lived for almost 75 years.

1. Some guys recognize that they are in a good spot and don't want the duty changes that might want the job changes that promotion might bring. In the Navy, promotion to E-7 meant the end of being a technician and becoming a true boss. Not all guys wanted that.

2. Just because a person is an E-6 now doesn't mean that E-6 was the highest rank he ever held. Stuff happens.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Feb 9 at 2021 5:47 PM

2021-02-09T17:47:09-05:00

Third observation from a Navy perspective -- promotions are based on manning needs as well as personal performance. If there aren't any openings in your job code (MOS or whatever the Army calls it,), you're just S. O. L.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2021 9:07 AM

2021-02-11T09:07:45-05:00

Sometimes leaders are not fortunate enough to fall into key positions for advancement to SFC. This is why knowing what your career map looks like is important so you can seek out those key positions if possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2021 2:52 AM

2021-02-13T02:52:28-05:00

You’re 42A, you can see everyone’s SRB.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Feb 20 at 2021 9:25 AM

2021-02-20T09:25:21-05:00

Dependent upon MOS. or the politics at the time he was in he could have been passed over just by being in the wrong time. I made SFC. with 10 yrs. in service and it took almost 10 years to make MSG. The reason was because the
ARMY status changed from promoting combat arms to support personnel.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Feb 20 at 2021 9:53 AM

2021-02-20T09:53:24-05:00

can you say BUSTED ? What ever happened it's his deal, get one it

Response by SGT Ed Walden made Feb 25 at 2021 2:59 PM

2021-02-25T14:59:03-05:00

This is really simple to explain.
Low-density MOS' have a much more difficult time advancing through the ranks than Combat Arms MOS'. Once you understand that in some of those low density fields they have slots for given pay grades. Seeing an NCO with a lot of service stripes makes sense.

Response by PO1 Mike Meehan made Feb 26 at 2021 8:26 AM

2021-02-26T08:26:24-05:00

I retired from the USN as an E-6. I don't see a problem with this.

Response by COL Kelly Hines made Feb 26 at 2021 3:45 PM

2021-02-26T15:45:38-05:00

Could be all sorts of reasons (MOS/break in service/sister service transfer/ART 15 with recovery etc). I've seen many good Soldiers retire as a SSG. He has significant combat time as well. Guessing he's posing with Soldiers he trained. He's probably not a dirt bag.

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Feb 26 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-02-26T17:07:22-05:00

It’s also possible that he had a break in service during his 18 years. I did, I served for four years, got out for eight years and then, came back in. I was an E4 when I got out and, I had to come back as an E2 and even go back through basic. So what? This post brings up another question: If this was posted five years ago, by a PFC, why are you only a SPC now?

Response by LTC Donald Donahue made Feb 26 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-02-26T17:44:40-05:00

Interesting exchanges. The bottom line is you do not know the back story (nor does anyone on this thread, including me). I recall an prior enlisted officer who was twice passed over prior to his 18 year lock in. He had the option to continue in his prior enlisted status to earn retirement. He did so and retired at highest rank held. He would have looked like this soldier. Never assume.

Response by LTC Donald Donahue made Feb 26 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-02-26T17:44:57-05:00

Response by SFC Richard Baerlocher made Feb 26 at 2021 11:34 PM

2021-02-26T23:34:11-05:00

I have a couple of examples. When I first went to Germany in 1966 we had an E-5 working as a UP9Unit Police) on the gate. He was fairly old to be an E-5. when he asked his commander when he was going to get promoted the commander laughed. He decided to retire. At the retirement ceremony, the mans commander couldn't officiate. The E-5 had been a full Colonel that was rifted back after the Korean war. Upon retirement he was promoted to Brigadier General and placed in charge of the Reserve forces in Europe. Example 2: An E-7 was assigned to Korea, and got himself into trouble by selling on the black market. He was courts martialed, and reduced in grade to E-6, and allowed to finish his 20 years and retire. He was an excellent NCO, that got on the wrong side of criminal activities. Never look down your nose at someone that you believe isn't worth his stripes. In Hawaii we had a supply sergeant that had trouble speaking. When we had a dress inspection he was wearing just one ribbon, it was blue with white stars. The man had been shot in the throat in Vietnam, and chose to stay in the Army rather than return to civilian life.

Response by SPC Rick HUnt made Mar 3 at 2021 11:27 PM

2021-03-03T23:27:52-05:00

First of all, it's a simple math question. Second, why would you bring that here? If you think he doesn't know his job, I can assure you you're wrong. Get off the internet Pvt. You will hurt yourself one of these times.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Mar 7 at 2021 3:27 PM

2021-03-07T15:27:50-05:00

The answer to your question is Army policies and regulations. Instead of getting a bunch of conjecture, rumor, innuedo, and BS from people like me who don't know, go look it up. In the process, you might just learn something. That's the advice I gave young airmen - look it up. If you ask me you'll only know what I know. Your job is to know more than me.

Response by SGT Jason Murphy made Mar 13 at 2021 1:32 PM

2021-03-13T13:32:21-05:00

Could’ve had a break in service , came back in at a lower rank

Response by SGT Jason Murphy made Mar 13 at 2021 1:35 PM

2021-03-13T13:35:04-05:00

Could’ve had a break in service , or transferred branches. Happens all the time.

Response by SSG Timothy Hertenstein made Mar 19 at 2021 3:00 PM

2021-03-19T15:00:23-04:00

Well it's like this, I Retired in 1989 with 20+ years as a SSG E-6 I have 6 service strips!! I did my time in Vietnam Germany and the USA so SUCK IT UP and DRIVE ON!!!

Response by COL Dave Sims made Mar 20 at 2021 12:59 PM

2021-03-20T12:59:17-04:00

Once upon a time (late 60s -mid 70s) EOD soldiers had a hell of a time getting promoted...and their pro-pay score was ridiculously high. It was even worse in the Air Force. Your high tech equipment was usually crimpers (that you bought commercially. Issue stuff was trash), a TL-29 knife and if you were lucky a Camillus boy scout knife. Many retired as SSG. How times have changed ! Point being -where you are in the "system" depends a lot on your MOS and what the "system" wants. It says nothing about your performance as a soldier and your service to the country. We serve and have served proudly!

Response by SSG Russell Busicchia made Mar 24 at 2021 1:21 PM

2021-03-24T13:21:26-04:00

All you can say is that he retired as an E6. There are many reasons for this. He served many combat deployments, so the most likely reason is that he was in an MOS with slow promotions. I had many assignments where I served in positions above my pay grade, had many awards (MSM being the highest), always met or exceeded the requirements listed for E7. Never made the E7 list. How do you know that he is not on the promotion list? Don't be too quick to judge based solely on rank.

Response by MSG Clyde Mills made Mar 28 at 2021 7:06 AM

2021-03-28T07:06:48-04:00

Maybe this E-6 has a medical Profile that exempts him from being discharged from the military that he received during combat duty. I don't know the in's and out's of how the Military operates these days since I've been retired over 20 plus years.

Response by SPC Brandon Knull made Mar 28 at 2021 6:21 PM

2021-03-28T18:21:45-04:00

I served with a SSG in my unit who retired as such. He had the big 3 tabs on his shoulder. (Special Forces, Ranger, Airborne) I had the upmost respect for him. I would've followed him anywhere. Nothing wrong with it. Many are very happy where they are.

Response by 2LT Mark West made Apr 3 at 2021 11:36 AM

2021-04-03T11:36:42-04:00

I would say it could have something to do with his MOS. I saw several non-combat arms guys retire as SSG with 20 years.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2021 12:33 PM

2021-04-04T12:33:16-04:00

I am a National Guard E6 with 31 years so a have a bunch of service stripes. It is very common

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2021 12:59 PM

2021-04-04T12:59:09-04:00

I have 20 years in as an E6. Its because mistakes were made along the way getting here.

Response by Lt Col Steve Bonning made Apr 4 at 2021 2:22 PM

2021-04-04T14:22:34-04:00

Who cares? The presumption is he has integrity. He gets the benefit of innocent until proven guilty like everyone else. His supervisor will know, that's all that's important

Response by SGT Frances Greenamyer made Apr 4 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-04-04T18:45:15-04:00

I retired as an E6 my MOS had less than 71 slots and only 2 E7 slots with no E8 so if you got E8 you left the field I was an E6 for 12 years with no negative actions period scored 998 of 1000 points to get my E6.I

Response by SSG Adrian Walker made Apr 4 at 2021 9:02 PM

2021-04-04T21:02:36-04:00

Well the first thing you need to do is look at yourself and ask yourself, what the fuck concern is it to you PRIVATE., Next thing ask yourself what the fuck business is it of yours PRIVATE,, whenever you are in doubt refer to statement one

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Apr 5 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-04-05T17:07:30-04:00

He has 18 years of service.

Response by SSG Chris Gursky made Apr 5 at 2021 8:35 PM

2021-04-05T20:35:32-04:00

I served with a lot of guys who retired as SSG, it just is. Look around your unit, how many E-7 and above are there? There are only so many spots available and for each on there are 50 people hoping to get one of those spots. And because the military is a great career no matter your MOS there are more and more people staying in to retire as SSG.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Apr 6 at 2021 5:45 PM

2021-04-06T17:45:06-04:00

I have three friends that retired as SSG with 20yrs. A nephew that was in the A.F. that retired as an E6 with 20yrs, two friends tgat both retired from the Navy as 1st Class, (E6) with 20yrs. Sometimes it depends on your MOS and how top heavy it is.
I wear 3 servuce stripes and got out as a Sgt (E5), it happens, and I was in a combat MOS.

Response by SSG Aaron Springer made Apr 9 at 2021 8:54 AM

2021-04-09T08:54:45-04:00

there are some real shit posts here. Frankly the Army has made the empasis on rapid promotion to the detriment of the service. i see an e6 woth 18 years if service and i see an nco who probably puts others above himself daily, is truly technically and tactically profecient. from my experience the hotshots who made sgt in 3 years, and ssg in 5 generally focus on what will make them look good and generally suck at developing soldiers. just my 2 cents

Response by SFC Richard Haugh made Apr 12 at 2021 1:41 AM

2021-04-12T01:41:32-04:00

There are soo many factors involved... not to mention this soldier may have done some Guard or Reserve time as well. No red flags for stolen valor either... would be an interesting conversation with the said soldier.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 17 at 2021 2:25 PM

2021-04-17T14:25:16-04:00

Perhaps he made E6 from E7

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Apr 21 at 2021 12:57 AM

2021-04-21T00:57:31-04:00

Or he I like me Marine Corps 16 year break in service loose all your stripes and start over in the Army as Spc. I retired with 18yrs of service out of the WTU after AFG. Missed SFC by some months but I have my 15yrs Police retirement. And yes I retired with 23 Ribbons/Awards from the Marines, Navy and Army I just needed an Air Force Ribbon to round off all the Branches

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Apr 29 at 2021 3:11 PM

2021-04-29T15:11:19-04:00

I guess you never heard of the National Guard or the Army Reserve. I have known some people who are topped out in a given MOS for their state and will never see the next grade. Do not assume this guy is bad or a faker or anything else.

Response by Sgt David Scott made Apr 29 at 2021 4:57 PM

2021-04-29T16:57:05-04:00

Well, First in the Corps, each Hash Mark represents 4 years, (Army 3 Years), he might have been one of those that has kind of gone up and down on the rank board from time to time. Seen it happen to a many of Servicemen.

Response by SFC Craig Titzkowski made Apr 29 at 2021 10:31 PM

2021-04-29T22:31:06-04:00

could be Guard or reserve and I have seen some regular army retire at 20 as an E-6. Some people make mistake early in their career and it follows them or they let it follow them. I just say thanks for him and his long service. E-6 SSG is a tough rank much respect did you count his combat looks like he had plenty of that as well. Please look at the whole picture not just one thing. Hope you make it as long as he has with all the combat time he had. I whore 8 service stripes when I retired as an E-7 and I had been in two services Army and Navy

Response by SFC Joe Ortega made Apr 29 at 2021 11:12 PM

2021-04-29T23:12:04-04:00

Based on MOS and performance some folks get promoted quicker than others. Some folks retire as SSG because their branch would not promote them based on performance MOS allocations.

Response by SFC Joe Ortega made Apr 29 at 2021 11:16 PM

2021-04-29T23:16:50-04:00

Some MOS promote quicker than others! Based on performance and allocations some.folks move quicker than others!

Response by SPC Sean Coughlin made Apr 30 at 2021 2:31 PM

2021-04-30T14:31:23-04:00

Seems to me you’d be better off asking the SSG yourself, instead of airing out your laundry here. Nut up and ask them your question like a man

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Apr 30 at 2021 9:18 PM

2021-04-30T21:18:33-04:00

In my observation many have the years in and service they're either held back because, some chose not pursuit an associate degree, or higher, before I myself left the US Army in 1987, the Army wanted soldiers to further their education, I didn't and I wasn't going to stay in any longer, my decision was based on Medical reasons

Response by SGT Christopher Doyle made May 1 at 2021 1:31 PM

2021-05-01T13:31:22-04:00

I had 19 years in service and retired as an E-5, high cutoff score of 798 to make E-6 for 10+ years. So if you are in a static mos it can happen, and no article 15s or adverse actions on my record.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2021 4:30 PM

2021-05-02T16:30:59-04:00

I was an E5 with 8. No Art 15 just not enough of an asshole to get promoted.

Response by Cpl Steve Craver made May 2 at 2021 11:58 PM

2021-05-02T23:58:35-04:00

It's really pretty easy to understand. Several possibilities could be affecting his current status.
1.) He could be in a MOS that is extremely competitive with no quick path up.
2.) He could be an OSVET (Other Service Veteran) and on a slow path.
3.) NJP. Perhaps in an earlier paygrade.
4.) Could be he saw action in a combative situation (You know, putting your butt on the line).
These are the possibilities in a quick response. Don't judge a leader by his stripes or medals. Leaders come in various conditions.

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made May 3 at 2021 1:17 AM

2021-05-03T01:17:24-04:00

Many MOS situations have limited slots for promotion over E6 because they are very specialized and have only a limited number of units to promote into.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made May 3 at 2021 11:46 AM

2021-05-03T11:46:26-04:00

A simple question. It deserves a simple answer. There are a number of ways for a SSG to accumulate 18 years of service. For one, this individual could simply have not been very interested in promotions. Thus, they occur less frequently for him. Another way could be through Article 15 action(s). There are several ways to get 15'd; some are unfair, others are just bad luck, and others are one's own stupid dumbassedness (no offense meant, we all have our stupid dumbass moments).

However it happens, I might actually recommend That Guy as a mentor. Looks like he's been around the block, like, a lot!

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made May 3 at 2021 12:49 PM

2021-05-03T12:49:21-04:00

How? As you said, it means he has 18+ years of service. Emphasis on SERVICE. Why would anyone assume that it's due to some reason other than his own preference; limited promotions in whatever his MOS is, and so on? I've known career E-6's in the Navy, Marines and Army who retired at that rank.
In some MOS', (in my experience) once you're past SSG, like the MP Corps, you're more or less guaranteed administrative jobs - excluding Combat MP units. In garrison, I've never seen any NCO E-7 and above work road duty. In some units, they rotated as the MP Duty Officer, and most were relegated to MP Opns or PMO Opns. I was a career MP and up for E-7 and dreaded the idea of not being on the road. However, the MP Corp had been putting emphasis on Combat MP's, and not garrison. Fate intervened in my case and I ETS'd to care for a multiple handicapped daughter. I've had more than a few MP buddies who retired as 1SG's, and SGM's and they all told me that had I stayed in, I'd have hated how the MP Corps changed. Hard to say, but pay and benefits aside, going above SSG (to me) was kind of bothersome.

Response by SMSgt Ed W. made May 3 at 2021 6:10 PM

2021-05-03T18:10:05-04:00

Since you posted it. Have you really thought about your question?

Response by SFC Kenneth G. made May 4 at 2021 6:17 AM

2021-05-04T06:17:21-04:00

Some MOS's are harder to make rank in than others. It could be that the Sergeant had a break in service and came back in and didn't have enough time to make SFC before he retired. He could have been medically retired. There are many reasons that a soldier retires as a SSG. Most retire as a SFC in the Army but some do retire as a SSG.

Response by SGT Greg Knytych made May 4 at 2021 9:01 AM

2021-05-04T09:01:26-04:00

I don't know if the length of service limits are still the same as when I was discharged in 1990 but as far as I know an E-6 is allowed 18 years in service and an E-6(P) is allowed 24 years of service. It is not only quite normal for a SSG to have 18 years of service or more since it is common for someone at that rank and length of service to end up on a promotion list.

Response by SPC Tj F. made May 4 at 2021 10:22 AM

2021-05-04T10:22:32-04:00

When I was still active, my preferred rank goal at that time was to be an E-6. For me, I am a "Doer". I want to still be kicking in doors clearing buildings. I want to lead my squad in whatever task was assigned. To me, a "promotion" to an E-7 was actually a demotion. Anyone who has ever seen the movie, "K-9" with James Balushi, I considered an E-7 a "Paper-Pushing Pansy". Now, I'm not down playing their rank at all. They clearly, or Most Likely depending on their MOS, have already been there, done that. However, I was an Expert shot in Rifle, Pistol, Machine Gun (not that hard, lol), and Grenade Laucher. (Yes, I can... er, could.... shoot 8 out of 10 M-203's grenades THROUGH the window at the window frame/wall target 200m out.) I wanted to be able to actually DO the work. To be a SSG and retire, is not that out of the realm of feasibility, is it? Since I was Airborne MP, I have also been fed law enforcement, a fire fighter, Correctional Officer, and certified S.W.A.T. (graduated Top of Class). In my eyes, being an SSG is the highest rank of being a leader AND doer that you can attain.

Response by SFC Craig Titzkowski made May 4 at 2021 1:49 PM

2021-05-04T13:49:16-04:00

This picture looks like it was taken right out side the theater in Colorado. Right after the welcome back and Operation Warrior Trainer (OWT) recruiting sale pitch. I was an OWT recruiter from Fort Lewis for 1st army back then. They look like the rear detachment people for their state helping with the welcome back event. The new soldiers that came to the unit and couldn't deploy because they got out of basic too late in the deployment and the salty SGG that took over the rear detachment at company level. Just a Guess.

Response by CPL Paterick Ross made May 4 at 2021 5:06 PM

2021-05-04T17:06:04-04:00

PFC front leaning rest position then you can ask such an absurd question. As a PFC you are not worthy of an answer and you should remain confused too many variables could justify this soldiers time. I see blue crest but no cross rifles nothing else here to see.....carry on

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 11:29 PM

2021-05-04T23:29:44-04:00

You're right. 18/6=3years

Response by SSG Mike Zientek made May 5 at 2021 10:47 AM

2021-05-05T10:47:29-04:00

How does it happen?
86-88, RA, 52D10, worked as BN Officer Management Clerk. ETS
88-90, USAR, 55B10, no 52D slots in my unit, I reclass.
90-91, Desert Shield/Storm as a 55B20 in Saudi Arabia.
91-93, USAR, go to school, become a 79D30, Battalion Career Counselor.
94 ETS
97, USAR,
1998-2000, 79S30, AGR Reserve Recruiter
2002, try one year in NG
05-07, NG, 79T30, Guard Recruiter
07-09, NG, 88M30
09-10, NG, Detainee Ops, OIF
10-12, NG, AGR Unit Training NCO
12-14, NG, 88M30
2015, Medically Retired US Army

6 MOS’s
13 years Active Duty
23 years Service

You never know someone’s path. You don’t know the why or how of behind the scenes.

Response by SFC Matthew Del Rossi made May 5 at 2021 10:53 PM

2021-05-05T22:53:40-04:00

It seems a PFC does not pay attention.

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made May 6 at 2021 6:54 AM

2021-05-06T06:54:44-04:00

I was in the Air Force for 11 years and got out. Twenty-six months later I enlisted in the Army. After six years the Army did away with my job and wanted to put me in one I didn't want. I got out then enlisted in the Navy and requested FMF duty with the Marines. Each time I switched services I lost rank. My service stripes touch my E5 stripes; the Navy lost my Army records and didn't find them until six years after I was supposed to retire so I was in 26 years

Response by Sgt David Scott made May 7 at 2021 12:55 PM

2021-05-07T12:55:56-04:00

I want to add one more post here, My Uncle retired from the Army in 1971 as an E`6, did three tours in VN and a total of 21 years in the Army without being busted once, so lots of ribbons and hash marks. Very Possible.

Response by SSgt W. Aaron Gregory made May 8 at 2021 7:17 AM

2021-05-08T07:17:07-04:00

Not out of the ordinary. The Marine Corps has similar folks in the same situation. Slow-promoting MOSs, regardless of overseas or combat tours. I wouldn’t assume Article 15s or summary CMs either. At those ranks, they’re a bit more selective and harsh. Don’t think he or she would have made it even THAT far. Just stuck in a tough MOS where getting E7 is a real battle zone.

Response by SPC Jim McCormick made May 10 at 2021 2:44 PM

2021-05-10T14:44:26-04:00

Sometime points are very high and not many open slots. Were in my field and add in my specialty identifier it gets even narrower (95B-A9). Look at the right sleeve , think I count 8 there. So more than likely it is a itty bitty bottle neck to get through.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2021 12:31 AM

2021-05-11T00:31:24-04:00

Because not everyone gets advanced as quickly as you have. Doesn’t make them any less of a soldier. I personally think they promote people too quickly these days

Response by CPL Larry Bezemer made May 19 at 2021 9:28 AM

2021-05-19T09:28:45-04:00

I agree with most, he looks to be a great solder in a limited MOS.

Response by 1SG Roger Erickson made May 23 at 2021 9:00 AM

2021-05-23T09:00:05-04:00

Seriously, it's one thing to ask questions and a completely different one to call out soldiers based on photos. Now I have been out a day or two but we may all be soldiers but we all don't do the same job and rank especially at the senior grades become tougher and is based on available positions not just qualified soldiers. As to E6 being the rank of most retired it is not it is E7. There are twice as many E7 retirees as E6 retirees. Let's get back to some real questions instead of trying to cut each other down. Those who serve comprise less than 2% of the population in the US.

Response by SPC Lawanda Boddie made May 29 at 2021 1:41 PM

2021-05-29T13:41:18-04:00

Furthermore, it’s possible that the SSG has prior service. He may have prior service from the Army or from another branch. As an E4 I had 10 years service due to my prior service and IRR time. All of that time counts. You know don’t be afraid to use Google. You could’ve easily entered that question into the search engine and got the answer. Use your resources please. Better yet, make better use of the English language. Phrase your question in a better manner. Try a non condescending manner to be exact. No question is a dumb question. However, it’s the manner in which the question is phrased that makes all the difference in the world.

Response by SFC Mark Evans made Jun 4 at 2021 12:33 AM

2021-06-04T00:33:07-04:00

He may be in the NG or AR.

Response by CSM Tim Bebus made Jun 16 at 2021 8:46 PM

2021-06-16T20:46:03-04:00

Regardless of the reason this Soldier has 18 years at the rank of SSG is irrelevant. The fact that you refer to this NCO as an E-6 is insulting. E6 refers to his pay grade. One of my biggest peeves is Enlisted Soldiers who refer to themselves or others by E- whatever. You would never hear that on the Officer side of the fence. The reason is because rank is respected not pay grade. This Staff Sergeant has served 18 years how about thank you for your service you're part of small percentage of Americans to do this. And mind your business

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 9:40 AM

2021-06-17T09:40:45-04:00

One of the squad leaders in my unit recently retired, he never wanted to become an SFC. I don’t know whether he had any Article 15s or anything else, but from what I know, he simply didn’t want E7. There are its few who just wish to stay with the people instead of moving through the ranks.

Response by SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates made Jun 17 at 2021 3:30 PM

2021-06-17T15:30:28-04:00

exactly what it means. and the retention control point for an e6 has been 20 years for some time. in fact, it is possible that an e5 could also put in 20 years active time. very unlikely, but not impossible. i've seen it happen in my time. that being said, you have to keep in mind that times change, regulations adjust to the times. when I left the service, rcp for an e4 was 8 years. afterward it got changed to 10 years. times change.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 5:51 PM

2021-06-17T17:51:00-04:00

Reservists don't high year tenure so you could feasibly retire as an E4. LOL

Not saying this guy is but we do wear the same uniforms as regular component.

Response by SGT John Prolo made Jun 17 at 2021 5:55 PM

2021-06-17T17:55:23-04:00

Hahaha…when I was in, you could retire with 20 at E-6.

Response by SSG Mark Auld made Jun 18 at 2021 3:39 AM

2021-06-18T03:39:17-04:00

He could be NG or USAR and has chosen to stay in an E6 slot instead of changing units and driving to another location. This happens a lot in Guard units, sometimes it is more about serving with there buddies than career progression. Some of theses guys spend their entire military career together.

Response by SSgt John McGinnis made Jun 18 at 2021 10:04 AM

2021-06-18T10:04:57-04:00

Stripes are not indicative of how many years have been served by a military member. Those are indicated by hash marks, worn on the sleeve. A person retires at the highest rank held. There are many circumstances why someone would retire as an E-6. A simple, "Thanks for serving our country," would suffice.

Response by CW4 Dana Ahl made Jun 18 at 2021 4:06 PM

2021-06-18T16:06:21-04:00

Some of the reasons could be: Reserve Time, Returned to Active Duty and lost a stripe - just a couple that could explain it - Check his rack and his stripes on his right arm -

Response by SSG Richard Rushing made Jun 22 at 2021 3:36 PM

2021-06-22T15:36:47-04:00

Each stripe represents the times he's paid your sister a conjugal visit-- After having served his country over 18 years of service. Beat your boots private! I said your boots, not your pisstola...

Response by SPC Darren Coffenberry made Jun 22 at 2021 6:05 PM

2021-06-22T18:05:27-04:00

I am assuming since you're now a Specialist you know the answer to your original question? I would hope you do by now, but just in case you don't, let me help you. The SSG in this picture Has a Ribbon rack bigger than your forehead! Also on his right sleeve you will notice that he has if i am counting right, 7 maybe 8 overseas service stripes.....some choose to never go above SSG....ever. Use to require B-NCO for 6s and A-NCO for 7. Then 1SG school...etc... He has at least 18 years in service but less than 21.

Response by PO2 Lon Hebert made Jun 22 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-06-22T19:17:20-04:00

I am navy 21 years and the way we had was that for each years of svc you get a hashmarks as we call it I retired as a RM2(SW), USN, RET At the time you could retire as a Petty Officer 2ND Class E-5. After you reach 12 years and have no NJP you can buy the gold chevrovns and Hashmarks.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Jun 22 at 2021 9:36 PM

2021-06-22T21:36:23-04:00

Why don't you go up and Ask Him ?
He could be prior service.
he could have been Army national Guard, then Gone Active Duty.
he could have gotten a college deferment while on Active Duty, yes the Military does that, for those Service member that have the Grades, he gets to go to College or a university, for 3 to 6 years, while on Active duty, he cannot advance while at school, he must Obligate two years of active duty service for every one year of college or University, I have seen enlisted member do this program to complete there masters, this is a really good program you receive all your active duty befits because your still on active duty, you receive you full pay , plus BAH, BAS.
I forget the name of the program, but it out there for every enlisted person to use and apply for, talk to your ESO.
I can come up with about 5 to 6 reason, that bring no disgrace upon him or the Service.

then yes there is the Article 15, or Captains mast, but that may not apply here.
without speaking to him or seeing his jacket , I could not tell you.

but there are many service members who did 20 years service and retired as a E-6 without Bringing any Disgrace upon themselves or the Military Service.
so do not Jump to any Negative Conclusions without First Speaking to the Service Member.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-06-23T12:44:01-04:00

He did not make E-7 yet and may never. Not every E-6 makes E-7. Some guys get in trouble. Some guys just have a bad or even mediocre career. Some guys just don't distinguish themselves enough. Some guys do great but fall through the cracks. Some guys have MOS's that don't have good promotion rates. There are any number of reasons that E-6's retire as E-6's and not all of them are bad. This happens... a lot. I don't understand your confusion.

Response by SSG William Kessinger made Jun 24 at 2021 5:46 PM

2021-06-24T17:46:52-04:00

Thank him for his service and move on

Response by SSG William Kessinger made Jun 24 at 2021 5:47 PM

2021-06-24T17:47:22-04:00

Thank him for his service and move on

Response by PO3 Paul Roth made Jun 24 at 2021 6:10 PM

2021-06-24T18:10:27-04:00

Wow looks like someone needs to stay in his pay grade. 18 years of service and look at his chest has good conduct throughout his service. Some MOS are top heavy and promotion is hard to come buy at times. Who are you as a PFC to ask a question like this. God help our Military if we have to be defended by unrespectfull over privileged children that you just sounded like. I wish you were in front of me saying that you would have been pushing concrete till I got tired

Response by TSgt Scott Dunkirk made Jun 24 at 2021 11:24 PM

2021-06-24T23:24:03-04:00

Lets see i retired out of the AF as an E6 with 21 years

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Jun 25 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-06-25T12:44:59-04:00

Used to be the norm before force reduction 1 and 2 took place

Response by SGT George Duncan made Jun 26 at 2021 2:21 PM

2021-06-26T14:21:14-04:00

he got busted back when

Response by SFC Richard Baerlocher made Jun 30 at 2021 2:11 AM

2021-06-30T02:11:04-04:00

While I was stationed in Hawaii we had a supply Sergeant E-5 that had been in for 15 years. Our Company Commander looked down on him because he was just n E-5 and didn't really want to be promoted because he had problems speaking. We had an theft incident in the unit, and it was revealed then that he was the Sergeant Baked the Quad was named after. He was a Medal of Honor winner that was wounded in action, ut wanted to continue in the Army. Never judge a book by its cover, and never judge a soldier just because someone hasn't been promoted.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jun 30 at 2021 2:24 PM

2021-06-30T14:24:50-04:00

I knew a LOT of SSG's who retired, and even more PO1's in the Navy. A lot depends on a person's MOS. No shame in retiring as an E6 in the Army or Navy ... and I think it's even more common itn the USMC - or at leat it used to be. A good friend, of my son, just retired early as a Marine SSG because had he stayed in for a full 20, and not gotten promoted, he'd have been discharged without a retirement. He was in a situation where it was retire and get a pension, or stay and HOPE to get promoted which, IN HIS MOS, was not likely.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-07-02T14:43:02-04:00

Numerous deployments, combat awards and a life of service. He has served over 18 years honorably and is not an SFC? This indicates to me, an incompetent chain of command and leaders not taking care of soldiers. That's what I get out of this picture

Response by HN William Bossert made Jul 2 at 2021 7:28 PM

2021-07-02T19:28:57-04:00

I knew a boot in Navy who graduated with E-6. We thought he was bull s-ing us until he showed us his military ID. Apparently he played a instrument very well and was heading to president band and only E-6 and above can bevin

Response by SPC Earl Semler made Jul 7 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-07-07T17:44:57-04:00

There are a couple things about this photo I don't understand, 1. The Staff Sgts cover, everyone but him is wearing Berets, 2. His cover has a gold band over the brim. When I was in the Army, and gold band meant officer no enlisted.

My son-law was in for 21 years before being promoted to E-7, the Army

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2021 8:19 PM

2021-07-09T20:19:38-04:00

I'm an E7 probably won't make E8. most of my Peers are E6. There is no shame retiring as E6. many MOS also promote slowly. An honest question requires an honest answer and can do without the shaming. Some people don't get promoted to E7, period.

Response by LTC Christopher Hills made Jul 10 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-07-10T17:44:02-04:00

No surprise, o know quite a few hard working nco’s who were in a limited MOS forcing them to retire at 20 as a SSG. Nothing to see here.

Response by SP6 Bruce Kellar made Jul 11 at 2021 1:30 PM

2021-07-11T13:30:19-04:00

Those of us who served understand that if a MOS is no longer critical, promotion slots are slow or not at all. SSG run the Army under the eye of MSG/1SG. If you breathe it may be the fault of a SSG lifer. That is the full complete answer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2021 7:27 PM

2021-07-11T19:27:49-04:00

Same way a CSM doesn't have a combat patch in 2021.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Jul 11 at 2021 10:25 PM

2021-07-11T22:25:04-04:00

What part don't you understand?

Response by CSM Carlson C. made Jul 12 at 2021 11:02 AM

2021-07-12T11:02:27-04:00

I'm not sure if this is trolling, because as a SPC you should know how service stripes are attained. Hell, we could ask the same question of a SPC who has been in 6+ years and not made SGT. With simple math, this SSG has greater than or equal to 18 years or less than 24. The fact that someone has not been promoted does not convey the entire story. This SSG has been overseas multiple times and has served a significant portion of his life. We complain when people get promoted too fast and we complain when people don't promote fast enough. One of my best friends is a SFC who has been in 3 months longer than I have. The Army promotion system has failed this NCO who is an OUTSTANDING leader of Soldiers. But that is a story that hits a lot of folks who have been passed over for promotion. Instead of asking others this NCOs story and kinda putting him on blast. Ask that NCO why or other NCOs why they feel they haven't been promoted. You'll hear varying tales of the greatness of the Army promotion system or the lack thereof.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2021 9:24 PM

2021-07-12T21:24:05-04:00

It could be any number of reasons. He's in a limited sized MOS. He's National Guard and in a small unit or detachment that maxes out at E-6 or E-7.
Examples: I have a dear friend who ended his career at 16 years as an E-5. He was in Hueys and the Army phased out Hueys eliminating his MOS. His got caught in one of those traps where he was unable to get promoted and he was also unable to get to another school in time. He was released from duty and forced to ETS b/c he was an E-5 over 16 years.
Had another colleague in the National Guard. He was in a unit that had an MTOE that maxed out at E-5. He retired at 20 years as an E-4.

Response by PO1 John Coltrane made Jul 13 at 2021 7:08 AM

2021-07-13T07:08:58-04:00

Why does it matter? He must have earned them.

Response by SSG James McClain made Jul 14 at 2021 5:17 PM

2021-07-14T17:17:47-04:00

I don't understand what you’re getting at but yeah, it means that he’s been in for at least 18 but no more that 21

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2021 6:22 PM

2021-07-14T18:22:11-04:00

Back when I was an Army NCO, you used to have to earn E-6. Personally I didn't make it until I was in for 13 years. Now they pass out rank like candy, if you're in the right MOS.

Response by SGT Michael Lecza made Jul 15 at 2021 10:56 AM

2021-07-15T10:56:36-04:00

I was a 63B20H8 and I was medically retired at just over 13 yrs. Some MOS's are tough to get past E5 due to cutoff scores. And BTW I have 4 service stripes and 2 Combat stripes

Response by SPC Laura Mitchell made Jul 15 at 2021 12:11 PM

2021-07-15T12:11:12-04:00

In some military jobs (all branches) it can be tough to make it from E-6 to E-7 (and in the case of Navy Chief Petty Officers, E-7 to E-8). Mostly because there are a lot fewer slots at the next grade (compared to other MOS’s), so it’s pretty competitive. My son retired at 20 years as a E-6 (Air Force). The Navy seems to be pickier about what they call “high tenure,” i.e. way too much time at a certain grade (I was an E-4 when I got out so I don’t know if it’s like that in the other branches). It’s an up or out type of thing. That happened to a friend of mine. He didn’t make Senior Chief (E-8) so he had to retire. Hope this helps.

Response by SSG Ralph Jeffries made Jul 15 at 2021 6:48 PM

2021-07-15T18:48:29-04:00

As a retired E6, I can answer that question directly. Promotions in the 95B career field were slow, but turned near impossible when between 91 and 93 the Army was in a "draw down" reducing everybody. During those 3 years less than 1% of promotables were selected each year for E7. The soldiers with recruiting or drill sergeant were selected first...I had neither having worked "where the rubber meets the road" instead. Finally, in my last 6 months I had a line number which required I extent to get promoted and the stay 2 more years to retire at E7. I declined and retired at 20 as an E6 to continue my law enforcement career. I am now 8 months from retiring again after 27 years with my department. That's 47 years of law enforcement total and I think I "earned my stripes". To all my soldiers, I was totally dedicated to..."Stay Alert, Stay Alive".

Response by SSG Gary De Pury made Jul 15 at 2021 7:26 PM

2021-07-15T19:26:48-04:00

I retired as an E-6 I had 23 years in service. Studied 6 languages & a college degree. I’m now an attorney & killing it!

I chased education instead of rank.

Frankly I’m very proud of my choices because I didn’t need extra pay. I needed extra knowledge.

My grandfather retired as an 0-3 pilot. Turned down major several times because it meant losing his slot as a pilot.

It’s all about your personal preferences.

Response by SSG Randolph Jones made Jul 15 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-07-15T21:56:04-04:00

I don't know, I retired with 23 years as a staff sgt so walk easy. In my MOS i only knew of about 5 e-6s that picked up e7 in about 7 years. Choose your MOS wisely

Response by LCpl Richard Lally made Jul 16 at 2021 3:00 PM

2021-07-16T15:00:54-04:00

I knew a Warrant officer w-6 who wanted to return to the regulars ranks. He had 5 service slashes as an E6. Just saying

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2021 4:25 PM

2021-07-16T16:25:38-04:00

WOW,
It amazes me how a no time in grade PFC judging a NCO who has Honorablely served for more than 18 years. I retired with over 22 years. Multiple overseas tours, Combat and Hardship tours. As CSM StCyr pointed out, many MOS's can be extremely competitive and difficult to reach E7. Especially if your always deployed (2003-2018) in the Global War on Terror. He had atleast 4 years combat if I'm reading that correctly. I had proudly served with many NCOs who retired as E6/E7 with 20+ years in. Majority of them were SME in there field. Try walking a mile in a mans shoes before you judge him/her. Realize your Army of today was not His/Her Army of the past. Times change and so does the military. Honor them and learn their story. One day you might read about them later.
Sincerely a tired Sapper.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Jul 16 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-07-16T21:42:14-04:00

In my MOS, medic I was in an air ambulance unit and th highest NCO rank was SSG.
Depending on MOS and unit assigned one may have a good long service honorably served and retire as a SSG

Response by SFC Tim OReilly made Jul 19 at 2021 6:49 AM

2021-07-19T06:49:06-04:00

And? Only so many slots for E7, not enough for every E6, not enough for even the "good" ones, however you want to slice and dice "good"

Response by SSG Keith Bodiford (Ret) made Jul 20 at 2021 9:06 PM

2021-07-20T21:06:34-04:00

Multiple reasons for this. National Guard time, Reserve Time, Break in Service. Injuries on the battlefield. At any rate a SSG with 18 years of service probably has combat boots that have more time in combat chow halls than you do in service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2021 1:47 PM

2021-08-02T13:47:47-04:00

It's not uncommon, I just got my E7 after 18 years.

Response by PO1 Christopher Gómez made Aug 18 at 2021 9:43 AM

2021-08-18T09:43:11-04:00

I made E-6 when I had 6 years of service so I only had 1 service stripe. I went from E-1 to E-6 in 6 years and people thought I was out of uniform all the time due to that single service stripe. The point is that we don't know the story of others so why are we judging them? As it has been stated already, most NCOs retire as an E-6.

FYI, I was medically retired as an E-6 with just under 8 years of service.

Response by PO3 Cecil Kirk made Aug 18 at 2021 5:11 PM

2021-08-18T17:11:26-04:00

Stripes are Gold, in the Navy that means all served under good conduct and never busted down or article 15s etc. Not sure if the other branches are the same way or not.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 10:50 PM

2021-08-18T22:50:59-04:00

I might as well chime in myself.
I currently am a E5P with 17 years waiting on my orders to promote. In general my promotion points are generally at 798. And because my points are so high, 798 points are hard to achieve unless you get Hawkeye on the range, and get 300 on your Physical Test, and almost need a Doctoral education. So if you see anybody with high service strips. Think of their points first. Or maybe also they had a break in service. I have fellow NCOs that first started off either as Navy, Airforce, even in the Marine corp. Took a few years off in between the different service branches. There are many different reasons why a NCO will have 6 or even 7 service strips and be only a E6. Because after 8 years out you start over at E1, unless you are lucky and come back as E4.

Response by SGT Mark Vandolah made Aug 20 at 2021 9:17 AM

2021-08-20T09:17:13-04:00

This can be the result of numerous things I know lots of SSGs that retire as such rank, what iam wondering is why a PFC with one day in the army asking such things about any NCO? If this kind of questions are circulating in the army among privates there needs to be some retraining via sweat! If privates think like this at home how would they think about NCOs on the battlefield?

Response by SGT Robert Deisbeck made Aug 20 at 2021 4:36 PM

2021-08-20T16:36:11-04:00

The most common rank to retire at on the enlisted side is staff sergeant. That's why. My MOS was 94A and at one point I believe there was only about 300 of us total in the army. Which meant there was little to no chance of gettimg past SFC, and getting SFC itself was usually something that would ripple through all of our shops as it was so rare for a 94A to get picked up for SFC. There is alot more to the army and how you make rank. If you think all it is is time, you will be unhappy when you stop getting promoted. Maybe ask the NCO your curious about, he may educate you on some things.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 2:11 AM

2021-08-21T02:11:35-04:00

Simple answer he did not make E7. 18 years plus as a E6 is not uncommon. I am confused as to the question. I have known many E6s who retired at 20 years or even 21 years for 7 service stripes. The reserves which do not have a RCP you could have more than 7 stripes.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 6:33 PM

2021-08-21T18:33:09-04:00

I know a SGM who has been in for 20+ years and was demoted to you don't wanna know his current rank.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Aug 22 at 2021 3:19 PM

2021-08-22T15:19:28-04:00

There are many roads to Baghdad. Maybe you should have a beer with him an ask. I wouldn't assume that there was something wrong with him just because he didn't follow the typical promotion schedule.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Aug 22 at 2021 3:23 PM

2021-08-22T15:23:07-04:00

There are many roads to Baghdad. There may be a lot of good reasons that he didn't follow the usual promotion schedule. I'd be careful before I decided that there was something wrong with him.

Response by SFC James High made Aug 23 at 2021 1:02 PM

2021-08-23T13:02:23-04:00

According to the Army Rank Control Point system an E6 can stay active for a max of 20 years. However, Traditional Army National Guardsmen are not bound to the RCP, but go before a Quality Retention Board (QRB) once they reach 20 good years of service to determine if they can stay past their 20 year mark.

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Aug 23 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-08-23T20:31:51-04:00

With the ribbons on his uniform I would be convinced he's in an MOS with slow promotions. The six service stripes say a lot about his character and dedication to the Army and the United Stated in general.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Aug 28 at 2021 6:04 PM

2021-08-28T18:04:11-04:00

Look at his overseas bars. He has been around and served his time. If he was a dud he would have been out.

Response by PV2 Tommy Smith made Sep 11 at 2021 2:46 PM

2021-09-11T14:46:18-04:00

I know an E-6 who had 32 years in between RA and the NG with Pamana and 3 trips to all three gulf. I helped him get his retirement and his VA disability @ 100%.

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Sep 15 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-09-15T17:12:43-04:00

I'm a retired E-6 I was a reservist and because of responsibilities with my day job had a hard time getting to the schools needed for advancement. Yes I could have done it if I tried hard enough, but I made the choice to do what was best for me, and that didn't include chasing more rank at the expense and detriment of my civilian career. I never had an article 15 never got a bad review, and served my country honorably. Getting E-7 wasn't as important to me as other aspects of my life.

Response by SGT Mike Ok made Sep 17 at 2021 10:29 AM

2021-09-17T10:29:08-04:00

Change Service Branches! My Dad did Navy & Air Force before Army. As an E3 in the Army, full Shoulder Board (Vietnam Era), the MP's were going to bust him for that until they saw his age and immediately thought he got busted in rank and even asked "Sarge, what'd you get busted for?" // Unlike me, many find that they must take a lower rank to change Service Branches.

Response by PO1 Jacob VanderBrink made Sep 17 at 2021 3:12 PM

2021-09-17T15:12:10-04:00

It’s a long story. I served 67 -71 and 88-2010. I made E6 in 1992. Open heart surgery 99. On Medical hold for 22 months fight Navy to remain. Lost my time in grade because of medical hold (very questionable). Passed test for Chief 8 times and Board Eligible. Sailor of the Year Reserve Center in SC. President of pO1 Organization, Chairman of Navy Ball (twice). POIC of Non-Prior Service Det w/o any senior staff. Photo from my retirement from Seal Team 18. 18 years as E6. Guess I lacked something. I was two month from turning 62 in this photo.
I finished what I started.

Response by MSgt Robert Davidson made Sep 17 at 2021 11:22 PM

2021-09-17T23:22:42-04:00

I along with all my fellow combat arms(tankers M1 Abrams) made at E5 in around 2 years, alot of the SFC E7 were Vietnam vets. Some of the MOS make slow rank like, Military Police and can retire with 20 years as a E6. I was in 82-86. You don't get a stripe for a certain amount of time in.

Response by MSgt Jim Bob made Sep 18 at 2021 1:50 AM

2021-09-18T01:50:12-04:00

Good question coming from a private. I was a Marine for 22 yrs. So there is some stuff I can’t speak too, but I’d say start with the other commits, next I’d say keep your mouth shut and ears and eyes open. You will get the answer your looking for. Rank doesn’t always equity knowledge.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 1:31 PM

2021-09-18T13:31:39-04:00

PFC, I am guessing that you are probably AC. In the NG or USAR, sometimes promotions do not come as frequently as a Soldier might like if schools are backed up (think COVID) or slots are few.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Sep 18 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-09-18T21:56:48-04:00

I was a E6 with 6 service strips
And no I wasn’t POS or was busted
I know of many NCOS who gained rank to fast and struggle with the new responsibility
Myself if I made E7 I would have limited myself as a instructor which I loved doing
I retired as a E8 with 12 service strips which pretty much tells me I did it right and enjoyed every year I was in and Miss still today
What I don’t miss is smart ass private assuming they have all the answers

Response by SSG Robert Velasco made Sep 19 at 2021 5:19 AM

2021-09-19T05:19:35-04:00

If you get stuck in slot that has no more opportunity for advancement, then you can change mos or stay in your slot!

Response by LCpl Rick Riccota made Sep 19 at 2021 11:35 AM

2021-09-19T11:35:53-04:00

Pretty simple actually, the E-6 could have gotten in trouble, lost a couple of stripes, then gained some back. When I Wes in the Corps it wasn’t uncommon to see an E-6 get busted down to an E-2

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Sep 19 at 2021 6:02 PM

2021-09-19T18:02:55-04:00

Not sure about Army but in Navy it could very well be because your rating is top heavy, no one getting out so no one is getting advanced, OR you could've been working out of your rate so when it comes to Advancement Exams you just can't score high enough to advance so it took long time advancing up to E6. Then again it could be due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time and losing a stripe.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 11:12 PM

2021-09-19T23:12:44-04:00

I am an E6 woth 18 years. Had a 9 1/2 year break in service

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 12:49 AM

2021-09-20T00:49:12-04:00

Many NCO’s only make it to the rank of SSG in the army & many retire as SSG’s. That isn’t abnormal or anything. The army can’t promote all NCO’s to SFC & higher ranks, there just aren’t enough slots to do that.

Response by LCpl Odell Taylor made Sep 20 at 2021 2:13 AM

2021-09-20T02:13:08-04:00

Times are ah changin'....or rather...already have changed. Last month, August, was SIXTY(60) years ago I joined the USMC. I'll be brief and not go into great detail AGAIN about what relates to this subject as it may be found in some of my other comments for those that may be interested. But when I first joined one could retire as a private. I was in the same outfit as an E4 Sgt (not a typo and exp. can be found elsewhere) with FOURTEEN (14) years in grade (still not a typo) because he had what was referred to as a 'frozen' MOS, the same as myself. I do not believe that the US Military allows that anymore. Also, in the USMC those marks on the sleeve are referred to as 'hash marks' and indicate FOUR(4) years instead of a mere 3! Btw...John Wayne, as Sgt Striker in the movie, "Sands of Iwo Jima" was an E4 Sgt!

Response by PO3 Dale Hawkins made Sep 20 at 2021 7:20 AM

2021-09-20T07:20:48-04:00

He is in a job classification that doesn't have much chance for advancing,due to cutbacks.My uncle was in the navy for 22 years as a boiler tender,and retired an E6.

Response by Basic Cadet Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2021 7:34 AM

2021-09-21T07:34:35-04:00

The solution worked for me thanks to the community and the members for the solution.

https://www.mygroundbiz.me/

MyGroundBiz - Official Login At MyGroundBiz.com

MyGroundBiz Login is the FedEx portal to get online services at www.mygroundbiz.com. The MyGroundBiz Website offers benefits to clients at MyGroundBiz.com.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Sep 21 at 2021 10:39 AM

2021-09-21T10:39:36-04:00

I see the snobs are at it again.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2021 11:34 AM

2021-09-21T11:34:23-04:00

Different possibilities: could have prior service or a break in service that caused him to start over; his mos’s points were maxed out making it near impossible to promote; could have been demoted for either legit or bs reasons (depends on the CoC); etc.

Main point though, the rank doesn’t matter. What matters is that the dudes been in for a bit, and if he’s g2g then if I were you i’d try to benefit from his experience…

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2021 2:56 PM

2021-09-21T14:56:35-04:00

Damn PFC’s are being salty these days.. I was an E-5 when I got out at 15 years.. (11 on paper due to being young and stupid) Other than that back in the day the average time spent as a specialist was 8 years for a lack of slots.. I would stay in your lane, observe the military customs and courtesies.. and for God sakes not bash your Chain of command on any social media platform.

Response by TSgt Wayne Brown made Sep 21 at 2021 4:04 PM

2021-09-21T16:04:02-04:00

i made e-5 3 different times in 3 different branches retired as an e-6 after 21 total yrs.

Response by SN John Wampler made Sep 21 at 2021 5:36 PM

2021-09-21T17:36:14-04:00

In the
USCG, each hash mark is 4 years.

Response by LCpl Darian Gray made Sep 22 at 2021 6:05 PM

2021-09-22T18:05:17-04:00

I’m not experienced in Army affairs but there’s a possibility he was prior service but had to start back at PFC or PVT. The Marine Corps does it and Id assume there’s at least one other branch where rank won’t transfer. Maybe he’s in the reserve and promotions don’t come by to often. This next one is far fetched but maybe he went reverse Mustang. Maybe he was an officer and decided he always wanted to be enlisted and so had to restart. Idk, when you guys find out the real answer, I’d like to know. And Article 15s don’t mean you’re a garbage service member. I was probably a little garbage but all my guys respected me. The chain just mostly hated me. But that lead to me being mute after surgery checking into a new unit with a PFC chevron, 4 ribbons and a 4 year service stripe. Kid says “Wow, you’re one salty PFC”. Good times through bad times.

Response by SFC Sfc Darwin Maring, USA Ret made Sep 22 at 2021 7:30 PM

2021-09-22T19:30:52-04:00

No reason to bust his balls, That NCO has a plethora of been to war bars on his right sleeve. Thank you for your service SSG!

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2021 7:31 PM

2021-09-22T19:31:26-04:00

My old unit had an E5 with 33+ years of service. He was in one of those weird positions that made him essential. He had gotten injured and due to his injury he was not promotable. My step-grampa retired out as an E7 with 36 years in service. So it is not hard to have lots of service stripes but not attain a high rank.

Response by SFC Dwight Beaver made Sep 22 at 2021 10:24 PM

2021-09-22T22:24:02-04:00

Possibly in 19 years and soon to retire...

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Sep 23 at 2021 12:38 AM

2021-09-23T00:38:36-04:00

This is a pointless question, because there could be a dozen reasons why this Soldier has been in the Army for 18 years and is still a Staff Sergeant. Limited upward progress due to MOS limitations, a desire to keep out of the Political realm present for E7 or above, or he lacked the education, or slots in schools for NCOES. None of which are relevant to whether he is a good NCO or even relevant to any discussion outside of his leadership and unit.
I've known several NCOs who were prevented from attending NCOES due to the length of time the NCO would be away from his duty station or due to Deployments. Notice, he also has 6 Deployment hash marks, showing a minimum of three deployments, and more than 36 months in theater.

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Sep 23 at 2021 10:12 AM

2021-09-23T10:12:32-04:00

Can't speak for the Army, I wasn't in the Army and my two uncle that retired from the Army never talked about promotions, although I believe I remember one saying something. He was Transportation and at Ft. Eustis. He was an SFC and I believe got promoted before he retired, ben a long time as he retired in '58. Anyway, I went into the Coast Guard right out of High School in '65. My first Duty station was about 3.5 miles from Otis AFB. At that time the retention rate in the AF wasn't all that hot due to lack of promotion. As I said, I can't speak to the Army, but the Air Force had these old-time upper-level NCOs that found a home. There were X number of Billets and unless someone at the top retired, then no Billet opened so the system was stagnant and thus NO promotions. I think in the end the AF ended up creating more billets. With the Coast Guard, you had your Rate / MOS. Let's say Engineman (Now Machinery Technician). You come out of Basic as an E-2. You have to take and pass a Correspondence Course for E-3 (Seaman, Fireman, or Airman) then pass your Practical Factors. After that, you have two ways to go to reach E4. The same route as you took to get from E-2 to E-3, but with something new added, Service wide Exams. Here you are competing with other across the service to fill, say, 20 open billets. If you make the list, you will draw Pro Pay for that rate and will be promoted when a billet opens. Now, if you are not promoted before the next Service Wide Exam, you have to take it again. This is the way it works through E-7, after that, I have no clue. NOW, the other way, is going to a service school. I was using Engineman / Machinery Technician. You can do this out of basic, or from the Field and go to ENA School, or whatever it is these days, MT I think. You pass and Graduate as an E-3 Designated. Top of your class, you get E-4. After that, you are back in the field and have to take the service wide exams. With the Army, I don't know how they base it, but S/Sgt seems to be rather common. It maybe that the S/Sgt is in an MOS with some crusty old SFC tying up the billet and refusing to retire.

Response by PO2 John Harker made Sep 23 at 2021 3:39 PM

2021-09-23T15:39:08-04:00

Was gonna say probably an NJP but that doesn't mean he or she is a POS in any way. It's possible for a first class petty officer to have six *gold* stripes with or without an NJP. Maybe they screwed up early on and then went 18 years with a stellar career after that. Maybe they knew doing the right thing would get them sent to Captain's Mast but did it anyway.
When I got out of the Navy, 3 years' good conduct earned you a medal. 12 years' good conduct earned you gold stripes. 4 years service got you a service stripe and at 20 you either had to be in a critical rate, made E7, or retire.
NJP doesn't always equal POS, nor does 24 years at E-6 or below. It's also possible to be in a critical rate at 20 years, with good conduct you could easily get high year tenure waived if that's the case.
Bottom line is this: keep your nose in your own business. Treat the dude how you wanna be treated, even the saltiest E-6 will respect that.

Response by SGM George Alger made Sep 23 at 2021 10:19 PM

2021-09-23T22:19:33-04:00

He may have gotten out for a time, and now is back. You get back and can wear all you earned…

Response by CPL M Miller made Sep 24 at 2021 10:35 AM

2021-09-24T10:35:44-04:00

prior service could be the answer as well. or service in another branch. look closely at the RIGHT sleeve as well for combat area service. also look at the chest board , blow up the picture... there are some awards there he may be authorized to wear that are NOT army. look closely my friends... dont assume.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Sep 26 at 2021 4:06 PM

2021-09-26T16:06:39-04:00

If you think an E6 is a poser, why not engage him in a friendly manner and ask about his past; what jobs have you had, where were you stationed, were you "in country" and how many times? These questions may alleviate your angst about something that is irrelevent. Check out his chest as well and read what he has done. You may be barking up the wrong tree and this quiet observation may answer all your questions.

Response by SSG Anne Korsness made Sep 28 at 2021 9:46 AM

2021-09-28T09:46:29-04:00

If I had to guess.. the answer would be in the right side of his uniform... Although very blurry.. Prior service in another branch.. and only wearing the three highest ribbons he could have been deployed to combat in that Branch also. Which could also mean he took a reduction in rank to switch branches.. which throws out Dirtag or under achiever. In fact I bet we would all be impressed how fast he moved up in rank after switching branches. :)

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Oct 29 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-10-29T17:12:37-04:00

PFC O'Hara,
You answered your own question. Indeed, it would appear you have read AR-670-1 to know that one service stripe represents 3 years of service and it is good to know you have the ablity to multiply or at least add, but you don't appear to possess knowledge of how promotions to the higher ranks works. Certain MOS's have low turn over at the higher ranks, it could be there aren't anymore slots for him/her. She/he may have done something in his/her past that is keeping. Her /him from getting promoted, but you don't know that. What you do know is that he/she out ranks you and deserves your respect, not questioning why she/he has the rank they do.

Response by CWO4 Robert Bonne made Nov 15 at 2021 8:11 PM

2021-11-15T20:11:17-05:00

Could be prior service, changed over from another branch

Response by SSG Michael D. made Dec 29 at 2021 10:23 PM

2021-12-29T22:23:49-05:00

Yes, I have 6 service stripes as a retired Staff Sergeant with 20 years of honorable service. Unfortunately, NCOERs require Among the Best on all blocks to possibly advance. When rating schemes are based on personal opinions, and not on potential, many NCOs don't advance.

Response by SSG Timothy Lanham made May 30 at 2022 1:17 AM

2022-05-30T01:17:50-04:00

I retired as a Ssg. I never had article 15. A lot of it has to do with MOS. I spent 12 1/2 years as E-5 because my job was a dead-end MOS. The cut off was 998 and it was hard to get there. Also when I had that MOS I saw 4 people that were Ssg in that MOS.

Response by SSG Marc Moore made Aug 21 at 2022 1:38 PM

2022-08-21T13:38:34-04:00

I’ve got 7 and am a retired SSG E-6 from the ARNG. Not uncommon at all particularly in a RESERVE component where making E-7 might mean driving halfway across the state to a weekend drill all for an extra hundred dollars a month drill pay and an extra $50 a month on retirement!

Response by SSG Frank Lunasco made Aug 27 at 2022 10:24 AM

2022-08-27T10:24:02-04:00

I have retired after 21 years SSG my unit didn't want me to leave however I felt that it was time.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 27 at 2022 2:50 PM

2022-08-27T14:50:51-04:00

Because has not been recommended for promotion to SFC/E'7. Promotions solely based on seniority, they are based on the needs of the Army of that soldiers particular military occupational specialty

Response by SSG Leslie Hagen made Oct 12 at 2022 8:42 PM

2022-10-12T20:42:51-04:00

The individual in question could have had several breaks in service, all totaling up to 18 years. I was in for 16 yrs total and had 5.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2022 3:23 PM

2022-10-13T15:23:36-04:00

Some, like my MOS just don’t really promote. You either go warrant or hope to become one of the unicorns that makes E7.

Response by SSG Brian Kerr made Jan 21 at 2023 11:07 AM

2023-01-21T11:07:51-05:00

Personally, Stripes (to me) doesn't mean experience nor expertise. I've seen Great/Experienced Soldiers who retired as an E4 with some demoted at some point and some never promoted above E4 and some reenter the military at a lower rank for one reason or another.

Just a little personal feedback... :-))

Response by SSG Clyde Rainey made Oct 11 at 2023 4:31 PM

2023-10-11T16:31:58-04:00

I retired as SSG with 22 years in I could stay in because my job was needed and I volunteered to deploy and then retire.