How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

When I was at ANCOC it had been 20+ years since BNCOC and 4 MOS changes. I still retired an E7 with over 26 years

I knew a few Sargents, right out of Nam, who had gotten out, then came back a few years later. They also bucked the system a few times, one being knocked down to a PFC, but allowed, and chose to stay in the unit.

Unless he was demoted. But I don't know

I had 7 service stripes, for 21 years, retiring at 22.5 years, would be over thirty years now, if it was possible, loved it that much!

Actually a Staff Sergeant with 18 years isn't that uncommon.

I had an 18 year PFC once.

Could’ve been busted

Some MOS promotion rates to SFC are 2%. Retention control point for SSG is 20 years. Either he is promotable or going to retire as a SSG.

Many SSG retire at 20 years. Not unusual for a SSG to have 6 service stripes.

He might have spent time in the gaurd or reserves.