How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

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

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.

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)

I'm an e6 and have more than that!

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)

Did you also notice how many deployment stripes he has?

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

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.

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.

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.