How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

Each service stripe is 3 years service. So the SSG has over 18 years of service. Hat's off!!!

There are many ways this can happen. A person can be prior service. I went from the Army to the Coast Guard and had to take a two rank reduction, went from E-5, to E-3. They busted my chops because I had 10 years in and I had two service stripes - in the USCG or USN, the service stripes are for every four years. It took me five more years in the USCG to get back to my E-5, so I was a 5 with 15 years. My ex wife made me get out of the CG or she was moving away with my kids. We ended up divorced and I went back to the Army, so I was in the same position. He may have been in MOS'es that are difficult to get promoted, and there are some people that enjoy being an E-4 or E-5, so they sit in that position for an extended time. So PFC O'Hara, please do not judge anybody as there are even more reasons which I'm not going to go in to, as many people aren't rank grabbers. My BEST advice to you PFC is to focus on your career. Let it take you where you want to go. Achieve what you want to achieve at the level and speed you want to achieve it. Make certain you are willing and able to accept the responsibilities of the rank you aspire prior to taking it, and focus on your career, and do not judge others because their goals, aspirations, desires, skills or abilities are not the same as yours or do not meet your expectations. This will help you when and if you become a Sr. NCO. Misjudgement can really hurt you in leadership positions. Good Luck in your career and stay in your lane.

I’m not even sure I understand the question. But, I’m very glad to of been discharged medically as an E6 staff Sergeant

I don't know about you but when I was in the service I knew Pvt's that had 6 and more service Stripes. They always wasn't a Pvt. One in Particular was once Sgt Major.

Broken service, service in another branch, a rating that's hard to make rank or is being phased out. It could be many reason. I Can't read his ribbons so that said. Dont judge if your that curious start a conversation with him and ask if you're so inclined. Whatever respect his 18 years.

sometimes good Soldiers don’t get the support they need from their leadership with preparing for a virtual board and its luck of the draw. I know some outstanding SSG who have 18 years in. If you become a senior NCO make sure you help out your peers/ subordinates in doing what they need to get promoted so long as they deserve it.

Prior Service, missed the boat somewhere, ROAD, not liked, borrowed uniform, slow learner, etc. My question is does it matter?

There are multiple reasons an E6 would have that many years of service stripes...(6 stripes = 18 years)! He could have been busted down or..... it could be that the M.O.S was full and promoting to a higher rank was hard to obtain. Nothing wrong with retirement at E6 as long as you served and did your job honorably!

Notice they didn't say anything about the deployment stripes

He may have had a break in service or was part of a different branch at one time. I know I had a break in service for IRR and when I re enlisted all of that time counted towards my time in service.