How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

I am a National Guard E6 with 31 years so a have a bunch of service stripes. It is very common

I would say it could have something to do with his MOS. I saw several non-combat arms guys retire as SSG with 20 years.

Could’ve had a break in service , came back in at a lower rank

The answer to your question is Army policies and regulations. Instead of getting a bunch of conjecture, rumor, innuedo, and BS from people like me who don't know, go look it up. In the process, you might just learn something. That's the advice I gave young airmen - look it up. If you ask me you'll only know what I know. Your job is to know more than me.

First of all, it's a simple math question. Second, why would you bring that here? If you think he doesn't know his job, I can assure you you're wrong. Get off the internet Pvt. You will hurt yourself one of these times.

I have a couple of examples. When I first went to Germany in 1966 we had an E-5 working as a UP9Unit Police) on the gate. He was fairly old to be an E-5. when he asked his commander when he was going to get promoted the commander laughed. He decided to retire. At the retirement ceremony, the mans commander couldn't officiate. The E-5 had been a full Colonel that was rifted back after the Korean war. Upon retirement he was promoted to Brigadier General and placed in charge of the Reserve forces in Europe. Example 2: An E-7 was assigned to Korea, and got himself into trouble by selling on the black market. He was courts martialed, and reduced in grade to E-6, and allowed to finish his 20 years and retire. He was an excellent NCO, that got on the wrong side of criminal activities. Never look down your nose at someone that you believe isn't worth his stripes. In Hawaii we had a supply sergeant that had trouble speaking. When we had a dress inspection he was wearing just one ribbon, it was blue with white stars. The man had been shot in the throat in Vietnam, and chose to stay in the Army rather than return to civilian life.

Interesting exchanges. The bottom line is you do not know the back story (nor does anyone on this thread, including me). I recall an prior enlisted officer who was twice passed over prior to his 18 year lock in. He had the option to continue in his prior enlisted status to earn retirement. He did so and retired at highest rank held. He would have looked like this soldier. Never assume.

Interesting exchanges. The bottom line is you do not know the back story (nor does anyone on this thread, including me). I recall an prior enlisted officer who was twice passed over prior to his 18 year lock in. He had the option to continue in his prior enlisted status to earn retirement. He did so and retired at highest rank held. He would have looked like this soldier. Never assume.

It’s also possible that he had a break in service during his 18 years. I did, I served for four years, got out for eight years and then, came back in. I was an E4 when I got out and, I had to come back as an E2 and even go back through basic. So what? This post brings up another question: If this was posted five years ago, by a PFC, why are you only a SPC now?

Could be all sorts of reasons (MOS/break in service/sister service transfer/ART 15 with recovery etc). I've seen many good Soldiers retire as a SSG. He has significant combat time as well. Guessing he's posing with Soldiers he trained. He's probably not a dirt bag.