How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

I'm an E7 probably won't make E8. most of my Peers are E6. There is no shame retiring as E6. many MOS also promote slowly. An honest question requires an honest answer and can do without the shaming. Some people don't get promoted to E7, period.

There are a couple things about this photo I don't understand, 1. The Staff Sgts cover, everyone but him is wearing Berets, 2. His cover has a gold band over the brim. When I was in the Army, and gold band meant officer no enlisted.

My son-law was in for 21 years before being promoted to E-7, the Army

I knew a boot in Navy who graduated with E-6. We thought he was bull s-ing us until he showed us his military ID. Apparently he played a instrument very well and was heading to president band and only E-6 and above can bevin

Numerous deployments, combat awards and a life of service. He has served over 18 years honorably and is not an SFC? This indicates to me, an incompetent chain of command and leaders not taking care of soldiers. That's what I get out of this picture

he got busted back when

Used to be the norm before force reduction 1 and 2 took place

Wow looks like someone needs to stay in his pay grade. 18 years of service and look at his chest has good conduct throughout his service. Some MOS are top heavy and promotion is hard to come buy at times. Who are you as a PFC to ask a question like this. God help our Military if we have to be defended by unrespectfull over privileged children that you just sounded like. I wish you were in front of me saying that you would have been pushing concrete till I got tired

Why don't you go up and Ask Him ?
He could be prior service.
he could have been Army national Guard, then Gone Active Duty.
he could have gotten a college deferment while on Active Duty, yes the Military does that, for those Service member that have the Grades, he gets to go to College or a university, for 3 to 6 years, while on Active duty, he cannot advance while at school, he must Obligate two years of active duty service for every one year of college or University, I have seen enlisted member do this program to complete there masters, this is a really good program you receive all your active duty befits because your still on active duty, you receive you full pay , plus BAH, BAS.
I forget the name of the program, but it out there for every enlisted person to use and apply for, talk to your ESO.
I can come up with about 5 to 6 reason, that bring no disgrace upon him or the Service.

then yes there is the Article 15, or Captains mast, but that may not apply here.
without speaking to him or seeing his jacket , I could not tell you.

but there are many service members who did 20 years service and retired as a E-6 without Bringing any Disgrace upon themselves or the Military Service.
so do not Jump to any Negative Conclusions without First Speaking to the Service Member.

I am navy 21 years and the way we had was that for each years of svc you get a hashmarks as we call it I retired as a RM2(SW), USN, RET At the time you could retire as a Petty Officer 2ND Class E-5. After you reach 12 years and have no NJP you can buy the gold chevrovns and Hashmarks.

I am assuming since you're now a Specialist you know the answer to your original question? I would hope you do by now, but just in case you don't, let me help you. The SSG in this picture Has a Ribbon rack bigger than your forehead! Also on his right sleeve you will notice that he has if i am counting right, 7 maybe 8 overseas service stripes.....some choose to never go above SSG....ever. Use to require B-NCO for 6s and A-NCO for 7. Then 1SG school...etc... He has at least 18 years in service but less than 21.