How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

Change Service Branches! My Dad did Navy & Air Force before Army. As an E3 in the Army, full Shoulder Board (Vietnam Era), the MP's were going to bust him for that until they saw his age and immediately thought he got busted in rank and even asked "Sarge, what'd you get busted for?" // Unlike me, many find that they must take a lower rank to change Service Branches.

I'm a retired E-6 I was a reservist and because of responsibilities with my day job had a hard time getting to the schools needed for advancement. Yes I could have done it if I tried hard enough, but I made the choice to do what was best for me, and that didn't include chasing more rank at the expense and detriment of my civilian career. I never had an article 15 never got a bad review, and served my country honorably. Getting E-7 wasn't as important to me as other aspects of my life.

I know an E-6 who had 32 years in between RA and the NG with Pamana and 3 trips to all three gulf. I helped him get his retirement and his VA disability @ 100%.

Look at his overseas bars. He has been around and served his time. If he was a dud he would have been out.

With the ribbons on his uniform I would be convinced he's in an MOS with slow promotions. The six service stripes say a lot about his character and dedication to the Army and the United Stated in general.

According to the Army Rank Control Point system an E6 can stay active for a max of 20 years. However, Traditional Army National Guardsmen are not bound to the RCP, but go before a Quality Retention Board (QRB) once they reach 20 good years of service to determine if they can stay past their 20 year mark.

There are many roads to Baghdad. There may be a lot of good reasons that he didn't follow the usual promotion schedule. I'd be careful before I decided that there was something wrong with him.

There are many roads to Baghdad. Maybe you should have a beer with him an ask. I wouldn't assume that there was something wrong with him just because he didn't follow the typical promotion schedule.

I know a SGM who has been in for 20+ years and was demoted to you don't wanna know his current rank.

Simple answer he did not make E7. 18 years plus as a E6 is not uncommon. I am confused as to the question. I have known many E6s who retired at 20 years or even 21 years for 7 service stripes. The reserves which do not have a RCP you could have more than 7 stripes.