How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

I’m a Retired Combined Service Sgt; with 21.5 years of honorable military service.... So, yes it’s understandable that a E6 can have 6 or more service stripes, because I have 7, alone with a combat patch and metals...

Sgt. (Retired) 100% Disable Vetern: LJ KIRK...

Sean,
Let's start this conversation off right, why do you feel that there is an issue with an NCO simply because they have been in the Army for 20 years and only an E6? Heck I had some outstanding NCO's back when I joined that were E5 at the 20 year mark, the thing that I didn't understand at the time was how they could be content with only having E5 or E6 as your argument states, which is an awesome reason for the Army to bring back the Specialist ranks back up to Spec. 6 now this is just my opinion, because some Soldiers are really good at their jobs and do not have the hankering for the additional responsibility that ensues with the additional rank. Now with that said and in mind does that make it right? Probably not because those NCO's somewhere along the line didn't have the proper leadership to guide them along the way. my suggestion to you is always seek a mentor in whatever you pursue in your career whether you continue and make the Army your home for 20+ years or even in the civilian sector but before you judge an NCO for their service stripes take a moment and get to know them and find out their story, they may amaze you at their knowledge base, i.e. don't judge a book by it's cover. Just my 2.5 cents.

Chris R. Davis
CW3 (Retired)

Evidently he was passed over on E-7 selection boards. There could be dozens of reasons and none of them mean the person was sub standard.

As a USAF retiree (1987-2007), I retired as a SSgt (4 stripes) with an honorable discharge. I served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. We test for promotion. I'm a terrible test taker because I have trouble concentrating. I was forced to cross-train after 10 years.

I went from a career field where sometimes 1 out of every 10 were promoted to a career field where sometimes 1 out of every 100 were promoted.

I know quite a few Veterans from all branches that retired as an E-5 or E-6. Not one of them had any derogatory information in their records. It just happened to be the career field/MOS they happened to be in.

No offense but why is a PFC questioning a SSG career how about the PFC learns there place!!! Last time I checked a SSG doesn’t answer to a PFC. however on the other hand this PFC obviously needs to be educated on that after SPC promotions aren’t automatic for doing your job and showing up. Slots/ schools/NCOERS are all factors on why someone is a SSG with 18. I’m a SFC with 20.

I have met some great NCO's who have had a loss of service time due to mistakes in earlier service. Not sure if that is the case in the circumstances you cite here.

PFC, you are out of pocket. Shut it down now. Your question is rude and disrespectful. Why or how he is an E-6 with 18 years means JACK. He is a non-com and as such has earned the respect due his rank.

OK in the Army you call them service stripes 1=3 yrs. In the Marine Corps we call them hash marks 1=4 yrs. I never knew there was a 1 yr difference between the two branches of service!

Explain for us (non-Army) types; i.e. Swabi's, Jarheads, Coasties, and civilians, are you referring to time in service stripes, enlisted grade stripes, or something else.

Six service stripes for Marines, Navy and Coast Guard is a lot for an E6 because theirs are every 4 years. Army is every 3 years, and you have to account for a lot of reservists who get stuck in a rank for years.