How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

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.

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

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.

Hahaha that's my old PSG!!

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.

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.

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?

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.

Okay, just like a PFC, stay in your lane

Don't worry about others just worry about you!

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

He Could Be Prior Service Then Went Guard Or Reserve

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!

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.

SGT Sean O'Hara Thats an E6 you should be sucking all the knowledge you can from him... because why......... EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!

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

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

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.

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.

He stopped giving fucks