SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member5056115<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've held the rank of SGT for over six years. My father told me when he was in the USAF it was not unheard of for officers to hold the rank of Captain for up to 8 years. I met a CSM who told me he was a SSG for 8 years. What say you? Any record holders out there?What rank did you hold the longest?2019-09-24T14:36:47-04:00SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member5056115<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've held the rank of SGT for over six years. My father told me when he was in the USAF it was not unheard of for officers to hold the rank of Captain for up to 8 years. I met a CSM who told me he was a SSG for 8 years. What say you? Any record holders out there?What rank did you hold the longest?2019-09-24T14:36:47-04:002019-09-24T14:36:47-04:00MSG Private RallyPoint Member5056124<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Specialist was my longest. A little over 11 years.Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 2:39 PM2019-09-24T14:39:44-04:002019-09-24T14:39:44-04:00COL Private RallyPoint Member5056132<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Major for 8 years, then followed it with LTC for 4 to get back on track.Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 2:42 PM2019-09-24T14:42:08-04:002019-09-24T14:42:08-04:00SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth5056136<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sergeant E-5.Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 24 at 2019 2:43 PM2019-09-24T14:43:29-04:002019-09-24T14:43:29-04:00LCDR Private RallyPoint Member5056142<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've heard of Navy Chaplains holding LT (O-3) for 8 years, sometimes longer (12 years) for Reservists. My dad was an Army Dental CPT (O-3) for over a decade, though that was Active for 2 and change, and IRR for the rest.Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 2:44 PM2019-09-24T14:44:57-04:002019-09-24T14:44:57-04:00SGM Steve Wettstein5056153<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held the rank of SFC the longest (5.5 years).Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 24 at 2019 2:49 PM2019-09-24T14:49:07-04:002019-09-24T14:49:07-04:00SPC Margaret Higgins5056157<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I served in the Army: for three years and seven/eight months. I was a Specialist Four; for the majority of that time. <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="75533" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/75533-35p-cryptologic-linguist">SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member</a>Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 24 at 2019 2:51 PM2019-09-24T14:51:07-04:002019-09-24T14:51:07-04:00CW2 Private RallyPoint Member5056219<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I only held Sergeant for five years. That was the longest so far. I expect my CW2 to CW3 in the future will surpass that though.Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 3:14 PM2019-09-24T15:14:56-04:002019-09-24T15:14:56-04:00SPC David S.5056225<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I feel this will be different for Guard and Active.Response by SPC David S. made Sep 24 at 2019 3:16 PM2019-09-24T15:16:51-04:002019-09-24T15:16:51-04:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member5056226<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I got SSG in late 2007 as a tradition (MDAY) Guardsman and picked up an AGR position under a year later...since signal SFC billets are rare I just picked up SFC in December 2018...Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 3:16 PM2019-09-24T15:16:51-04:002019-09-24T15:16:51-04:00Capt Private RallyPoint Member5056243<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a captain from Apr 1970 until I got out in May 1975.Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 3:21 PM2019-09-24T15:21:03-04:002019-09-24T15:21:03-04:00MAJ Private RallyPoint Member5056394<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>CPT for 7 years and 7 months.Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 4:06 PM2019-09-24T16:06:45-04:002019-09-24T16:06:45-04:00CW5 Jack Cardwell5056437<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E5 if you add the two times I held it together.Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Sep 24 at 2019 4:27 PM2019-09-24T16:27:08-04:002019-09-24T16:27:08-04:00MSG Gary Eckert5056439<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SFC, Dec 85 through Jun 97. I was the youngest Soldier selected by my SFC board (I made the secondary zone by 1 day) and the most senior SFC selected by my MSG board.Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Sep 24 at 2019 4:27 PM2019-09-24T16:27:19-04:002019-09-24T16:27:19-04:00MAJ Private RallyPoint Member5056569<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>O-3 6 years 14 daysResponse by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 5:13 PM2019-09-24T17:13:07-04:002019-09-24T17:13:07-04:001stSgt Private RallyPoint Member5056573<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sgt (6 yrs 2 mths). Court Martial kind of held me back a little.Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 5:14 PM2019-09-24T17:14:40-04:002019-09-24T17:14:40-04:00SPC Casey Ashfield5056599<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-4 Mafia from May 2010 until I ETS in July 2015.Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Sep 24 at 2019 5:22 PM2019-09-24T17:22:00-04:002019-09-24T17:22:00-04:00CPL Gary Pifer5056869<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-4 13 years... 1.5 years OCS..NG. But I had psychological problems.Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 24 at 2019 6:46 PM2019-09-24T18:46:52-04:002019-09-24T18:46:52-04:00MSG Danny Mathers5056893<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>MSG, 8 years.Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Sep 24 at 2019 6:53 PM2019-09-24T18:53:46-04:002019-09-24T18:53:46-04:00SFC Michael Krogmann5056954<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG for 10 yearsResponse by SFC Michael Krogmann made Sep 24 at 2019 7:12 PM2019-09-24T19:12:18-04:002019-09-24T19:12:18-04:00CDR Terry Boles5056994<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My enlisted rank E-5 to E-6, was 5 years which felt like an eternity. My commissioned rank was 0-5 til I retired, which was 7 years. For the 0-6 board, in the zone was 7 years and I had planned my retirement well ahead versus trying to get promoted; and waiting for terminal leave definitely felt much longer than.....eternity!Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 24 at 2019 7:19 PM2019-09-24T19:19:29-04:002019-09-24T19:19:29-04:00SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA5057011<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Specialist for over five years. I went straight from E1 to E4 after five months and stayed there the rest of my career.Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Sep 24 at 2019 7:25 PM2019-09-24T19:25:05-04:002019-09-24T19:25:05-04:00SGT Private RallyPoint Member5057020<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PFC 22 months, not enough rank to be in charge of a cleaning detail, and to much rank to have KP.Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 7:26 PM2019-09-24T19:26:59-04:002019-09-24T19:26:59-04:00SSG William Jones5057083<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br />That would be E-6, from 1993 to 1999. To add another catagory, I held E-4 and E-5 most often (Twice each).<br />Response by SSG William Jones made Sep 24 at 2019 7:53 PM2019-09-24T19:53:40-04:002019-09-24T19:53:40-04:00Maj John Bell5057220<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm not sure it is a rank, but my Dad called me "Dumbass" for a very long time.Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 24 at 2019 9:15 PM2019-09-24T21:15:59-04:002019-09-24T21:15:59-04:00SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member5057267<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a Specialist from maybe 2008 to 2014 so going on six years. Building my packet was rough since any documentation I needed took so long to get, some forms became too old and couldn't be used. Then from 2014 to 2019 I was a Sergeant so close with five and that's due to ALC always being filled for 12N. Few courses and what.....20,000 soldiers who can sign up as soon as seats are available. And courses are only done during winter months. Neat.Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 9:49 PM2019-09-24T21:49:10-04:002019-09-24T21:49:10-04:00SFC Casey O'Mally5057330<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SFC for 10 and change (active). Had I rode out to RCP it would have been 13 1/2 as there was no chance of promotion.Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 24 at 2019 10:21 PM2019-09-24T22:21:48-04:002019-09-24T22:21:48-04:00MAJ Byron Oyler5057454<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I will be a major until death, hopefully a good 49years.Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Sep 24 at 2019 11:35 PM2019-09-24T23:35:51-04:002019-09-24T23:35:51-04:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member5057655<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me it was kinda weird how it all worked out with my promotions. I held SPC for about four years, made SGT in the first month after the board and held SGT for about four years, then when it came to SSG i also made it the first month after the board, so for me it feels like it was all meant to happen when it did...Now lets see if i stay a SSG for only four years and get picked up for SFC lolResponse by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2019 2:06 AM2019-09-25T02:06:26-04:002019-09-25T02:06:26-04:00SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez5058146<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held the rank of Sergeant for just over eight years.Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Sep 25 at 2019 7:59 AM2019-09-25T07:59:21-04:002019-09-25T07:59:21-04:00SFC Barbara Layman5058289<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My career was a long one. I began as a WAC, spent time in the USAR, the ARNG and in the ARMY. For some time I considered myself to be the 'rankingest' E-5 in the US Army as I held that for just over 18 years and never ran into anyone who held it as long.Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Sep 25 at 2019 8:43 AM2019-09-25T08:43:53-04:002019-09-25T08:43:53-04:00MAJ Private RallyPoint Member5058297<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain. 7 years and counting.Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2019 8:47 AM2019-09-25T08:47:08-04:002019-09-25T08:47:08-04:00CWO3 Randy Weston5058593<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That would be Chief Petty Officer (E-7) 4 yrs 6 mo.. I was promoted on the first try from E-1 to E-7, then they split our specialty (NEC) out from general population and we were overmanned at the E-7 to E-9 level by 300 to 400%. So, I applied for CWO and was selected.Response by CWO3 Randy Weston made Sep 25 at 2019 10:27 AM2019-09-25T10:27:33-04:002019-09-25T10:27:33-04:00SCPO Jason McLaughlin5058678<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Chief Petty Officer (8y 10m). What happens when you make a duty station/job selection based on what is best for your family, rather than what is best for your career....Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Sep 25 at 2019 10:59 AM2019-09-25T10:59:10-04:002019-09-25T10:59:10-04:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member5058788<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Please let me caveat by the fact this phenomenon is a little different amongst Branch components . Some of us in the <br />Army reserve components (especially the guard) are limited by MTOE Changes and limited positions. Meaning people sit in their positions until they retire , effectively blocking upward mobility for other soldiers. I've been an E6 for 7 years now. Just this year I was selected for E7 , but won't be pinned until completion of SLC (Jan 2020).Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2019 11:39 AM2019-09-25T11:39:22-04:002019-09-25T11:39:22-04:00LCDR Private RallyPoint Member5058808<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>LT (O3). Pinned LT 1 June 2010. Pinned LCDR 1 Sept 2018. So I held LT for 8.25 years.Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2019 11:45 AM2019-09-25T11:45:38-04:002019-09-25T11:45:38-04:00MSG Chuck Odom5059123<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SFC for exactly 10 years (to the day).Response by MSG Chuck Odom made Sep 25 at 2019 1:32 PM2019-09-25T13:32:03-04:002019-09-25T13:32:03-04:00Lt Col Jim Coe5059181<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain. I was promoted to captain in July 1972 and subsequently promoted to major in 1979.Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 25 at 2019 1:50 PM2019-09-25T13:50:37-04:002019-09-25T13:50:37-04:00CPT Private RallyPoint Member5059718<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a Captain for over (7) years, most that time I was a Company Commander. I found that taking care of my troops was the most fulfilling time in my life. I found that from the day I received my Commission my goal was to serve my soldiers, and place the needs of them before myself. The hardest part of that dynamics was to trust in the professionalism of those around you. Giving up that trust was the hardest thing I had to do! It did not always workout, but I came to feel that we had to give others around us the opportunity to fail, that is let them rise to the occasion. People will surprise you, and very often exceed your expectations.<br />Yours, CPT CraneResponse by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2019 5:19 PM2019-09-25T17:19:50-04:002019-09-25T17:19:50-04:00LTC Jason Mackay5060075<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a due course promotion guy.<br />2LT 1994-1996<br />1LT 1996-1998<br />CPT 1998-2004<br />MAJ 2004-2010<br />LTC 2010-2016<br /><br />I was a Captain from 1998 to 2004, should have been a Captain until 2005, but got promoted early due to a Major shortage. This seemed the longest I was any rank. Sew the stuff on, Imma gonna be here a spell. The truth be told, I was a LTC the longest. Promoted in DEC2010 and retired in OCT 2016....and I continue to be a LTC to this minute. for. ever.<br /><br />The AD officers will move up or out fairly consistently due to DOPMA. I can't speak to RC officers as having a troop billet to be in is essential to their promotion process.<br /><br />Many NCOs get hung up in Hotel California that is SSG. No direct evidence....just anecdotal.Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 25 at 2019 6:55 PM2019-09-25T18:55:19-04:002019-09-25T18:55:19-04:00GySgt Kenneth Pepper5062003<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SGT for 5 years, SSGT for 6. I loved my job but the promotion rate sucked ass. Several in my MOS retired as SSGT.Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Sep 26 at 2019 10:44 AM2019-09-26T10:44:57-04:002019-09-26T10:44:57-04:00MCPO Private RallyPoint Member5063838<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Petty Officer First Class (E-6). I held it for five years, two months. Second place goes to Chief Petty Officer (E-7), at four years.<br /><br />But I think my present situation probably trumps it all. RETIRED for eight years!! :DResponse by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2019 7:30 PM2019-09-26T19:30:34-04:002019-09-26T19:30:34-04:00PO2 Sean Baker5064046<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was an E-1 for 4 years on Appellate LeaveResponse by PO2 Sean Baker made Sep 26 at 2019 9:00 PM2019-09-26T21:00:26-04:002019-09-26T21:00:26-04:00LTC Private RallyPoint Member5067027<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain for 6 years, Major for 7 years. That’s the norm for Army Officers...although it has changed a few times in my 22 years. Some make it a year earlier (BZ) or a year later (AZ).Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2019 4:19 PM2019-09-27T16:19:46-04:002019-09-27T16:19:46-04:00PO1 Rick Serviss5070314<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a PN1 for 14 years.Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Sep 28 at 2019 5:08 PM2019-09-28T17:08:03-04:002019-09-28T17:08:03-04:00CPT Jim Kotva5090542<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain for me 5 yearsResponse by CPT Jim Kotva made Oct 4 at 2019 2:28 PM2019-10-04T14:28:45-04:002019-10-04T14:28:45-04:00SFC Danny Watkins5099716<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG FOR 8Response by SFC Danny Watkins made Oct 7 at 2019 11:43 AM2019-10-07T11:43:26-04:002019-10-07T11:43:26-04:00COL William Shea5206300<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I served with an Army Captain who made Captain in 1968 (I was in kindergarten). He was riffed off active duty in 1980, still a Captain. He then joined the National Guard and was given a new date of rank. When I made Captain in 1987, he was still a Captain. He was promoted to Major in early 1988. 20 years total.Response by COL William Shea made Nov 5 at 2019 9:36 PM2019-11-05T21:36:25-05:002019-11-05T21:36:25-05:00LTC Dick Bulova5211986<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a 1LT from 1962 to 1973. Transferred from Active Duty to Army Reserves in 1964.Response by LTC Dick Bulova made Nov 7 at 2019 3:29 PM2019-11-07T15:29:39-05:002019-11-07T15:29:39-05:00MG Hugh Van Roosen5226727<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I’m pushing 6 years as an 08.Response by MG Hugh Van Roosen made Nov 12 at 2019 12:15 AM2019-11-12T00:15:39-05:002019-11-12T00:15:39-05:00MSG Greg Borka5234812<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Held SSG for 8 years. Retired MSG. I think everyone hits a point that seems endless at some point of service.Response by MSG Greg Borka made Nov 14 at 2019 8:35 AM2019-11-14T08:35:44-05:002019-11-14T08:35:44-05:00SP5 James Johnson5247749<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sp 4. In Nam my company didn't even know I was assigned to them. One day I went down to batalion and asked why I hadn't been promoted to Sp5. They told me I wasn't in the battalion. Turns out my co stg had been lying to me for almost a year. He claimed my promotion was on the way. I confronted him and next month I was promoted. Typical FUBAR.Response by SP5 James Johnson made Nov 17 at 2019 8:24 PM2019-11-17T20:24:45-05:002019-11-17T20:24:45-05:00COL Rich McKinney5253943<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>8 as a Captain and 8 more as MajorResponse by COL Rich McKinney made Nov 19 at 2019 2:44 PM2019-11-19T14:44:24-05:002019-11-19T14:44:24-05:00CPO Kirk Allen5254464<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>ETC from 1993 to 2001 in USNR then went back active 2001 to 2013 as ETC Retired ETC 6 months short of 20 years as ETCResponse by CPO Kirk Allen made Nov 19 at 2019 6:13 PM2019-11-19T18:13:07-05:002019-11-19T18:13:07-05:00SSG Harry Herres5347200<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not that it counts SSgt 3 years army 12 year sheriff dept. 15 years total. 15 years to get it backResponse by SSG Harry Herres made Dec 15 at 2019 6:26 PM2019-12-15T18:26:17-05:002019-12-15T18:26:17-05:00SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth5347893<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-4 (SP4) the longest. I believe it was 2 years.Response by SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth made Dec 15 at 2019 11:25 PM2019-12-15T23:25:40-05:002019-12-15T23:25:40-05:00MAJ Judd Clemens5354505<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>03E - Eight years and five days before I made 0-4. I think always having command jobs (SF A-team cdr, basic tng company cdr, airfield cdr, ave platoon cdr) and very limited staff time may have slowed promotion.Response by MAJ Judd Clemens made Dec 17 at 2019 6:30 PM2019-12-17T18:30:19-05:002019-12-17T18:30:19-05:00WO1 Mike Dwyer5413567<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was an E5 for 9 years and later I was a WO1 for 9 years and 9 months.Response by WO1 Mike Dwyer made Jan 4 at 2020 8:48 PM2020-01-04T20:48:12-05:002020-01-04T20:48:12-05:00SGT Mark Daughenbaugh5416230<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had a Doctor at the VA Hospital in Lebanon PA who told me was a Colonel (0-6) for 30 years...Response by SGT Mark Daughenbaugh made Jan 5 at 2020 5:20 PM2020-01-05T17:20:27-05:002020-01-05T17:20:27-05:00SSgt Daniel d'Errico5421095<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is embarassing, but I held Ssgt (E5) from 1980 to 1991 when I retired. Test scores always missed by 3 points due to not having the points in commendations and such. Talk about depressing! Frustrating when a reporting officer tells you he'll recommend you for superior job performance, and not even writing up the recomendation for promotion!Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 7 at 2020 2:32 AM2020-01-07T02:32:53-05:002020-01-07T02:32:53-05:00SP5 George Smith5427392<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not a record holder. Got my E5 15 months after getting into the Army and was promoted in Nam. <br />So, Dec ‘69 until Jun ‘76 I held that rank.Response by SP5 George Smith made Jan 9 at 2020 1:18 AM2020-01-09T01:18:16-05:002020-01-09T01:18:16-05:00PO1 Daniel Johnson5437660<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unfortunately, I probably hold the record at 15 years as an E6, ET1/IT1. I made board every single year, but was never selected.Response by PO1 Daniel Johnson made Jan 12 at 2020 4:33 PM2020-01-12T16:33:17-05:002020-01-12T16:33:17-05:00SGT Clayton Magee5445026<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sp5.Response by SGT Clayton Magee made Jan 15 at 2020 1:47 AM2020-01-15T01:47:27-05:002020-01-15T01:47:27-05:00LTC Private RallyPoint Member5445581<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a Major for 6 years 5 months. due to date of rank, I missed the first O5 board cutoff by 3 days, so I had nearly 5 years TIG before I got my BTZ look. nearly 6 years at first look in the zone. selected for promotion and then they jacked up my orders packet 3 times and it was another 6 months before I got pinned. One of my former BN XOs was a Major for nearly 12 years. I was an E5 when he made MAJ and I was a CPT when he finally made LTC. Guy in my unit now was an LTC for 11 years.Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 8:30 AM2020-01-15T08:30:00-05:002020-01-15T08:30:00-05:00SFC Terry Wilcox5445605<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SP/5 for 6 years, I was the, out of sight, keep your superiors in a good light, kind of worker. Figured I was doing my part, to the very best of military standards - figured everyone else was doing the same, with the exception of two SP/6's working for me... there's a bit of difficulty... and finally, someone noticed that fact and asked some questions. I became an SSG, and a short time later, SFC. I knew my job, always performed a paygrade or two higher - as long as I just performed my duties, didn't make a stink (it's the squeaky wheel gets the most grease) I was OK. It was a neighbor in Germany, that worked in personnel that told me about my 201 files. Guess if you're being carried a rank BELOW what you are assigned, and performing a rank above that, but nothing is being noted - no one knows your capabilities. Always make sure you are being kept up to date, so you can get promoted when that slot presents itself.Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Jan 15 at 2020 8:37 AM2020-01-15T08:37:47-05:002020-01-15T08:37:47-05:00SMSgt Lawrence McCarter5445920<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSgt was the grade I held the longest. 4 years during My first Eight years then after a 8 year break in service when back into uniform, still came back as a SSgt but lost the time in grade so held that for 2 years before being promoted to TSgt, so approx 6 years total as SSgt, once past that again sailed quickly runner up on longest grade held then would be SMSgt The break in service was the only reason I held the grade of SSgt as long as I did as I made SSgt in Four years but turned down TSgt at 8 years and got out. I thought I knew more than I did and found out being a civilian isn't all its cracked up to be. Like they say, the grass is always greener in the other fellows lawn until You get there and find out half the lawn is dead.Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 15 at 2020 10:32 AM2020-01-15T10:32:23-05:002020-01-15T10:32:23-05:00CSM Richard StCyr5446011<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>CSM, for nine years, and SGT and 1SG tied at four years.Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 15 at 2020 11:04 AM2020-01-15T11:04:57-05:002020-01-15T11:04:57-05:00PO1 Lyndon Thomas5446029<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E6/PO1 was my longest held rank.Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Jan 15 at 2020 11:14 AM2020-01-15T11:14:33-05:002020-01-15T11:14:33-05:00SSG Mark Franzen5446238<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SGT E5 6 YEARSResponse by SSG Mark Franzen made Jan 15 at 2020 12:10 PM2020-01-15T12:10:51-05:002020-01-15T12:10:51-05:00LTC Private RallyPoint Member5446272<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a Major for almost 9 yearsResponse by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 12:19 PM2020-01-15T12:19:26-05:002020-01-15T12:19:26-05:00LTC Private RallyPoint Member5446410<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This has got to be a record of some kind. When I was a 2LT in the guard, there was a guy in my platoon who had been a SPC for 39 years. Back in those days there were lots of 50+ y/o E4s. Guys who just liked being in the guard and didn't want the responsibility of being an NCO so they never did what it took to get promoted.Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 1:08 PM2020-01-15T13:08:49-05:002020-01-15T13:08:49-05:00CPT Private RallyPoint Member5447785<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>CaptainResponse by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 11:20 PM2020-01-15T23:20:24-05:002020-01-15T23:20:24-05:00MAJ Matthew Arnold5447908<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was Major (O4) from 1993 until 2002 when I retired. (I was never, never going to make O5.) I think I was the longest serving time-in-grade Major in the US Army at the time.Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jan 16 at 2020 12:28 AM2020-01-16T00:28:58-05:002020-01-16T00:28:58-05:00Sgt Leonard Lamb5457001<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think my dad thought my name was Stuuupid. I dont know. Is that French, German?Response by Sgt Leonard Lamb made Jan 18 at 2020 7:33 PM2020-01-18T19:33:33-05:002020-01-18T19:33:33-05:001SG Private RallyPoint Member5466084<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held the Rank and Grade of SFC/E7 for almost 14 yearsResponse by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2020 8:42 AM2020-01-21T08:42:52-05:002020-01-21T08:42:52-05:001LT Private RallyPoint Member5469841<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Longest rank: SPC ( a tad over 3 years)<br /><br />Longest pay grade: E4 ( SPC/CPL a total of 6 years)<br /><br />Career progression thus far:<br /><br />SPC: Aug 2011- Oct 2014<br /><br />CPL: Oct 2014- Sept 2017<br /><br />SGT* (Administrative promotion): Feb 2018 - Dec 2019<br /><br />2LT: Dec 2019- CurrentResponse by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 9:35 AM2020-01-22T09:35:34-05:002020-01-22T09:35:34-05:00SCPO Bruce Davis5554114<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Seven years as a CPO then made SCPO for twoResponse by SCPO Bruce Davis made Feb 13 at 2020 9:34 AM2020-02-13T09:34:32-05:002020-02-13T09:34:32-05:00Robyn Morrow5558253<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was called slop jar for 12 years until my mom finally told me what it meant in the military. I called him out on it and finally he stopped. My dad was a Marine.Response by Robyn Morrow made Feb 14 at 2020 9:23 AM2020-02-14T09:23:23-05:002020-02-14T09:23:23-05:00CSM Jim Rogers5567049<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a csm from April 1991 to March 2011. A total of 20 years, retired with 42 years 2 months.Response by CSM Jim Rogers made Feb 16 at 2020 8:19 PM2020-02-16T20:19:48-05:002020-02-16T20:19:48-05:001SG Edward Ruesga5568989<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E7 6year before getting E8Response by 1SG Edward Ruesga made Feb 17 at 2020 10:47 AM2020-02-17T10:47:06-05:002020-02-17T10:47:06-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member5573810<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was an E5 from 2003 to 2013.<br /><br />Factors included:<br />- switching from Marines to Army<br />- having very few award points coming into the Army because the Marines rarely give out awards<br />- having zero college credits due to constant deployments in the Marines<br />- the sequestration starting in 2010<br />- the point system changing in 2011 thus erasing some of my military education points<br /><br />Alls well that ends well though :DResponse by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2020 1:04 PM2020-02-18T13:04:29-05:002020-02-18T13:04:29-05:00PO2 Wilbur Burton5580261<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a boatswain mate E-5 for over 5 years because boatswain mate has been a closed rate for many decades and if you are not in the top 1% you don't advanceResponse by PO2 Wilbur Burton made Feb 20 at 2020 8:34 AM2020-02-20T08:34:29-05:002020-02-20T08:34:29-05:00SFC Jim Hunter5589854<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just under 20 years as a SFC. 22 Apr 1981 to 6 Apr 2001, (my retirement date).Response by SFC Jim Hunter made Feb 22 at 2020 10:39 PM2020-02-22T22:39:27-05:002020-02-22T22:39:27-05:00PV2 Ross Bryan5665351<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>MY OWN EXPERIENCE REGARDING RANK WAS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT, BEING IN THE ARMY RESERVES DEC 1963 / OCT 28 1964!<br />AFTER BASIC AND WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE CRANE OPERATOR TRAINING , I WAS AN E-2 .<br />AFTER ABOUT A YEAR LATER BECAME A E-3<br />BUT I NEVER BOTHERED WITH PUTTING THE STRIPE ON ANY OF MY UNIFORM!<br />I ONLY WANTED TO GO RESERVES BECAUSE OF THE DRAFT AND I WAS ONLY WANTING TO BURN DAYS UNTIL I GOT MY 6 YEARS IN!<br />AS I HAD A GOOD RAILROAD JOB BY THEN <br />THE PAY MISSED BY NOT HAVING HIGHER RANK AND PAY WAS IRRELEVANT TO ME!<br />NO ONE SEEMED TO NOTICE MY LACK OF A PFC STRIPE UNTIL I WENT TO E-4 SPECIALIST <br />AND MY PLATOON SGT WAS PERPLEXED <br />BY MY GETTING E-4!!<br />I TOLD HIM I HAD BEEN E-3 FOR A YEAR AND DIDNT SEW THE STRIPE ON CAUSE ME AND MY WIFE SPLIT UP, AND I DIDNT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT WHAT MY RANK WAS ANYWAY!<br />HE THEN SAID HE WAS GOING TO LOOK INTO IT, BUT NOTHING WAS SAID!<br />AT THIS TIME I FOUND OUT HOW TO GET EXCUSED FROM MEETINGS AND TOOK THIS ROUTE!<br />UNDER THIS I STILL HAD TO GO TO 2 WEEK SUMMER CAMP PLUS THE LAST 2 WEEKEND<br />MEETINGS BEFORE SUMMER CAMP!<br />BY THIS TIME I HAD A NEW PLATOON SGT <br />AND HE WAS UNAWARE THAT I WAS A E-4<br />IN STEALTH MODE , LOL!<br />IN SPRING 1967 WE HAD AN APT TEST WHICH I MUFFED BECAUSE I DIDNT GIVE A DAMN FOR PROMOTION OR COMMAND!<br />THIS SET UP A SERIES OF EVENTS THAT <br />WON ME A MEDICAL DISCHARGE BEFORE <br />OUR UNIT WAS ACTIVATED FOR NAM <br />16 MAY 1968!<br />YEARS LATER I FOUND I WAS BUSTED BACK TO E-2 BUT WAS UNAWARE OF THIS!<br />WHEN I GOT MY FINAL PAPERWORK <br />FROM MY DISCHARGE, I WAS LISTED AS E-4<br />AGAIN WITH A GOOD CONDUCT ON MY DISCHARGE! AGAIN, NO ONE TOLD ME ANYTHING!!Response by PV2 Ross Bryan made Mar 15 at 2020 8:21 PM2020-03-15T20:21:27-04:002020-03-15T20:21:27-04:00MSgt Sidney Lichter5666327<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>10 years in grade as an E-5 (Air Force Staff Sergeant).Response by MSgt Sidney Lichter made Mar 16 at 2020 6:23 AM2020-03-16T06:23:24-04:002020-03-16T06:23:24-04:00MSgt Gordon Nielsen5755023<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSgt.Response by MSgt Gordon Nielsen made Apr 8 at 2020 10:00 PM2020-04-08T22:00:17-04:002020-04-08T22:00:17-04:00SFC David Hackett5759258<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I pinned on E5 in the Air Force in August of 1989. ETS'd in downsizing in Dec of 1992 only to go into Army Reserve at same paygrade until an E6 slot opened up in March 2003 so E5 for basically 14 years.Response by SFC David Hackett made Apr 9 at 2020 10:43 PM2020-04-09T22:43:10-04:002020-04-09T22:43:10-04:00COL Kathleen Roehr5762683<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain, about 7 years after Vietnam ended and then Colonel over 7.Response by COL Kathleen Roehr made Apr 10 at 2020 11:20 PM2020-04-10T23:20:17-04:002020-04-10T23:20:17-04:00SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt5767974<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sp5, than they needed an Sp6 at Hunter Army Air Field to deal with the Viet Nam chopper pilots and that was me for a few monthsResponse by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Apr 12 at 2020 12:42 PM2020-04-12T12:42:13-04:002020-04-12T12:42:13-04:00SFC Jeremy Boyd5827928<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My longest held rank was SSG. Held that one for seven years and two months. SFC would be second place, at five years and four months. Well technically, since I retired as a SFC and therefore hold that rank for the rest of my life, I'm sure it won't be long before it overtakes all the others combined, lmao!Response by SFC Jeremy Boyd made Apr 28 at 2020 10:54 PM2020-04-28T22:54:04-04:002020-04-28T22:54:04-04:001SG David Spalding6285960<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E6 then E5, but held them both twice (6 & 4 years cumulative)Response by 1SG David Spalding made Sep 6 at 2020 7:06 PM2020-09-06T19:06:13-04:002020-09-06T19:06:13-04:00SGT Mike Soter6288112<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>After RA, I went national guard and was promoted fairly quickly to E-5. I held onto that rank for 13 years. Decided to get out completely due to my civilian job sending me to Taiwan for a couple years and of course the fact that there was too much nepotism and “good oil’ boys in my unit. Final straw was when a non MOS trained individual not only got an electronics inspector job, but the full time equivalent as well. And to boot, he got promoted to E-6. Without previously attending BNCOC. <br /><br />Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved my 35E job. It was the only thing that kept me there so long . But enough was enoughResponse by SGT Mike Soter made Sep 7 at 2020 11:45 AM2020-09-07T11:45:15-04:002020-09-07T11:45:15-04:00SGT Private RallyPoint Member6288802<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PrivateResponse by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2020 3:14 PM2020-09-07T15:14:46-04:002020-09-07T15:14:46-04:00SFC Lonnie Smithey6289468<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PVT E-1 3 Months, PVT E-2 3 Months, PFC 7 MONTHS, SPC 4 Years, SGT 4 Years, SSG 4 Years, SFC 3 Years until Medical Retirement.Response by SFC Lonnie Smithey made Sep 7 at 2020 8:10 PM2020-09-07T20:10:59-04:002020-09-07T20:10:59-04:001SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member6290670<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held SSG for 7 years before pinning 7.Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2020 8:58 AM2020-09-08T08:58:15-04:002020-09-08T08:58:15-04:00SSG Paul Headlee6290773<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've got your CSM beat, lol.Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 8 at 2020 9:47 AM2020-09-08T09:47:49-04:002020-09-08T09:47:49-04:00MSG Chuck Odom7240944<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held SFC for exactly 10 years (to the day).Response by MSG Chuck Odom made Sep 3 at 2021 7:16 AM2021-09-03T07:16:58-04:002021-09-03T07:16:58-04:002019-09-24T14:36:47-04:00