How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

As I recall each combat stripe represents 6 months in combat

Many reasons. You can retire as an E6. Some MOSs are hard to get promoted or have a max rank. Many in the Reserves and Guard choose to stay in local units which can make it harder to get promoted. He could have got dinged

Not that big of a mystery-I had 21 years in Guard and retired as SGT Promotions are based really on a home and good evaluations

Dude has at least 8 OS bars. Get over yourself PFC. Maybe this means you don't belong int he army after your first enlistment. Hmm, I wonder if you've ever been ostracized? Respect that SSG for his combat tours, I guarantee you'll learn something new every other day.

Interesting posts. Thing that struck me as odd is HOW OLD I FEEL because the pair on either side of him LOOK LIKE CHILDREN!!!

It all depends on the Point system and the Promotion rates for MOS and Grade. I know a 18-year TIS E-6 that has his 6 service stripes, and he is a 13D. The Promotion rate is just way too low.

You answered your own question. Time in Service doesn't dictate your rank.

He does not possess an exemplary record, e.g., he got busted once or twice?

PFC, this isn't a smart question at all. Until you fully understand the Army and it's promotion structure you'll understand. With how the promotion is now that everyone has to go to NCOA in order to get promoted. Some soldiers like myself aren't book learners but is forced to learn that way. It's difficult for some than others. So until you actually grow up and understand I have to say that this is an ignorant question.

A better question would be, why do you have over a year time in service and 5 months time in grade and aren't an E4? Both are waiverable.