How does an E6 have 6 service stripes?

I am a SSG and I have 9 Stripes. I have never received any disciplinary action. It is what it is.

3 years for a service strip? I was in the U.S. Navy and they awarded it after each 4 years or the point of the service strip based on the indiviual branch (Army Vs navy).

I am an example of that I joined when I was 32 as a reservist. Then after doing basic training and working and going to drill with my reserve unit. Then joined the Active U.S. Army and reclassing into a need MOS for the U.S. I was a 51R10 in my reserve unit. Then I went to MEPPs again in Nashville and got tested and got a better MOS after I joined the Active army. I happen to reclass into the same city I lived in. Reclassed as a 27B10 and went to school and AIT. I had finished AIT before with the reserves. I was able to go to school reclass. I went to my active Army unit at Fort Hood. I stayed in the Army from September 1989 and retired May 2012. I was in excellent shape and retired as an SSG /E-6. I was 57 when I retired. As soon I as retired I went to school. I will enroll in school again and retire from my job as a cafeteria worker in May 2021. And after retirement go back to school again to complete my computer technology degree.
I knew from the beginning of my service what I wanted to do. I am very glad I served.

I agree with SSG Kemp. A lot of NCOS' retire as a SSG; Nothing wrong with that. Could be his or her MOS is a tough one to get promoted in or a possible medical issue that kept them from being promoted. You have to look at the whole soldier, don't just look at the service stripes and think the worse.

Disrespectful question if you ask me. Every one has their path through the Military. I retired as E-7 with 34 years do you take issue with that. I could of have made it to E-9 but I chose a different path

I generally don’t even comment, but I am one of the 18 years SSG. Well almost 18. I joined May 2003. I fast tracked to SGT, I unfortunately stepped on my crank and Got a DUI in 2005 which resulted in A GOMAR. I still made my 6 in 5. However since 2011 when I was eligible for promotion. I have been unable to get over the hump. I have rebounded nicely, and never became a “POS”. I have always worked hard and perform. I am good at PT, but not elite. Sometimes you just step on it for a second and it derails your chances. Plus I don’t wrap my worth in rank. I don’t mind being considered an expert SSG. Hell. I have been one for 11 years. The only thing I do know is, I will keep driving until they me I can’t, and that I am just happy to be able to retire from something that has changed my life for the better. I don’t know if I deserve SFC, but I can think of way worse ranks then SSG. To me it’s the best rank as an NCO. You have direct influence with responsibility. Best place to make the Force strong.

Well in the "olden days" of the 1980's and 1990's when I was in by regulation "move up or move out" and it was impossible to retire at 20 years as an E-6 in the Army. Things changed (for the better in many ways I think) after 9/11.

One of the best Platoon Sergeants I ever had was an E-6 who ultimately retired as an E-6. He was a Viet Nam Veteran, who had a 15 year break in service, came back in as a PFC, retook OSUT Basic Training, Infantry AIT, and Airborne school at the age of 36. By the time he was 38 he pinned E-6. SSG "O" (Lacey O'Neal) it was an honor and a privilege to have served with you, Rest In Peace.

No! I my friend Clyde made E-6 under three years in Germany

I was an E4 when I got off active duty. Got my sergeant stripes pretty quickly in the Guard. And there I sat and sat and sat. There were only 2 senior NCO slots in the state for my MOS and those guys were going to die in them. So ... since I was good at my job, and liked it ... I soldiered on, knowing the odds of promotion were slim to none.