Since I'm on a 4 year contract, would it be possible to make Staff Sergeant within that time frame?

Hell I know a guy that made SSgt every 4 years for his entire 24.

Yes

Many have. Study your air force history and your AFSC and study hard. Knowing your Air Force history is quite critical. Best of luck

yes, I came in with a guy that made staff in 2.5 years. He had prior college, so he had a1c on since day 1. He then made btz which put him in a fast testing cycle and made it first time.

I did in three. Depends on your AFC. Need and availability

Yes. Depending on the time to enlisted during the year it is possible to be a SSgt in 3.5 years, but you have to have 6 months retain-ability after completion of ALS. Now you can get a 6 month waver after completion of ALS to meet the requirement or you can reenlist.

Its possible.

You got some great advice here. I challenge you to do better than I did

Sure can if you go below the zone and test for Staff, I did it under 4 in 1982

Most likely not. Worry about being the best whatever rank you are now. If you are the best Soldier in the company, you will be taken care of and promotion will come.

Possibly if you aren't a fuck up and get selected for BTZ. Have a good EPR and study for your test.

Its possible - but not likely. Its very rare to make SSG in less than 5 years.

possible yes, likely?? good question ..get your CDCs done as fast as the time table allows and dont for get the PME ( or what ever they are calling the fat book with all the AF history and Customes and Courtesies in it) get all the sign offs on your training records as quickly as you can learn it..always keep the training records in mind when ever some thing new comes up to do in the work center/shop...let your trainer know you are wanting any new training that may come up in the course of a day..any time some thing unusual comes up ( weird forms, strange equipment fails) be in on the fix the more hands-on the better..keep uniform sharp and boots crazy shiney ( if you have to have a spare set to change into if a uniform emergency happens..hydraulic fluid comes to mind) some people may laugh..but you want your name to be the first thought of when somebody screws up and cant do below-the-zone or Airman of the Quarter ..and you will have a spare uniform at the ready...If you are a maintainer keep those blues up and ready to go ....I know it doesnt sound like you'll have much of a social life....but if you keep your eye on that stripe it can , with a little luck and preparation, be done. Good luck, and clear skies

Possible, yes. Likely, no.

Possible, yes. Likely, no.

As others have said TIS/TIG requirements will put a hamper on you. Had you joined as E-2/E3 OR get "advanced promotions" (faster than usual for whatever reason), it becomes more possible. Focus on being the best you can at the lower grades for that opportunity.

I did, gotta get BTZ though

With WLC (PLDC) and ALC (BNCOC) under my belt, both before making SGT, I was at 7 1/2 years TIS. Promotions were just slow at the time. If you make your (P) before your first enlistment is up, you're doing great, I did. I was a SPC(P) my whole second enlistment.

I don't know about how it's determined these days. When I was in (71-77) it took me 4 1/2 years but I did work with a Staff who made it first try with only 3 yrs 4 mos TIS.

I won't say it is impossible, but highly unlikey

Made SSgt. in 2 3/4 years (more or less).