How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

I have 7. What are you confused about?

Thought army got a slash mark for every 2 years of service cause you do 2 and 4 year hitches

He's been in for over 18yrs that's why. Learn some regarding private. The retention control point for SSG is 20yrs so this is perfectly reasonable. Poor guy just never got picked up for E7, probably a bad NCOER from some disgruntled west point grad.

Becouse he is old Army,not like things now where they give rank out like candy.I retired medically in 2006 as a Sgt.E-5.Artillery,never any openings at schools,and so on.These days you see 23yr old E7s everywhere,Amazing!!!

Asking a question like this will only get people to surmise. There are many possible reasons why this soldier has 6 service stripes. Many SSG/E-6 have 6 service stripes, it is not that out of the ordinary. PFC O'hara, I hope that by the time you have 6 service stripes that you are wearing the rank of E-8....however, your MOS may be one where you might hit a stand still at the rank of E-6. Research your MOS...find out how many E-6, E-7 and E-8 hold that same MOS. If the number of allowable members have that MOS...it may be wise to consider another MOS when it comes time for re-enlistment. Your rank now tells me you have a long way to go and many opportunities will emerge....you just need to keep your eyes and ears open and make good choices. Good luck to you.

Under current policy, a SSG is allowed to stay in for 22 years active service.

I know for a fact that an Army coworker was an E-7, but in order to take a federal position she wanted she had to take a cut in rank. 2 exactly. She was an E-5 by the end of it and would have to wait the mandatory time to get her stripes back. That's one way this kind of thing can happen.

I've seen plenty of Specialists retire from the Army National Guard with 20+ years.

Im a SSG and I have six service stripes. I have been in 18 years. Maybe a PFC in this "New Army" finds that unusual but the reality is lots of soldiers retire as E-6's. Has something to do with paragraphs and line #'s but hell, if your DSL's can pull a serious vacuum then you can expect to be have your CSM by the time you get your sixth service stripe......now go eat a Richard Private!

Personally if you can't do math there's something wrong with you 3 times 6 is 18 no matter what rank as some people stated you can make a grade twice or just be stagnant because you can't move up because others haven't moved up and there's no slots open so why you're stupid rant