Is it possible to get promoted this quickly in the Air Force? Is this typical for band members?

Yes . When you are in the AF Band you are given rank and promoted based on your skill. You only hold the rank while in the band.

Its normal for band folks.

It is the Air Farce after all. they like to play being in the Military.

So this article did not state how she got to be an E6 so fast. My guess is to help get her in the AF and into the band. I thought the AF had high standards and testing for NCO's. Apparently it can just be given away anymore. Nothing like the Chair force

I have seen this and from my understanding, as having been told by another commenter, this is typical for the AF Band. From what I understand, they wear that rank, as long as they are in the Band. If they leave to go to another AFSC, they revert to their original rank. I am also understanding that it is due to shortages of qualified folks. Many of these band members do have advanced degrees in music, so the rank-up is an incentive, much like what has always been done with medical personnel.

It looks like she's in the Air Force band. They come in as an E-6. Not right when you're only 19 yrs old but there ya have it.

It doesnt matter.

A lot of folks, primarily senior NCOs, seem to think it's ok because the band folks aren't going to lead "real" airmen. I just have to say they are real airmen and should go through a real promotion system. Otherwise, they're civilians we pay extra to and stick in a uniform for laughs. That being said, I think we need to eliminate all but the AF band in DC. Most folks I know never really thought too highly of Tops in Blue/random AF musicians. If rather encourage airmen to support the USO via donations to provide the same (or better) service.

Yes. This is standard for members of "The" US Air Force Band. They are brought in as E-6s.

While I was never in the AF Band (I wasn't THAT good of a sax player), I had friends who were. Back in the day, individuals were given rank according to their job and did not "earn" it in the traditional way. I don't know her circumstances (or even if it is the same today), but back then I would see guys coming into the Band who had very little TIS but were E-5 and E-6 simply because that was the billet for the assignment.