How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

I didn't look at the service stripes I looked at the other arm if I counted right 8 that means 4 years in a combat zone. Sometimes deployed you don't get to work on your promotion because your doing your damn mission.

I could only imagine he was prior service.

I was a PFC with 2, and no I've never had ANY paperwork.....lol.

I served with a SSG who knew he was going to retire at 20 as an SSG. He was an LPN who was involved in a service related accident and although he could perform his duties as an LPN he had a permanent profile against running, jumping & marching. No PT score = no promotion. Also other services retirement at E-6 (especially Navy) is quite common. I know a sailor who retired with about 21 years as an E-6 and used his security clearance to score a very nice job with a defense contractor. I understand defense contractors don't hire POS and usually one cannot keep a Top Secret SCI clearance if you have NJP or are a POS.

Yes, that means 18 years. An SSG can serve for 20 active duty!

I spent 3 years as an E4 before making E5.

As someone who bounced around rank for some time. It's easy to get 18 in and be an E-6. Once I stopped beating on dumb privates and started using a pen instead. I made my 7.

Everyone has stories. He was reduce a few times.

I had to retire at 20 years as an E-6. Not of my own doing but because the Army decided to consolidate 4 MOS's into 1 (68JX1, 35MX1, 68NX1 and 68FX1 into the 68X MOS) and froze E-7 promotions in the new MOS for over 5 years. It was not until after I retired that they promoted a krap load of E-6's to E7.

In the Navy, both active a reserve, it is not uncommon for someone to retire as an E-6. It's a very respectable career. Only 1% of all enlisted ever make the rank of Chief. It's not an easy task to get selected by the board to become that Chief Petty Officer. And depending on quotas, you may never make it, or you can get picked up within 8 years of service. All depends on your rating and skills as a leader. I would never question anyone who retires after 20 as an E-6.