How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

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.

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.

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...

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.

As I recall each combat stripe represents 6 months in combat

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

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

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.

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

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.