How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

TIS should not be the question here. Many great SM go through a lot to earn what rank they achieve. In my case I have 8 years Active and just short of 8 Reserve. Its sometimes if promotions don't happen due to other issues. It is best to ask respectfully, just because they don't have that higher rank with service, does not mean they don't deserve the respect for what they have done. Deployments may happen for some and for others they may support those deployments stateside, remember we all bleed red and we all maintain freedom. Therefore, appreciate those who put their time in service and don't get stuck on menial arguments of why they are only a certain rank.

The SSG could have been in a Reservist or National Guard solder where advancing in grade can be slower.

MOS plays a big part when it come to promotion. As an example you have one E 5 supply sgt slot in a line compared to at least 18 E 5 slots.

My dad served 20 years, half of it guarding Air Force One, he was never a politically correct kind of guy, but did his job. He retired an E-6, would have had 6 service stripes. You have to make E-7 to go beyond 20 years, he said it was offered but he turned it down and retired.

I retired as a SSG in the us army active duty, some mos are almost impossible to get promoted in.

Simple ... To make SFC you get looked at by a Board.... No Promotion Points, Or Questions asked.... Not everyone Makes E7 and Above

Wow! It happens. I myself have 20 years of service this year and have only made it to E-6.

First off, SSG is one of the most common ranks to retire as. Secondly, some MOS/units/positions ect do not allow for a n advancement. Look at the Guard for instance. The Guard operates on a slot system, and you can only go as high as there are slots for that MOS in the state. Third, you could have someone who transferred inter-branch or inter service, which may have seen a reduction in rank. Fourth, during peacetime, there were cases where positions and jobs were eleminated, and people got reduced to other positions (this happened to my uncle, he was an O2, but in the 90's his position was eliminated and he had to start over as an E5. Hope this helps

Prior service, happens all the time , get out as a E-5 wait come back in as a E-4

18 years...