How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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