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

She may have something the service needs , something important. She is in the right place at the right time. That's all , good for her.

Didn't read all the responses so excuse me if someone already answered. The USCG brings band members in as E-6 because the MU rating is very small and advancements are rare. They also have tryouts for the positions and are very competitive and selective.I understand the chagrine of personnel who have an expectation of leadership acumen from an E-6, however, it is rare that our band members are involved with things outside of their rating. The band members that I have met are consumate professionals and have learned through osmosis and required leadership schools to assimilate as effective leaders afetr a short time on AD.

Any Soldier that is hired for a special band in the DC area is automatically a staff sergeant. Very true for the Army and probably for all services. There were probably hundreds of applications for one position. Don't take anything away from this Airman

The Marine Corps band is the same way. They audition professional musicians and after the initial training, they are promoted to SSgt (E6). Typically they are highly trained and have degrees. Yeah, my peers and I were frustrated, but those folks are somewhat insulated from the rest of us.

(Note I make this in complete sarcasm, and nothing personal against this airman...just showing the rogue progressive insanity of our current regime). Most likely she has no idea about our Constitution, possibly transgendered, maybe bisexual, hates America deep down, and is for the Insane Iran Nuke deal...the Pentagon and White House after finding this out said "promote her now."

This is the same as any other of the services' main ceremonial bands. The President's Own (Marine Band) members are all a minimum rank of SSgt (E-6). It's for the PR and uniformity of the unit and the mission they perform. Is it perfect? Hardly. But, it is what it is. If this "girl" had the abilities to make such a unit (the top Air Force band) then she would've immediately attained the E-6 pay grade. You don't have to agree with it. I served in one of the Marine Corps' field bands before going into the air wing and serving as a CH-46E crew chief. I knew that a majority of those President's Own band members hadn't even been to basic training. Yes, that's right. But the positions they hold are purely ceremonial. They are true members of the military, having to adhere to all standards and regulations, but none of them will ever see anything close to a deployment or combat unless they were to leave those top band units and go somewhere else. It is somewhat of a slap in the face to those of us who've been through boot camp, combat training, and multiple combat deployments. But some people would say the same thing about some other MOS's out there amongst our services. They all serve a purpose, whether you agree with it or not.

That's standard fare for service bands. Entry level for service level band (Air force band, army band, etc...) Is E6... Similar to the docs that come in as O3s... Smaller echelon bands start at E5... It's how they equalize pay, at the service band level it's like being in a major symphony orchestra, so entry level is adjusted accordingly.

I was a recruiter for many years, it is correct. Band members have masters degrees in music. Once selected they do enter as E-6's which seems unfair but consider they are not officers and they probably won't see another promotion for many many years, if ever.

This article will place the above story in perspective: https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/comments/3lkp3b/9_month_tsgt_in_usaf_band/ Her promotion is basically pay because everyone is TSgt and above in the AF Band. If she cross-trains to a new AFSC she will lose at least one stripe. At least that's the way I understand the story.

Look at it this way haters. For an Infantry soldier to make E6 they have promotion boards, 2 leadership schools, probably some college, and maxing their pt tests, all while learning the skills inherent in infantry. I'm thankful for all you do. Musicians in the special bands or premier bands have been in training their whole life learning their instrument. Only very few musicians get accepted into these bands by a rigorous audition process. They are the special forces of the music field. Are you haters also mad because the military hires civilian doctors and makes them colonels? Whether you like it or not you better cll them sir or mam or Sgt because they have both have the authority to jack you up. I'm just saying.
Sfc retired army bands man