How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

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.

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!

This question needs no response. Read the regulations and maybe one day you can legally where them too. Next question?

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!

Possibly Prior service?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.