I made E-7 at 19 years, and was in ANCOC with a soldier who made it in 7 years. What’s the youngest senior NCO anyone has known?

SFC Terry Murphy — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:21:18 -0400

I made E-7 at 19 years, and was in ANCOC with a soldier who made it in 7 years. What’s the youngest senior NCO anyone has known.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:23:36 -0400

I was 25 when I made SFC

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made May 16 at 2015 12:26 PM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:26:08 -0400

5% luck, 95% true, borderline psychotic hunger for it. Just like anything in life. IMO

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:25:29 -0400

25?!? Hahaha I wish my dad was in charge of the board too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:30:16 -0400

The youngest I've seen was 25

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:30:40 -0400

I know that RA promotions are done differently than NG. I was stuck E-4 and below for my first 8 years. After 9/11 the older guys got out and opened slots. I have gone from an E-4 in 2002- 1SG in 2013. The least amount of years in I have seen is 9. I got my E-7 in 14.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:43:41 -0400

Ive seen 7 in 9. Got mine at 10

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:46:24 -0400

I have a buddy that made it in 7yrs also he is a great NCO but my questioned would be what is to young to make it cause I have seen many that make it in about 8 yrs and they just don't live up to the level of their rank do to lack of experience and knowledge. I think 10-11 years is about right if you ask me

Response by SFC Samantha Wood made May 16 at 2015 12:46 PM

SFC Samantha Wood — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:46:36 -0400

I made it at 10 years and I was 28 that was really fast at the time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:53:39 -0400

I made E7 at 11 years and was 29

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:54:32 -0400

I made SFC in 7 and MSG in 12 but sat on the SFC list for 13 months and I've been on the MSG list since last year's board.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made May 16 at 2015 1:04 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:04:16 -0400

Some NCOs who fast tracked in under 10 were able to negotiate the tasks and take on the enormous responsibilities that come with the rank. Others could not lead their way out of wet toilet paper. Unfortunately, that's the promo system. I made SGT in 5, SSG in 9 years, SFC in 13 and MSG in 16. Achieving the rank is one thing, excelling in it is another. Start teaching your young E4s the ways of Squad leader / NCO responsibilities early. The best tools come from you, the PSG and 1SG. Not the NCOES. Our Army 2020 will need young but effective leaders.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 1:06 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:06:57 -0400

When I was E-3, one of our E-7s had made it in 5 1/2 years. Meritorious promotions and such. Impressive guy, looked 15 years old.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 16 at 2015 1:38 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:38:17 -0400

I made it in six years this past enlistment. But that was thanks to a fifteen year break in service and five years prior service. They were kind enough make me start over as a PVT (E-2). I never made it higher than SPC the first time I was in. I could say it was due to the points being maxed out, which was true, but I also lacked the motivation to move up.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 1:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:46:38 -0400

5 years she was intel

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 2:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 14:09:20 -0400

I was at 7 years and 25 when the list came out, pinned right after I went over 8 years and turned 26.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 16 at 2015 2:15 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 16 May 2015 14:15:51 -0400

While down at Pensacola for TACINTEL School. Had a 2 red hash mark Nuke Chief try and run me down to scold me about having a toothpick in my mouth. He was very polite and diplomatic about it when he made it up in front of me and saw this Knarly Old E-6 with Gold Hash Marks up and down his sleeve. It told me he had over 8 yrs and under 12. My Guess was 9 years.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made May 16 at 2015 2:53 PM

Sgt Jay Jones — Sat, 16 May 2015 14:53:55 -0400

When I was in Vietnam there was a young Sergeant I was stationed with. When I returned home stateside and was assigned to Kansas City as a duty station he had been promoted to Staff Sergeant. Two years later he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. He made Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) in the Marine Corps in six years!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 3:22 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 15:22:52 -0400

I pinned on SFC at 9 years in service and was 28 years old. I thought that was pretty fast at the time (1982), but reading some of these others - Wow! I made all three senior NCO grades from deep in the secondary zone, but then sat on the list for what seemed like forever. I made MSG at 14, then SGM at 18 and CSM(D) at 19. I was a Battalion Sergeant Major as a SGM when I was selected for CSM, but the Army had started downsizing. I waited a little over two years and not a single battalion had opened up for me yet, and no good prospects (MI, with only six battalions in my career field). I got offered a GS-14 position at NSA, so I retired and took the civilian job.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 3:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 15:23:46 -0400

I once knew a Marine female that Made Gunny in 10.

Response by 1SG Pete Marcell made May 16 at 2015 4:38 PM

1SG Pete Marcell — Sat, 16 May 2015 16:38:28 -0400

IIRC I made E7 in 9 or 10 years, E8 in 13, selected for E9 at 16 or 17 years. Granted this was in the Guard not AD.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 16 at 2015 4:48 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sat, 16 May 2015 16:48:35 -0400

We had someone back at my old squadron make Technical Sergeant (E6) before his first enlistment was up. He made Senior Airman BTZ, Staff first time and then of course tech first time. The guy is also a genius.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made May 16 at 2015 6:05 PM

1SG David Lopez — Sat, 16 May 2015 18:05:33 -0400

I made E-7 in ten years. Made E-8 with 15 years in. Made the E-9 "list" with 18 years in, but did not accept the promotion. Needlessly to say, they forced me to retire for not accepting the E-9 promotion. All active duty. Part of me wishes I would have accepted the promotion, but I am glad I got out to start my second career at the ripe old age of 38. There is a life / career after the Army / Military.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 6:12 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 18:12:09 -0400

I didn't make it past E5.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 6:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 18:46:29 -0400

Seven years, time in service. Just turned 25, he was an 18 series fellow.

Response by MSG Michael Caldwell made May 16 at 2015 7:01 PM

MSG Michael Caldwell — Sat, 16 May 2015 19:01:31 -0400

I went to ANCOC April of 1986 as an E5 and made E7 in 2000

Response by SFC Patrick R. Weston, MPH made May 16 at 2015 7:38 PM

SFC Patrick R. Weston, MPH — Sat, 16 May 2015 19:38:53 -0400

7 years time in service, and he was my replacement (I was at 19 years).

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made May 16 at 2015 8:08 PM

SFC Walt Littleton — Sat, 16 May 2015 20:08:17 -0400

I hear Ya! I was Signal and Fast Tracked to SPC5 in 2. Stayed there for 10 years in grade. Hit all the buttons just no promotions in my MOS. I had more time in grade than my combat engineer E7 platoon sergeant. Made E-7 at 15 years and missed E-8 board 2X at 20 years. Put me out to pasture.

Response by 1SG James L Vetter made May 16 at 2015 9:25 PM

1SG James L Vetter — Sat, 16 May 2015 21:25:51 -0400

Wow, what a great question. I was promoted to E7 prior to my first re-enlistment at 6 years. I was 23 years old. I had a blessed career and was very fortunate to have a 1SG that took me under his wing and laid out a game plan for my career. I was promoted to 1SG at the 17 year mark.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made May 17 at 2015 12:12 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sun, 17 May 2015 12:12:41 -0400

SFC Terry Murphy To me, life experience is a huge portion of being a Senior NCO. NCOs are the backbone of the Army (military) and Senior or Staff NCOs are the spinal cord of that backbone.

I knew a SNCO who was promoted in eight years to E-7 and he was wholly unprepared for the numerous tasks he was assigned as a Detachment Sergeant. He also confided he had issues counseling young Soldiers as his experience was narrow in scope. I knoew another who made E-7 in the same time frame, but he was older and had more life experience and faired better.

In the end, when you are promoted, how you are as a SNCO, and who you are as a SNCO is dependent on your professional and life experience, education, who you have been mentored by and the support provided by Commanders to underwrite logical mistakes in support of the goals and objectives for the platoon, company, and battalion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 7:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 07:04:19 -0400

I think I am the right physical age for my rank. I am 42, however I joined when I was 31. Hit my 7 just a little over 11 years. Had a CO basically order me to get my 5 packet in and had no issue with waivering me for time in grade and time in service, I got pinned for that shortly after my 3 year mark. I attribute the moving up to a more mature perspective on things that yournger soldiers haven't quite developed yet. I won't be eligable for 8 until next year.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 7:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 07:13:34 -0400

I joined 2 weeks after my 17th birthday. 2 1/2years later I was a 19 year old SGT. I made SFC at 26 and literally had to perform above unimaginable standards to be taken seriously. I pledged my life for the defense of this country, I let my work speak for me and take criticism as it comes. I use any and every opportunity to better myself. Call it fast track but I was within every MINIMUM standard timeline for promotion in 600-8-19. I love what I do and I'm happy to share and gain more knowledge and skill.

Response by SPC Larry Boutwell made May 18 at 2015 9:31 AM

SPC Larry Boutwell — Mon, 18 May 2015 09:31:02 -0400

Ive seen e5in as little as three years

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 18 at 2015 9:41 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 18 May 2015 09:41:56 -0400

Historically there have been very young E-7s and Generals as well. WW-2 saw some in their mid 20s. In the early days of our country, a land owner with money could organize his own militia, pay a fee, and get a General's commission.

More recently I remember some fast trackers in 'Nam specifically some E-4s getting a bump per year. The important thing to note is the criteria and culture has changed so much over time that you can't compare things very well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 10:30 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:30:28 -0400

I once met an NCO some years back in Germany, she had recently pinned on SFC, came in at 17 and pinned on at 7 years time in service and 24 years old. It was difficult to take her seriously as I was older but only a SGT at the time, its ok I made it at 9 years so I don't feel that bad.

Response by SFC David Hudson made May 19 at 2015 9:59 PM

SFC David Hudson — Tue, 19 May 2015 21:59:45 -0400

I made it in 14, but knew a few who made it in ten.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 20 at 2015 4:21 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:21:50 -0400

21yr old E5
24 yr old E6

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 4:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:34:38 -0400

There was a guy in WWI and II I'm sure that his whole platoon was killed and then he was made PSG

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 4:48 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:48:26 -0400

I know an E-7 who pinned on at the ripe old age of 24. One of the worst chiefs I've ever known...

My rate is now not accepting chiefs under 12 years in now because of having so many young chiefs. Because of the number of young chiefs now, we will be stuck with roughly the same chiefs mess for over a decade to come, not to mention slim chances for promotion...

Go navy!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 5:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:10:04 -0400

I'm not sure how much age has to do with it. I didn't join the Army until I was 26, but I made the E7 list at 6.5 years and pinned at 7. I made the E8 list at 10.5 and have been sitting on it until now, so I'm about to turn 38 as an E8, but have less than 12 years in the Army. I think one's chosen career path is key, though. I probably wouldn't have made rank nearly as fast if I hadn't joined the Army as an 18X-ray and actually passed the SF Qualification Course.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 5:14 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:14:04 -0400

I knew an E-7 who made it in 9. That's about the fastest you can make E-7 in the Air Force, and those who manage it are extremely rare.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 6:10 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 18:10:27 -0400

I made SFC list at 8, pinned at 9, made MSG list at 12 and pinned at 13, Made SGM STP list at 16, started USASMA at 17, Graduated at 18, and Officially Pinned at 19. You wait a year for school, a year in School and then get a sequence number.

There are a lot of factors. Duty positions and performance and some luck with sequence numbers and when you get pinned.

All the guys I made the MSG list with that got promoted a month before me got selected for class 62 at USASMA. One month later caused me to have to wait an additional year to get looked at for SGM. So I made the Class 63 list. I am sure some others fall into the same boat. I had the same thing happen for the MSG list. I got pinned a month too late to get looked at and had to wait an additional year. But I made secondary list all three boards so I had sequence numbers which guaranteed I got pinned in the last two months of each list. stuff happens.

Like I said, position held, performance and a degree of luck.

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made May 20 at 2015 6:29 PM

SPC Matt Johnson — Wed, 20 May 2015 18:29:30 -0400

in the Army it depends on your MOS. If you are an 11B you just have to show up and get you name right all the way up to E-6. if you are a 92F you practically need a dang masters degree, a 300 PT test and get 40/40 range, and a perfect land nav course to make E-5 and E-6

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 7:28 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 19:28:49 -0400

The youngest Senior NCO I have met was a CSM with 13 years in back in 1990. I was selected for Sergeant First Class with nine plus years, I didn't pin on until I had 12 years and I was stuck as a SFC for nine years and didn't pin on MSG until I had 21 years in. I was denied retirement at 20 years and I begged my Sergeant Major to give me two successes on my NCOER because I was maxed out with excellence for those nine years. I figured the Army was saying that I didn't have room to improve so since my retirement was denied I figure I should try one more time for MSG or submit my retirement papers again. I got selected for MSG and three years later I was selected for Sergeant Major.

Response by SGT Patrick Nalley made May 20 at 2015 9:17 PM

SGT Patrick Nalley — Wed, 20 May 2015 21:17:08 -0400

I made Sgt. At 2 years 9 months. My MOS really helped at that point. Afterwards my choices stalled advancement big time. I left active duty, joined The Guard and ROTC. The Guard wouldn't send me to BNOC,cause I aimed to become an officer, and ROTC was unbearable. Ground me out after ten years.

Response by SSG David Ursini made May 20 at 2015 9:19 PM

SSG David Ursini — Wed, 20 May 2015 21:19:44 -0400

My first 1st Sergeant was 29 yrs old.....great for the young soldiers to see that.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 1:03 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 01:03:05 -0400

My grandfather was in the Army in WWII and was a Technical Sergeant at the age of 19.

Response by SGM Michael Freeman made May 21 at 2015 3:29 AM

SGM Michael Freeman — Thu, 21 May 2015 03:29:14 -0400

Take a look at the current SMA!

Response by 1SG Tom Ahearn made May 21 at 2015 10:17 AM

1SG Tom Ahearn — Thu, 21 May 2015 10:17:03 -0400

At my PLDC graduation the guest speaker was a CSM with 14 years. He said me made SFC in 6.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 10:34 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 10:34:53 -0400

Joined as an E-nothing private in 99. 2003 made E5 on deployment. 2005, made E6 again on deployment. Made 7 in 2008, and I'll pin MSG June 1st, the day after my 33rd birthday with 15yrs and some change. all I did and still do was wanted to be a good leader to my troops. Some say it's luck, or the war, or whatever. It doesn't matter to me if you pin fast tracked or "payed your dues" old school and pinned late. It's all leadership to me, and no amount of rank can hide you being a turd or you being an outstanding leader.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 11:51 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 11:51:02 -0400

I personally made the SFC list between my 7th and 8th year in service and pinned between my 8th and 9th year just prior to becoming a Warrant Officer. I have heard of NCO’s making SFC in 7 years but I haven’t met any firsthand. I knew a kid that made SSG in 4 years. I know a CSM that took over a Battalion at 15 years and I thought that was fast but he was on point. I’ve heard of a SGM that made his rank in 12, but I can’t confirm that. My father made SFC at 13 years and that was considered fast tracking at the time for his MOS.

Response by CSM David Heidke made May 21 at 2015 11:51 AM

CSM David Heidke — Thu, 21 May 2015 11:51:36 -0400

I made E8 in 14, and E9 in 19...

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 21 at 2015 11:51 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 21 May 2015 11:51:09 -0400

I knew an E-7 after 6 yrs, he had two meritorious promotions.

Response by SGM Edson de Leon made May 21 at 2015 6:30 PM

SGM Edson de Leon — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:30:41 -0400

If my memory serves me correctly, I pinned SFC at 8 years and 30 years old, MSG at 13 years and 35 years old, and SGM at just over 16 1/2 years at 39 years old. I fast tracked and felt very fortunate to be selected for promotion. I wasn't always so sure if I was ready for the next grade but I think that made me work harder to prepare myself for the next position.

Response by PO2 Josh Rymer made May 21 at 2015 7:04 PM

PO2 Josh Rymer — Thu, 21 May 2015 19:04:48 -0400

I didn't know him but I heard of a SEAL that made Senior Cheif (e8) at 28 but I don't know how fast he made it or how long he was in. I heard of him when I was in Afghanistan in 12-13

Response by SGM Debra Bradshaw made May 22 at 2015 10:10 AM

SGM Debra Bradshaw — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:10:35 -0400

Back in the 80's I knew a woman who came into the Arizona ARNG under the civilian acquired skills program as an E-4. Her uncle was the State comptroller and she worked for him, acquiring her E-7 within 3 years. The facts was, she was a power hungry and incompetent person. I blame the Command for this.

Response by SSG John Erny made May 22 at 2015 10:23 AM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:23:48 -0400

There was 1SG that I saw in a guard unit that was very young, UT NG. A new unit was stood up and he was the only one that was MOS qualified and came from active duty, he shot strait to the Top. This has been a number of years ago and I am sure if it would be possible today.

Another fast track for E-7 in the guard is to become a recruiter, then your pretty much stuck there.

Response by SSG John Erny made May 22 at 2015 10:34 AM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:34:54 -0400

Well as a then 43-E now 92-R parachute rigger the standing joke was for E-5 Nine Ninety Never. Once some one made E-5 or above as a rigger they tended to stay in, and with so few riggers in the Army it was hard to get promoted.

I under stand EOD can make rank very fast up to a certain point, then it to is hard to advance.

Response by SGT Chris Searcy made May 22 at 2015 3:18 PM

SGT Chris Searcy — Fri, 22 May 2015 15:18:55 -0400

I've seen 7 in 7 when I was in in 03 to 08 a guy made e7 and had been in seven yrs

Response by SGT Chris Searcy made May 22 at 2015 3:19 PM

SGT Chris Searcy — Fri, 22 May 2015 15:19:37 -0400

I made 5 in 5 and got out

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 9:56 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2015 09:56:26 -0400

I pinned MSG at 10 yrs, two months. Will frock SGM at 16 years, 11 months. A lot of sacrifice has been made in my personal life to get where I have gotten, as with many successful senior NCOs. Military success can often be a double edged sword. I have no regrets for the sacrifices I made but certainly know there were many prices I have had to pay through the years.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 25 at 2015 11:35 PM

SFC Joseph James — Mon, 25 May 2015 23:35:32 -0400

I was 26! Is that good? Lol

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 11:40 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 23:40:57 -0400

The problem is the Army promotes people to fill empty slots - not the ones ready for the next level of responsibility.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 11:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 23:43:30 -0400

I have learned that there are many variables to the way our promotion system works. Everything comes down to the needs of the Army further broken down to what makes Soldier's stand out amongst those in the same MOS at the time. Things such as TIS, TIG and other common requirements only mean that one qualifies for condideration.

Just remember that what may make a Soldier standout now may not be so later down the like. Since the beginning of OEF and OIF promotions were few and far between at the lowest rate in the history of the Army. I say this as prior to such it was the norm that most SNCO's retiring at 20 years would retire as a 1SG/MSG while in this era if a SNCO retires as a SFC most times they are considered to have exceeded the standard.

If you take a Soldier from this era's record who is an SFC and put it against many 1SG/MSG frome previous eras the more SNCO does not hold a candle to the one from this era I made SFC at 10 year's in the Army and pinned on at 12 years. I retired with 8 years, 1 month TIG and 20 yesrs, 9 months, 6 days before being medically retired.

When it comes down to it as we learn from th ed beginning our rank does not define us. While I retired as a SFC I served in positions of increased responsibility and had outstanding records. I am proud to be a "Soldier for Life!"

We are not all the same while life nor the promotion is fair. We do what we can and give it our best. We all can not be my friend and battle buddy CSM Clark Charpentier who made SSG at 4 year's TIS, SFC at 6 years 3 months TIS, MSG at 9 years TIS, and SGM at 12 year's TIS.

Again, none of us are the same!

Take care!

Response by SGM M.B. Pace made May 27 at 2015 4:22 PM

SGM M.B. Pace — Wed, 27 May 2015 16:22:35 -0400

Myself E7 In 6 yrs

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 4 at 2015 7:03 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 19:03:09 -0400

We had a 22 year old Staff Sergeant from the PA National Guard attached to us in Iraq... Informally known as SSG Puberty Waiver :0)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 8:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 08:41:29 -0400

7 years is the fastest I have seen for E-7. It is absolutely ridiculous. Out of the 4 that I have met that fast tracked, 0 of them had the experience, knowledge, or leadership ability for the rank.
But that's just 100% of the ones I have ran into. I'm sure that there are some out there that handled it well.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Jun 5 at 2015 7:44 PM

CSM William DeWolf — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 19:44:37 -0400

Top, As a Reservist, I made E7 in 7 years as well. I was fortunate to be in the right unit and position for advancement (98th TNG DIV) and then QM Company and Group.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 5 at 2015 7:53 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 19:53:56 -0400

Know, or know OF? Audie Murphy went from Enlistee to SSG in 20 months, then from SSG to 2LT in 10 months, and 2LT to 1LT in 4 months. He should salute himself for that one, right CPT Private RallyPoint Member?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 6 at 2015 5:57 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 05:57:59 -0400

I've seen a man make Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) in 14 years. I've seen people make Chief Petty Officer (E-7) in 6 years.

I on the other hand wasn't quite as lucky, motivated, take your pick... I made E-4 in 2 years, E-5 in 7 years, E-6 at 11 years, and retired as E-6/Petty Officer First Class.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 6:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 06:33:15 -0400

I had a couple NCOs that got selected for SFC at 6 years, took them about a year to pin on, but they made it at the 6 year mark.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 8:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 08:07:46 -0400

My brother in law is active duty army. He made his e-6 in less than four years. One of my old 1stSgt's had made it to e-8 in less than 15 years

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 12:09 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 12:09:27 -0400

SSG Jamie Stoddard. Posthumously promoted to E-7 with less than 7 years.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 12:10 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 12:10:09 -0400

24 years old. E7. No lie

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 7 at 2015 2:48 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 14:48:55 -0400

One of my class mates at USAMA had 12 years in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 12:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:05:37 -0400

9 years and I still to this day do not know HOW he got that high but someone saw something in him to allow him the chance to lead young soldiers. As much as I hated the man he did have some leadership qualities that i still use today.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 9:15 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:15:41 -0400

Think I was an E7 at 27 with 9 years of service (Secondary Zones) but during Vietnam there were many younger than me.

Response by SGT Don Matyja made Jun 25 at 2015 5:38 PM

SGT Don Matyja — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:38:11 -0400

I knew E-7 he made it in 8 years and most of his time was in training unit D I black hat not in line units

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 4 at 2015 7:42 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 07:42:39 -0400

WOW!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, SFC Terry Murphy!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 12:40 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:40:24 -0400

SFC Terry Murphy, I knew an NCO that made MSG in eight years time in service if I'm not mistaken. This was back in the late 90's.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 12:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:56:35 -0400

I made SFC this year in March with 9 years TIS and 3 years TIG.

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Oct 16 at 2015 11:46 AM

MSG Alfred Aguilar — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:46:51 -0400

I also met a soldier who made E-7 in seven years. That tells me that the Army does not place much value in seasoning.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 3 at 2015 1:14 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:14:28 -0500

It also depends on the soldiers MOS, if you are in a fast tracking MOS then 9 times out of 10 you will get promoted pretty damn fast especially if you are following all the right ways of doing so. I have seen E-8 and E-9 with less than 15 years in service.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2015 2:53 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 02:53:32 -0500

So there I was.....no kidding.....at the United States Sergeants Major Academy 2009.....I watched a guy (let's call him CSM ego) pin on Command Sergeant Major with less than 14 years in the Army. Immature?........you know it, cocky?.....irrefutably, intelligent?.....moderately (no physics major by far), humble?.......hell no....his words, "It's obvious I'm in a league of my own, why else would the Army promote me so faster than others?" (his grammar)... I'd argue we are doing a lousy job when we promote too fast.
It is very conceivable that you could have a SSG arrive into a unit and his section is all mature, self disciplined Soldiers. So now the new SSG has a glowing evaluation report "PROMOTE BEFORE OTHERS, NOW, BEFORE YOU BLINK".
The same can happen as a PSG and rarely, but also for a 1SG.
I'd argue to increase the minimum number of months a person has to be in a position to determine if they are qualified (hence the officer style- are they "Q"d).
A CSM with 14 years didn't really have enough time to be evaluated about how good he was as a team leader, section leader, platoon sergeant, first sergeant and operations sergeant.......but hey, you couldn't tell him that..............there I was (still shaking my head)

Response by MSG Michael Hankins made Nov 16 at 2015 8:55 AM

MSG Michael Hankins — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 08:55:15 -0500

I made E-7 in about 12 Years and E-8 in 15 Years. Most of the time i was the youngest Senior NCO i knew of and that made me have to prove it was not a mistake to have been promoted over my peers. Commanders, CSM's,and SGM's look at you a little different when they know you are so young and have a little rank.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 8:50 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 20:50:17 -0500

I pinned SFC in 7 years, MSG in 11 years and was selected for SGM at 13 years. I was 22 years old when I joined, with a family and college degree. There's more to making a leader than years in the military. You'll have to ask my Soldiers if I was promoted too soon.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2015 7:58 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:58:07 -0500

9 years is about the fastest I have sen anybody make SFC

Response by SFC James Pritchert made Nov 22 at 2015 8:22 PM

SFC James Pritchert — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 20:22:12 -0500

I made it right at 10 years. I really don't know what the stats are for promotion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2015 9:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 21:24:27 -0500

And thats why i tell people you really don't control how fast you get promoted in the army once you become a NCO

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Nov 24 at 2015 9:43 PM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 21:43:34 -0500

A 33 or 34 yr old 1SG. I asked him how he fast tracked so fast, and his answer sort of hinted that something terrible (such as a death of leaders in charge of him) led to him fast tracking. I left it at that.

Response by PO2 James Jimmy Kurth made Dec 10 at 2015 11:34 PM

PO2 James Jimmy Kurth — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 23:34:58 -0500

my youngest son was 25 when he made sfc, he did 2 tours in iraq,was a sgt audie murphy recipient,sadly he died in a motorcycle accident in fort hood at 26,we miss him dearly,rip sfc james ryan kurth

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Feb 11 at 2016 2:37 PM

MSG Alfred Aguilar — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 14:37:00 -0500

I hope we don't dismiss the importance of seasoning...

Response by SGM Eric Lobsinger made Feb 13 at 2016 11:24 PM

SGM Eric Lobsinger — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 23:24:37 -0500

Over the years, we hear about the great Soldiers who promoted very, very fast - and those of us who have plodded along up the ranks at a slower pace. Some will state that promotions are accelerated due to conflict and deployments ... and there probably is some truth there. Others will say their advancements have been slower due to Army necessity, such as downsizing, over-strength MOSs, etc., and there is also probably some truth there. There will always be those Soldiers who are promoted faster ... because they deserve to be promoted faster due to their demonstrated performances, capabilities and potential. Some will argue that some are promoted too quickly and thus do not have the maturity or the experience to lead. Although that may be true in some cases, I have to admit that most of the time, those whom I have seen promoted quicker than their peers have usually been so for a reason. It doesn't mean that they are necessarily successful at those higher levels, but they were promoted their based on their perceived potential. It is still up to the Soldier to actually perform once they are promoted to those exalted levels. Congratulations to all for their accomplishments.

Response by SFC Stephen Williams made Feb 14 at 2016 4:16 PM

SFC Stephen Williams — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 16:16:36 -0500

Was selected for E-7 at 9 1/2 years.....spent 1 year on the list....pinned on E-7 at 28 years of age. That was fast back in the late 70's and early 80's

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:24 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:24:24 -0500

Same. I saw one 7 in 7. Squared away. Good interpersonal tact. Luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 7:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 07:41:53 -0500

Promoted to SGT at 3 years, SSG at 6 years and SFC at 12 years medically retiring at 20 years, 9 months, 6 days of active duty military service with 8 years and 1 month TIG. Still have no idea why I was not selected for further promotions in that according to every promotion board AAR I had punched every single block that was identified as what it took to be selected and then some.

Airborne Emergency Treatment NCO, PLDC SGL, Drill Sergeant, Detachment Sergeant, Instructor/Writer, Senior Instructor/Writer...multiple deployments past and present, overseas assignments, great NCOER's, DA Photo's, Inducted Member of the Military Order of Medical Merit...PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Associate, Undergraduate, Graduate degree's (Summa Cum Laude), Airborne, Expert Field Medical Badge...

Granted HRC refused to delete my regular retirement orders while I was going through the medical board process continuing to extend them for six-months at a time which meant I was not considered by two promotion boards meaning that in the 8-years and 1 month I was only considered 4 times too many when I probably should have been selected in the secondary zone to begin with.

I am sure that there are many more like me while life is simply not fair and therefore we cannot control what is not in our own hands to guide. I did what I could and I am now onto the next chapter while those who do wrong to others eventually have to answer to a higher being as it is not my job to pass judgment upon anyone.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:12:53 -0500

I was o1 now I'm o2

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Feb 16 at 2016 5:20 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:20:13 -0500

I knew a 31 y/o SF MSG. He had had two Bachelor's degrees before he had his HS Diploma.

DS said he had seen someone make E-9 in 9 years. Battlefield promotions, no doubt.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 17 at 2016 5:00 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 17:00:19 -0500

I grew up around my Dads buddies from WWII, phenomenal promotion rates; (Paul Dovhaluk 1sg in 3 years battlefield commissioned to 2LT ended WWII as a CPT, Paratrooper); (Don Brady MSG in 4 years MP) a slew of SGts and SSGs all entered in 1942 came home in 46. Course when guys are in units that have 50-60% casualty rates someone had to step up.

Response by SGM Mike Hardin made Mar 27 at 2016 2:33 AM

SGM Mike Hardin — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 02:33:55 -0400

I entered the Army as a PFC and a year later went to PNCOC and made SP4 with a lateral appointment to SGT in 3 months after that. Promoted to SGT at about 2 1/2 years in the Army and made SSG at my 5th year. Never went to BNCOC but made SFC at my 7th year in the Army. The reason? The reason was because I was a 19D and reenlisted for a MOS at my 3rd year in the Army for 96H. The MOS 96H did not have a BNCOC and I did fast track to SFC because there were less than 100 of us in that MOS in the Army. But... I was a SFC for 10 years before I was promoted to 1SG then appointed MSG after my 1SG tour in Korea. Made SGM at 20 years appointed CSM at 22 and appointed SGM at 24 years, retired at 31 years in 2008. You can fast track but it depends on were you start your career and what the status of the Army is. For example, my career started at the beginning of the Reagan years and the build up, slowed down during the post Desert Strom drawdown, and took off again post 911. Your career and capabilities can be impeccable but timing is everything.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 11:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 23:08:57 -0400

I've met a 19 year old 25F Sgt and many young 89D SNCOs.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 21 at 2016 11:32 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 23:32:44 -0400

SFC. Rank was very poor in the large 50ths and early 60's. I made E4 in 3 years that was pretty fast. E5 was about 5 years later and there were a lot of us E4's with TIG. By 10 years E6. In 14 and a half E7. Retired as E7. Vietnam made people a lot of rank, it opened up promotions. A little crazy the way it was done. One cycle they picked long time E5', next the younger E5's. If you were a 27 or 28 year old E6 a lot of people resented you. I ran into a E5 that I worked for as a E4. I was a E6 at the time. It didn't go well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 1:08 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:08:24 -0400

I made E7 at 8 years, and was selected for E8 in 13 which seems decent except when you consider that I have two friends who were selected for E8 with 9 and 10 years TIS respectively.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2016 4:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:11:11 -0400

SFC Lacuesta. She was one on her initial enlistment and she enlisted for 6 years. & she had been wearing E7 for at least 9 months before coming up on her reenlistment window opened.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2016 2:24 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 14:24:39 -0400

I know a guy in a Chem company that left for deployment a SPC and came back as a SSG

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Oct 10 at 2016 10:59 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:59:08 -0400

My buddy just made E-9 at 15 years.

Response by MSG Andrew White made Oct 13 at 2016 11:31 PM

MSG Andrew White — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 23:31:40 -0400

I made MSG E-8 in a little over 10 years

Response by SFC William Sutherland III made Oct 18 at 2016 8:38 AM

SFC William Sutherland III — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 08:38:11 -0400

Today's Army offers many ways of promotion. How accomplished is that NCO? Most active duty enlisted members today, over the Rank of E4 don't realize that they have to continually push for promotion. As I was told many years ago "you are the Captain of your own destiny and only you can be responsible to look for every advantage in getting a promotion! Also one shouldn't compare Active Army vs Active (Army) Reserves; peacetime vs a war-time Army! Lastly,- Requirements are set for (TIS or TIG ) and 1st and primary and secondary zone promotion time in grade as well as requirements for completion of appropriate schools (PLDC/BNNOC/ANNOC and 1SG course. -as well as attendance at the SGT Major Academy). But to answer your question if " PVT Snuffy" enters the Active Army under a delayed entry program (or college credit) and is awarded PV2 he/she could be awarded PFC by the end if f Basic with a waiver from 12 months to as little as 6! From E3 to E4 it's also shorter with a waiver of 24 months to 18! From E4 to E5 TIS is 36 months (and with the secondary zone it's complicated as little as 18 men nuts TIS)! So within 66 to 72 month is the fast track!
(Read or google it or read AR 600-8-19 taken from "Notes from the NTC)."
As far as Reserve Ranks go the USAR has so many moving targets as most of us move for a better job or other reason! Finding a slot for promotion can be very political and, "must of us have a very particular set of skills, so keep looking!" Good Luck!

Response by 1SG John Baize made Oct 28 at 2016 12:37 PM

1SG John Baize — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:37:59 -0400

I knew a CSM who was so in his 14th year of active federal service. I will not release his name without his permission, but he was the CSM of the 56th Field Artillery Command (Pershing) at the time I met him. And, yes, he was damn good.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Oct 29 at 2016 8:08 AM

1SG Al Brown — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 08:08:31 -0400

It's a excellent goal, but 7 in 7 requires getting to E6 in four years, immediately followed by some really successful PSG time and getting picked up on the first eligible look. You're either exceptional, lucky or have a protector that's slotting you. Either way, you will be ahead of your peers for the rest of your career.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Nov 1 at 2016 12:17 PM

1SG Billye Jackson — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 12:17:59 -0400

I was in for 6 years got out as E5 Stayed out for 2.5 years, came back as E4 mad 1st Sgt 11 years Later. But I was far from Young as I was 39 and a VN Vet.

Response by SGM Ismael Rosario made Nov 3 at 2016 9:12 AM

SGM Ismael Rosario — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 09:12:14 -0400

I to made E-7 very young in my career. I was in for 8 years and was only 26 years old.

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Nov 3 at 2016 3:40 PM

MGySgt James Forward — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 15:40:07 -0400

It's not how quickly you move up the ranks, nor if you are lucky enough to someone mentor you. Some MOS's promoted quickly, much more quickly than others and some like Motor T take forever to get past SSgt. I think that the ones who do the best continuously prepare them selves and work towards achieving that next rank...when ever it gets accomplished. I have a few bumps in the road along my path: Pfc Nov 1975, LCpl Jul 1976, Cpl Feb 1977, Sgt Oct 1977...Cpl Oct 1978, Sgt Apr 1981, SSgt selected in Jun 1983 promoted Mar 1985, GySgt Jul 1992, MSgt 1996, MGySgt 2000. 22 of us got promoted on the same day (all same MOS), I went from #21 on the selection list based on Time in Rank to #1 in my year group due Time in Service. 20 pissed off brand new GySgts. Got lucky here, none of then made it to MSgt due the time wait to get into the promotion zone. Semper Fi.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Dec 1 at 2016 7:45 PM

1SG James Matthews — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 19:45:47 -0500

Made 7 in 7--course that was going back to Nam with only a Ranger school break in between.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Dec 6 at 2016 5:30 AM

1SG John Highfill — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 05:30:16 -0500

Some carer fields are easier to fast track than others I was a Marine Maintenance NCO that field takes longer because of the schooling requirements the main thing is learn the skill set for each rank and learn to lead. Soldiers want and demand good fair and responsible NCO at every level They canspot a fake a mile away

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 3:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 15:35:44 -0500

I made the SFC list with 6yrs and 9 months and got pinned E7 in 7 yrs in the army, you gotta do the right thing and excel on everything, not everybody can do it #justsaying

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 3:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 15:37:03 -0500

I made 7 in 7 not everyone can do it, just saying!!!

Response by 1SG Jay Vanderford made Jan 10 at 2017 4:31 PM

1SG Jay Vanderford — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:31:15 -0500

I was at the USAEUR 1SG course, I had a diamond wearing classmate that was in a Drone MOS with only 8 years in, one rank per year.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2017 8:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 May 2017 20:24:17 -0400

I believe the youngest SFC I met was 24 he joined when he was 17. From experience anyone I knew that made SFC quick stayed at least in the same rank for 5+ years.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2017 10:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 May 2017 10:50:24 -0400

I've seen SSG in 6 (I'm not sure if this is unheard of or not this was in the mid to late 90s it seemed amazing a the time because it was fairly common at the time for SGTs on tanks to make SSG at 10-15 years). 1SG in 12 (early 2000s), and SFC in 8 (early 2000s).

Response by SFC Frances Butler made Jun 25 at 2017 1:23 PM

SFC Frances Butler — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 13:23:03 -0400

Most likely that NCO may have come in with college, promoted SPC, and fast tracked or he's a reserve person who promotes everyone for moving a chair around. AD did not play that game!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2017 5:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 17:15:38 -0400

Don't feel bad for making E7 with 19 years in. There is nothing wrong with it. I remember back in the day the norm was retiring at E6. Don't get me wrong, as we know certain MOS you can excel in rank quick. I'm pretty sure I could have been an E7/8 by now if I would have pursued it, but I didn't want it due to personal choice. Even though these Soldiers are fast tracking, in my opinion it's about who out ranking who the quickest instead of growing and developing up the ranks. All I can say is, combat is a beast.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Jun 26 at 2017 9:38 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 09:38:54 -0400

Hey it took me 14 years to reach my peek at E7 but today rank means nothing to me because with the schools and training I got from all my Senior schools up to 1SG course and all them crappie additional duty schools, they paid off. So what if you made E7 in 7 years what are you doing today and if you still in the Army, do you have a plan for tomorrow? That the key to success being successful at your future not showboating because you can brag that your the youngest E7 in the ARMY.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Jun 26 at 2017 11:45 AM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 11:45:26 -0400

I remember a flight mechanic who made E7 in less than a decade. He was stationed in the UK, IIRC.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 26 at 2017 12:21 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:21:07 -0400

Back in the 1980s I flew with a C-130 Loadmaster who made E-8, Senior Master Sergeant, under 12 years. I asked him how he did it. He said he simply did all the things the AF told him to do as well as he possibly could. He completed his bachelors degree, attended the NCO PME courses, became an Instructor Loadmaster, maxed the skill tests, and passed physical fitness tests. Besides that he was really personable, honest, knowledgeable, hard working. He wanted to make Chief under 15, but I lost track of him and don't know if he made it.

Response by SCPO Ysmael Ramos made Jun 26 at 2017 2:10 PM

SCPO Ysmael Ramos — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 14:10:51 -0400

I knew a shipmate that made E9 in 12 years. He was in aviation as Aviation Electronics Technician. He was at the right place and at the right time. The field was critical at the time, the aircraft the A6A Intruder that he worked on was new, and the Navy at that time had waivers time in grade and service. He was a great Master Chief. He finally left his tool box after making 9.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Jul 9 at 2017 5:42 PM

SGM Joel Cook — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 17:42:03 -0400

While I was attending USASMA I had a Special Forces SGM in one of my small groups who had less than 17 years TIS when the course started in August. He said he had fast tracked every NCO promotion. He had started out as Airborne in XVIIITH ABC as his first duty assignment. He then transitioned into SF as a SFC. Unfortunately that lifestyle is hard on spouses and many marriages end in divorce. If you want to get promoted early, you must take the very hard jobs that others routinely fail at. The tricky part is you have to succeed or excel to get those promotions. Then you have to avoid the pitfalls of self interested supervisors that take personal credit for your achievements by putting them on their evaluations and leaving them off your evaluations. I would have never survived SFC, MSG, or SGM if I didn't have a BN XO or BN CDR fire up my first line supervisor for writing me substandard Evans and taking credit for my successes. I am a firm believer in Karma because I saw two of my previous supervisors get relieved for cause for committing serious crimes while sitting in CDR's chairs.

Response by PFC David Gettman made Jul 21 at 2017 6:37 PM

PFC David Gettman — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 18:37:20 -0400

E-1 to E-6 in 25 months! 2d lieutenant 5 months later.

Thankfully I have the documents to back this up, but this was also a long time ago. Any questions, please ask and I will provide additional documents.

My dad was drafted in September 1942. He made corporal in 2 months, sergeant in 8 months, and staff sergeant in 25 months. He received a battlefield commission to 2d lieutenant at 30 months, then promotion to 1st lieutenant at 39 months. Commissioned a captain in the reserves at 5 yrs while still a 1st lieutenant on active duty. Discharged in 1948 as 1st lieutenant, two months later he enlisted again, as a master sergeant (p). 31 months later he is WOJG; at 50 months commissioned a captain in the reserves again, while on active duty as WOJG; at 61 months, CWO-2; at 76 months commissioned a major in the reserves while on active duty as CWO-2. Discharged in 1957 as CWO-2. Enlisted again same year as master sergeant (p) again. 1962 retired major, reserves, while still on active duty as master sergeant. 1st sergeant in 8 years and sergeant major in 14. Retired active duty 1971. Rank was sergeant major but retired as 1st lieutenant due to highest active rank served. Pissed dad off pretty bad. In 2004, exactly 21 years after he passed away, I got his retirement rank officially changed to sergeant major.

Response by MSG Michael McDaniel made Aug 25 at 2017 3:57 AM

MSG Michael McDaniel — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 03:57:27 -0400

Col.Bob Howard was a 21yr old MSG in Korea

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2017 11:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 11:36:50 -0400

A frocked 1SG in 8 years.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2017 11:37 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 11:37:59 -0400

A frocked 1SG in 8 years and made selected shortly after.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 25 at 2017 11:44 AM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 11:44:32 -0400

Never got that far myself, but went before E-6 board with less than 3. Had a draftee in my platoon in VN that made 7 without a re-enlistment

Response by SSG Michael Eastes made Aug 25 at 2017 12:31 PM

SSG Michael Eastes — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 12:31:37 -0400

My dad made E-7 in four years. Of course, he enlisted in 1941. Promotions came a bit faster in that period.

Response by Sarah Zayas made Aug 25 at 2017 1:37 PM

Sarah Zayas — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 13:37:03 -0400

How did you make E-7 at 19?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 25 at 2017 4:23 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 16:23:41 -0400

I was one for a few days in Vietnam. Back then you had to hold it for two years. I was getting out in three months. I didn't reenlist, I didn't extend my tour. They were pissed

Response by 1SG Robert Rush made Sep 8 at 2017 8:45 AM

1SG Robert Rush — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 08:45:46 -0400

From 2003 until 2009 when I retired, I noticed that the Army was promoting soldiers in both the Officer and NCO ranks way to fast. They did not acquire the troop leading skills they needed to advance to the next rank. At Divion level, I sat on a NCO/ Solder of the year board and I was the only Senior NCO that had any kind of combat experience and a double patched. For those that don't know what a " Double Patched " is, that is a soldier that has been a combat zone with his unit.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Sep 22 at 2017 7:34 AM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 07:34:49 -0400

MOS makes a diffetence.
Some MOS do a lot in a calendar year.
Kind of like dog years.

Maybe another question is from the perspective of the led: what characteristics differentiated good NCOs from great ones?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2017 2:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 14:21:11 -0400

I met a sergeant major at VMI who couldn't have been older than 40 years old.

Response by SFC David Clark made Oct 10 at 2017 10:40 PM

SFC David Clark — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:40:50 -0400

While in the Army a friend of mine kept getting promoted to the senior enlisted ranks out of the secondary list. He was a First Sergeant with 12 years in the made CSM three years later. He was good but not that good. In his early years a very influential CSM took him under his wing. This CSM had some serious pull with the right senior officers.

Response by SFC David Clark made Oct 10 at 2017 10:42 PM

SFC David Clark — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:42:40 -0400

He was in the Military Police field where senior promotions were pretty slow at that time. This was in the late 1980’s

Response by MSG Micheal P Floyd Jr made Nov 23 at 2017 6:35 AM

MSG Micheal P Floyd Jr — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:35:20 -0500

I agree with MSG McBride, also the new regulations only hurt the NCO pool. The old way of "Prove your worth..." is gone. It took me two years to become an E-4, Five years to join the NCO rank of E-5. I became an E-6 in seven years and an E-7 in eight years due to my attending NCO School, and other leadership academies during my fifth and sixth years. I became a Master Sargeant in my thirteenth year. I made First Sargeant in my Sixteenth year and within my twenty-third year, I became an E-9. Two years later, with the Restrictions placed upon me as an E-9, I took a voluntary reduction in rank back to E-8 to get OUT from behind a desk. I enjoy being an E-8, and I feel sorry for E-9s who are under Leadership Restrictions. This is just me and my experiences, others may feel differently, but we all have our likes and dislikes based on the MOS we all hold.

Response by SFC John Jackson made Dec 2 at 2017 5:51 PM

SFC John Jackson — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 17:51:45 -0500

I made E-7 in 7 years as well. My MOS was 18B, so that may have helped.

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Dec 2 at 2017 10:04 PM

MSG Lonnie Averkamp — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 22:04:33 -0500

Sergeant First Class Coates in 1970. In the late 1960's, he went to Infantry NonCommissioned Officer Candidate School (a Vietnam shortened version of O.C.S.), was class Honor Graduate, and so received E-6 upon graduation, rather than Buck-Sergeant. He went to Vietnam as an Infantryman, and was promoted to E-7 on that tour. I believe that he was still on his first enlistment (which means under 4 years Time in Service), and he looked to be about 24 years old. He may have had a couple of years of college completed.

While, according to Infantry School Policy and Regulations, I'm sure that he deserved his promotions, we're allowed to do a lot of growing up while we are E-4's, 5's, & 6's (and be forgiven for getting into occasional trouble). When you are an E-7 at such an early age, you are deprived of that military "growing up process".

While I admire SFC Coates, I do not envy him.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Dec 2 at 2017 10:08 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 22:08:45 -0500

It took me 9 years to make E7 and had over 11 years-time-in-grade when I retired.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Dec 2 at 2017 10:24 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 22:24:08 -0500

I'm right with you, SFC Murphy...I reached E-7 in 19 years too. I, too came across some young SFC's too. They appeared to be pretty competent then I was. They had combat MOS' which gave them an edge in promotions. As for being mature enough for the rank, not too sure about that, because they chose not to hang out with a man, who was 44 at the time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2017 9:20 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 09:20:17 -0500

Same thing, met a couple 7s in 7. But I met a CSM select with 14 years tis. Is about fulfilling the correct positions and getting good reviews not about time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2017 8:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 08:34:41 -0500

I met a lot of guys while working in Ranger School who made E7 in 7. I fact, they seemed kind of pissed when they didn't make it in 7 years. Never seen it faster than that. I've met a few E8s in 12 years and there is a SGM at my work with only 18 years in.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Dec 4 at 2017 10:45 AM

SFC Craig Dalen — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 10:45:11 -0500

I knew a guy that made the list for SFC at 24 and pinned at 25.

Response by Darryl Fleshman made Jul 5 at 2018 10:13 AM

Darryl Fleshman — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 10:13:11 -0400

I work with an individual, who claims he served in the army for 9 years, and achieved SFC...he even puts it on the footer of the business we work for, emails; seems a stretch to me. Is that at all possible?

Response by SFC Thomas Desper made Jul 6 at 2018 8:15 PM

SFC Thomas Desper — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:15:43 -0400

I was promoted to SFC E-7 at 6 years and 8 months in, 1967. I was 23 years and 11 months of age at the time

Response by SSG Erik McKinster made Aug 20 at 2018 3:43 PM

SSG Erik McKinster — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 15:43:00 -0400

My old PSG was 7 in 7 too

Response by SP5 Patrick Echelbarger made Sep 8 at 2018 5:59 PM

SP5 Patrick Echelbarger — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 17:59:35 -0400

My Dad just passed away at 95 YO and was 17 when he went into the Washington National Guard. The 41st Division was activated to the Regular Army on September 16, 1940. He was promoted to Corporal on September 26, 1940 and was promoted to Staff Sergeant E-6 on November 14, 1940. He turned 18 YO on December 6, 1940. He later went to Armored OCS in 1943, France in January of 1945 and was part of the liberation of Dachau and the surrender of Munich (20th Armored Division). Dad stayed in the Reserves until 1963, retiring as a Major. His Army records show him to be born in 1921 which would have made him 18 YO at call-up, except he got my grandmother to "sign an intent letter" saying he was 18 YO but he actually was born in 1922. The "intent letter" was the enlistment contract. She was not happy with him.

Response by SFC Jose Rodriguez made Oct 7 at 2018 11:14 PM

SFC Jose Rodriguez — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 23:14:41 -0400

I made E-7 in 8 years but staled and never went any higher. After signing my early retirement papers my XO informed me I had made the E-8 list. Too late at that time to check whether that was the case. Anyone know how to get an old promo list from 1984-1985?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 12:13 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:13:59 -0500

I made 7 in 7, 8 in 10, selected for 9 in 13 YOS and I have been a CSM since 15 YOS. My career defiantly has not been the standard. Every board, including CSLs, I have been selected first time. I was forced into leadership positions early in my career due to "issues" with my seniors. There was absolutely times in my career that I wished I had more experience.
Best advise I can give, learn from everyone around you. A bad leader can teach you just as much as a good one. Continue to look for what inspire others or what totally drives them away. Do everything you can to get each SMs max capability. Learn how to manage your subordinates IOT place them in position where they are most effective.

Response by CPL(P) Shelby Weaver made Jul 3 at 2019 9:12 AM

CPL(P) Shelby Weaver — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 09:12:34 -0400

One of my 1SGs was 7 in 6 1/2 the Intel world Is always hurting for senior NCOs!

Response by SSG James Hilyard made Jul 17 at 2019 7:05 PM

SSG James Hilyard — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 19:05:45 -0400

The youngest E-7 I ever met was 27 years old in 1999. I have no idea what his job was other than it was in PSYOPS and he held an advanced degree but decided to enlist instead of becoming commissioned.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Nov 11 at 2019 10:18 AM

SPC Robert Bobo — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:18:26 -0500

Some military MOS have limitations on rank, A friend changed from E6 military police leader to E6 MP physical security specialist , retired at 20 years as E6, now he is a physical security manager for a federal entity