Is 22-23 too young to be an e6?

No. I pinned SSG at 22. I do acknowledge that it was early in my career, and there are “life questions” that I don’t necessarily have the answers to, but your age doesn’t always reflect your maturity or ability to do your job as a leader.

Thanks for the question Sgt Reese

I believe that depends on the NCO and depends on the position. I made SSG insanely early in my career but as an E6, I was the junior man on the team. The paycheck was a nice complement to the requirements of the job, but I wasn’t in a traditional/conventional Army Staff Sergeant leadership position. I WAS NOT in charge of a squad or acting PlatIoon SGT responsible for 40 Joe’s. Initially only responsible for myself and eventually a “junior,” I had 11 teammates that were there to mentor me along the way. After 5 years of that molding, I was prepared for the step into an officer appointment and was commanding a team by my mid 20’s. I wouldn’t have had the timeline if the opportunity was denied to me due to my age.

With that said, I acknowledge the foolishness of youth and immaturity. I would not have been a successful NCO and JR Warrant Officer without the guidance and mentorship of my tribe. Tossed in a different environment, culture, team, perhaps that mentorship would not have existed and I would have failed. So, I will stick with a METT-TC contribution to baby E6s.

That's the general age of a newly minted 2LT fresh out of college

I was a 22 year old E-6 in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service in 1984. I served as LPO of the Radio division the last 6 months of my enlistment. While I was technically savvy, looking back, I was but a pup...possessing little in the way of leadership skills.

No, I had the privilege to work with several very young 2nd LTs - they were good and listened. I also had the unfortunate privilege to work with a couple not so good 2nd LTs. I don't think 22-23 is too young - however, these individuals really need to listen and grow.

I was an E6 at 21, in Vietnam. I wasn’t the youngest

Don't know about now,back in the mid seventies we had a couple so called shake and bake E6s.They made E6 because they were assigned to a missile program that was cancelled.They were in way over thier heads as instructors,they simply could not even control a class of NG people that really wanted to learn.Completely useless during Health and welfare inspections.I thought then,and still do,that most soldiers need a little time in the dirt before they learn to be good leaders

No if the soldier had a good mentor and posses the skills and is constantly seeking positive initiative and has proven his ability to be a good leader then he should be promoted.I was a Sgt. At 21 and a PSG. I got promoted to SSG. At 24 and Sfc at 27. I lead and worked my ass off. Leadership does not end at 1700 hrs. You are a leader 24/7.

I joined a week after I was 17. Anybody worth their pay should be able to make E-6 in 6-years, especially superior performers.