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

When I was in the Army (many moons ago), Army Band members promoted quickly also and actually began their Army careers as Sp4's. In Germany, I was in a Intel unit (ASA) and found that many of the Intel guys had double waivers (TIG/TIS) and made E-5 in less than 2 years. In the AF, I knew a guy that went from SSgt (E-5) to MSgt (E-7) in two years because he was in a "critical" career field. It seems the be the way things are for some folks. I highly doubt this newly minted TSgt is in charge of anything or anyone except her singing.

I agree that this is ridiculous. At 19 years old a young man or woman is not mature enough to take on the responsibility of leader others. Then again she is in the Air Force. Nobody really expects much out of the Air Force anyways. The TSA and the boy scouts are more of a military organization.

I dont think its possible. I was in the Navy, and there is no way you would make E-6 that soon

Why does singing in a band deserve higher pay than the person serving on a war zone?

Another thought. I know a cardiologist who entered the service as a colonel. The guy couldn't even salute!

I've got a lot to say about this. But I won't, I'll just say this. What is the government doing? We have there military band members that to me are like people mooching on welfare. They get rank and pay based on experience like the girl in this article and the rest of us have to actually work out ass's off! The members of the military band are not military service members in my eyes, they are a waste of precious government money that the real members of the military should be getting.

The Navy has a program called stripes for skills and I personally know a Sheriff that joined as an MA (Master At arms) as an E-5 and did not have to even do Basic Training. I am now a recruiter though my AFSC is Security Forces and just sent a nurse to an Army recruiter and they put her in as a Captain with no OTS, Just a two week school to explain the basics. All branches make exceptions for different skill sets. Most commonly professional officer accessions such as medical, JAG, Chaplains etc.

I personally do not believe this person is 19. E-6 with max 2 years TIS is impossible.

During my last tour in South Korea, my 1SG decided to make me Platoon Sergeant and NCOIC of the Orderly Room at the same time when I was still an Specialist (E-4). She told me that it doesn't matter what rank you have to lead. You could be Sergeant and be worst as a leader than a Specialist.

I'm in the Army Band Field. I know in the Special Bands like Pershing's Own or the USMA Band your brought in as an E-6. They offer E-6 to get quality musicians. They test you periodically if your maintaining the standard. If not your transferred to a regular band. If that happens you go back to E-4.