1SG Private RallyPoint Member 265957 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What is the longest for you? For me it is currently the rank of SSG, I held that rank for 5 years and 9 months.<br /><br />I am curious to know how long it was for others, and maybe the reason they feel it was. What rank/paygrade did you hold the longest? 2014-10-05T19:43:00-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 265957 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What is the longest for you? For me it is currently the rank of SSG, I held that rank for 5 years and 9 months.<br /><br />I am curious to know how long it was for others, and maybe the reason they feel it was. What rank/paygrade did you hold the longest? 2014-10-05T19:43:00-04:00 2014-10-05T19:43:00-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 266147 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was an E-6 for 9 years and 1 month. Losing all my time in grade when I switched services hurt. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 10:03 PM 2014-10-05T22:03:42-04:00 2014-10-05T22:03:42-04:00 MSG Wade Huffman 266303 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held Sergeant (E5) longer than any other rank. Six years. I was Promotable for so long that I was starting to think the (P) stood for Permanent! Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 6 at 2014 7:03 AM 2014-10-06T07:03:13-04:00 2014-10-06T07:03:13-04:00 TSgt Joshua Copeland 266329 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E5 and E6 were both 5 years, I will be an E7 for 5 years when I hit 20. Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 6 at 2014 7:25 AM 2014-10-06T07:25:12-04:00 2014-10-06T07:25:12-04:00 TSgt Joshua Copeland 266361 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For us it can't happen. We get selected based on points, then out line numbers are assigned based on TIG. Over the next 12 months groups of line numbers are promoted each month and the last month is "all others". Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 6 at 2014 7:59 AM 2014-10-06T07:59:43-04:00 2014-10-06T07:59:43-04:00 CW5 Sam R. Baker 266365 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Until becoming a warrant it was PFC. Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 6 at 2014 8:03 AM 2014-10-06T08:03:53-04:00 2014-10-06T08:03:53-04:00 SGT Richard H. 266434 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'd have to go back and look at dates to be sure, but For me I think it was LcPl/PFC because of my service change. SGT would be second place, because I didn't have the TIS remaining to get promoted when I was promotable and made the points. Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 6 at 2014 9:34 AM 2014-10-06T09:34:03-04:00 2014-10-06T09:34:03-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 266504 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-4 since 2006. The most glaring reason was the recovery time I experienced after getting hit by a dump truck on a motorcycle, breaking all four of my limbs, followed by an almost two year break in service. But hey, I'm probably the only soldier with a picket fence in their PULHES with titanium in every extremity. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 10:37 AM 2014-10-06T10:37:02-04:00 2014-10-06T10:37:02-04:00 1SG Michael Blount 266746 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have held my current rank since 2006, so I guess 1SG takes the prize in my case. Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Oct 6 at 2014 1:24 PM 2014-10-06T13:24:22-04:00 2014-10-06T13:24:22-04:00 Cpl Private RallyPoint Member 266785 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Cpl/E-4<br /><br />I had this rank for 4 yrs 8 mo<br /><br />I held this rank 78% of my time active service. Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 1:42 PM 2014-10-06T13:42:24-04:00 2014-10-06T13:42:24-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 267156 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great question <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="60131" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/60131-91z-senior-maintenance-supervisor-e-co-3-10-av">1SG Private RallyPoint Member</a> SFC/E-7. Made it in the secondary and thought I was golden. 7 years later....... Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 6 at 2014 6:47 PM 2014-10-06T18:47:04-04:00 2014-10-06T18:47:04-04:00 MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca 267157 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>El Capitan - 10 years. I loved it so much I just couldn't get past it. I was a company commander for almost 4 years and too dumb and lazy to get my ass to school until I was forced to. Which is why I encourage ALCON, not to do what I did. Get your rank advancement schools done in as timely a manner as you can. Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 6 at 2014 6:48 PM 2014-10-06T18:48:32-04:00 2014-10-06T18:48:32-04:00 SFC Melker Johansson 267189 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Definitely SSG which I held for about six years. Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Oct 6 at 2014 7:17 PM 2014-10-06T19:17:19-04:00 2014-10-06T19:17:19-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 267704 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="60131" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/60131-91z-senior-maintenance-supervisor-e-co-3-10-av">1SG Private RallyPoint Member</a> , I was an E6 SSG for 6 years 3 months 14 days. Double the TIG of any other so far. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 8:29 AM 2014-10-07T08:29:11-04:00 2014-10-07T08:29:11-04:00 1SG Frank Boynton 268190 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Mine was SSG also. I was promoted very quickly up from E-1 through E-6, but then had to wait for my Time in Grade, Time in Service before my records could go to centralized promotions. Although my records were viewed in the secondary zone, it took a few years just to qualify for that. I was selected the first time my records appeared in the primary for E-7 and the same for E-8 and I was selected in the secondary zone for E-9 but I retired before pinning it on. Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Oct 7 at 2014 3:36 PM 2014-10-07T15:36:27-04:00 2014-10-07T15:36:27-04:00 SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr 269289 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the USAF when I was in we had 2 E-4s. We had E-4 Sra and E-4 Sgt. I think I was a Sra for at least 32 months. I then completed my NCO class and became Sgt. Now on this sight I am demoted to Sra again. I guess Sra is my longest rank. Response by SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr made Oct 8 at 2014 12:28 PM 2014-10-08T12:28:51-04:00 2014-10-08T12:28:51-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 271948 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 8:58 AM 2014-10-10T08:58:32-04:00 2014-10-10T08:58:32-04:00 LTC Jason Strickland 272143 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="60131" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/60131-91z-senior-maintenance-supervisor-e-co-3-10-av">1SG Private RallyPoint Member</a>, I had an E-6 that worked for me in Iraq that boasted he had every pay grade twice!! #UCMJ Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Oct 10 at 2014 11:42 AM 2014-10-10T11:42:51-04:00 2014-10-10T11:42:51-04:00 LTC Scott O'Neil 272159 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain - It was also the best rank to hold, here I commanded a M1A1 Tank Company Team with an attached ADA Stinger Platoon, Engineer platoon (AVLB, CEV, a dozer), Bradley Platoon, and my FIST. I lead the finest soldiers/tankers in the United States Army. Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Oct 10 at 2014 11:51 AM 2014-10-10T11:51:56-04:00 2014-10-10T11:51:56-04:00 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 272289 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thus far in my military year I held SPC the longest. 5 yrs 1 month to the day. I know my set back was due to 2 pregnancy 10 months apart, but afterwards I got on the ball and busted my behind to earn and prove I was more than ready to become an NCO Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:13 PM 2014-10-10T13:13:09-04:00 2014-10-10T13:13:09-04:00 CSM Private RallyPoint Member 272541 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Same for me. I was a SSG for almost seven years. The reason? I blew off going to BNCOC. I was a USAR Drill Sergeant pulling any ADOS tour that I could. Loved being on the trail at the time. (I was much younger and in much better shape) Finally, a SFC took me under his wing and made me attend BNCOC. Mentored me to be successful and graduate on the Commandant&#39;s list. After that, I knocked out NCOES as soon as I was eligible. Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 3:25 PM 2014-10-10T15:25:14-04:00 2014-10-10T15:25:14-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 272574 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a Specialist from 1995 to 2002. So, seven years. I was a medic in the PAARNG, assigned to a cav troop with two medic slots: a specialist and a sergeant. Since the sergeant wasn't going anywhere, I wasn't getting promoted. That actually contributed to my decision to get commissioned - it was easier to make 2LT in that situation than SGT!<br /><br />I deployed a few years later with a 20-yr Specialist, though...no UCMJ, he just never got promoted. Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 3:39 PM 2014-10-10T15:39:09-04:00 2014-10-10T15:39:09-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 272776 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've been an Sergeant (E-5) for almost three years now. Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 5:49 PM 2014-10-10T17:49:23-04:00 2014-10-10T17:49:23-04:00 SSG Mike Angelo 273908 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me, the longest time in grade was at the rank of SSG/E-6...14 years TIG; DOR April 1982 to Dec 1996 then I retired from the military with 20 years TIS.<br /><br />I was prior service 76-80, got out as a SGT/E-5, then came back in a few months later. Got my E-5 back and made E-6 that April and served as an E-6 until I retired. <br /><br />The lesson here is to take good care of your records.<br /> <br />I did not take good care of my records. Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Oct 11 at 2014 4:12 PM 2014-10-11T16:12:41-04:00 2014-10-11T16:12:41-04:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 275843 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SFC...1 Oct '02-30 Sept '13, 11 years from pin-on to retirement....<br />SSG was not too far behind, 1 Dec '93-30 Sept '02, thank you USAREC!! Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 13 at 2014 7:10 AM 2014-10-13T07:10:59-04:00 2014-10-13T07:10:59-04:00 SCPO Private RallyPoint Member 275875 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>USAF E4 SRA/SGT 6 Years<br />USN E5 HM2 5 Years Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 8:06 AM 2014-10-13T08:06:16-04:00 2014-10-13T08:06:16-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 275974 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG 1 Aug 09 - 1 FEB 14 Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 9:35 AM 2014-10-13T09:35:22-04:00 2014-10-13T09:35:22-04:00 LTJG Robert M. 276119 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-6, held it for 8 years before I received my commission, rate was "Topped Out" Response by LTJG Robert M. made Oct 13 at 2014 11:45 AM 2014-10-13T11:45:34-04:00 2014-10-13T11:45:34-04:00 SSG Ed Mikus 276151 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a SGT for just over 9 years because i didn't know when to shut op and drive on. I never did enough to get into trouble, but i sure pushed that line hard for a long time. <br /><br />most of my problem was i felt the need to courteously point out the flaws and wrong doings of every superior i encountered. Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Oct 13 at 2014 12:03 PM 2014-10-13T12:03:51-04:00 2014-10-13T12:03:51-04:00 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL 276152 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Good post you never really think of it, but here it is:<br />SSG: 8 years, 6months<br />SFC: 7: years 9 months<br />-----Offically retired 1 January 2015 Time in the Army(TIS) 25 years and 3days! Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Oct 13 at 2014 12:02 PM 2014-10-13T12:02:30-04:00 2014-10-13T12:02:30-04:00 SFC(P) Tobias M. 276261 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E4 5 years. Response by SFC(P) Tobias M. made Oct 13 at 2014 1:07 PM 2014-10-13T13:07:55-04:00 2014-10-13T13:07:55-04:00 CMSgt Robert Gates 276290 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>14 years as E-8. In the reserves it was difficult to get into a slot for E-9. Response by CMSgt Robert Gates made Oct 13 at 2014 1:41 PM 2014-10-13T13:41:26-04:00 2014-10-13T13:41:26-04:00 MAJ Jim Woods 276365 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain. January 1969-September 1979. Part of that time was Reserve time. Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 13 at 2014 2:28 PM 2014-10-13T14:28:13-04:00 2014-10-13T14:28:13-04:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 276999 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain...however, that is ok because the rank of CPT is arguably the best rank in the U.S. Army. You have enough time to do hold some really interesting billets.<br /><br />During my time as a CPT I served in the following assignments (in this order):<br /><br />1. Chief of Plans and Operations<br />2. Instructor, AMEDD Center &amp; School<br />3. Battery Commander (mind you, I am an MS officer comnanding a Field Artillery Battery...the Reserves are great!)<br />4. Battalion S-1<br />5. SROTC MS III Instructor / BN XO (promoted to MAJ early into this assignment). Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 11:44 PM 2014-10-13T23:44:02-04:00 2014-10-13T23:44:02-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 277669 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well for me is was about evenly spread out. But I would have to say E6, due to my sequence number it was almost 4 years. Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 3:41 PM 2014-10-14T15:41:21-04:00 2014-10-14T15:41:21-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 279077 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As of today, 4yrs as E-4. Just waiting for next month to be E-5 hopefully. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 2:11 PM 2014-10-15T14:11:01-04:00 2014-10-15T14:11:01-04:00 TSgt Heather (Hartin) Nottingham 279352 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-6(TSgt) for 8 years and 11 months<br /><br />I had issues with PT so I could never pin on the E-7 stripe that I made twice. If only I could have done better at PT...But at least I am retiring in 16 days. :) Response by TSgt Heather (Hartin) Nottingham made Oct 15 at 2014 4:57 PM 2014-10-15T16:57:35-04:00 2014-10-15T16:57:35-04:00 SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 279978 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me it was PFC at 2 years, so about half of my time in the Army, haha. But I have a feeling that I will be spending longer as a SGT then I did as a PFC with the way that the Army is going. Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 3:32 AM 2014-10-16T03:32:46-04:00 2014-10-16T03:32:46-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 280994 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Are we talking about cumulative time in a particular grade? Or is each time a new TIG? Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 7:44 PM 2014-10-16T19:44:00-04:00 2014-10-16T19:44:00-04:00 SGT Jim Barrows 281406 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sp4 I held it for ever I lost my son so they reassigned me on a compassionate and then let me rotten it was after I went reserves that I was promoted Response by SGT Jim Barrows made Oct 17 at 2014 1:58 AM 2014-10-17T01:58:26-04:00 2014-10-17T01:58:26-04:00 Sgt Packy Flickinger 281514 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E4, almost 3 years. Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Oct 17 at 2014 6:27 AM 2014-10-17T06:27:34-04:00 2014-10-17T06:27:34-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 287413 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me it was Sergeant/ E-5!!!!<br /><br />PFC 19 Months<br /><br />SPC 13 Months<br /><br />SGT 46 Months " Could not make points for SSG. I was promotable almost 2 years deployed down range. Also had a very hard time updating points because S-1 flat out sucked!"<br /><br />SSG 39 Months before I found out I made the SFC Promotion list in the secondary zone.. however my number has not yet came up. 0/151 promoted off this years list. <br /><br /><br />I hope I can make 1SG some day, I figure if I can pin on SFC around July 2015 hopefully by then I will just be hitting 12 years in service as a newly promoted SFC. If I can't make E-8 within 8 years I need to retire!! Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 7:30 PM 2014-10-21T19:30:17-04:00 2014-10-21T19:30:17-04:00 Col Private RallyPoint Member 290020 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain, for 8 looooong years thanks to the broken promotion system. Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 6:10 AM 2014-10-23T06:10:53-04:00 2014-10-23T06:10:53-04:00 Maj Chris Nelson 290471 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a nurse in the Air Force, I was passed over 2x and was finally selected when I was 3 over the zone...(almost unheard of in the AF NC). Promoved to Captain in May 2002, pinned Major September 2011....9 years 4 months.<br /><br />In the Army, I was promoted to E-5 in 1992 or 93, and gained my commission in 1998 without ever being E-5(P)... so 5-6 years at that point. Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Oct 23 at 2014 12:36 PM 2014-10-23T12:36:41-04:00 2014-10-23T12:36:41-04:00 SCPO Private RallyPoint Member 290642 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Calculating by rate/rank, it was Petty Officer First Class (E6) - from December 2000 to September 2008. Second longest was Chief (E7) from September 2008 to April 2014. On the other hand, by paygrade it was February 2001 to November 2008 and then November 2008 to July 2014 (the Navy "frocks" Enlisted personnel often well ahead of their actual advancement). Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 2:01 PM 2014-10-23T14:01:51-04:00 2014-10-23T14:01:51-04:00 CSM James Winslow 293478 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SGM/CSM. 17years 7mos. Retired CSM. DOR 20 July 1997. Response by CSM James Winslow made Oct 25 at 2014 11:36 AM 2014-10-25T11:36:07-04:00 2014-10-25T11:36:07-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 295399 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me, so far it is Captain (CPT) that I have held the longest. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 9:01 PM 2014-10-26T21:01:41-04:00 2014-10-26T21:01:41-04:00 SFC Dave Joslin 308474 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SGT - 4yrs, 4mos<br />SSG - 4yrs, 6mos Response by SFC Dave Joslin made Nov 3 at 2014 12:50 PM 2014-11-03T12:50:15-05:00 2014-11-03T12:50:15-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 313938 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SGT getting the points required as a 92F was crazy and I refused to break on my morals and values by taking the good old boy hook up! Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 1:57 PM 2014-11-06T13:57:28-05:00 2014-11-06T13:57:28-05:00 SFC David Pope, MBA 360752 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I tied with SPC and SFC at 4 years. However I had orders to 1st Sgt a week after being put on medical hold, but because of the hold I was not able to be promoted. I was shown a copy of my orders by the general at my retirement cerimoney. If I had not had the medical, I would have made E-8 in 3 years. Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made Dec 8 at 2014 12:47 PM 2014-12-08T12:47:21-05:00 2014-12-08T12:47:21-05:00 PO2 Corey Ferretti 360862 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>BU2: held it for i think 6 years should of picked up first sooner but between lack of advancement and me being stupid i did not get to pick up first before leaving the Navy. I loved being a Second Class though it was a fulfilling time. Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 8 at 2014 1:52 PM 2014-12-08T13:52:36-05:00 2014-12-08T13:52:36-05:00 SrA Andrea West 360866 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Held the (now defunct) rank of E4 Sgt for about three years. Tested for Staff twice, but no go. My AFSC was a tough one to get promoted in to begin with, and I probably didn't help matters along the way. Live and learn, sometimes the hard way... Response by SrA Andrea West made Dec 8 at 2014 1:55 PM 2014-12-08T13:55:26-05:00 2014-12-08T13:55:26-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 361158 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG for 5 years. I was on the secondary zone for 2 years due to the Army's TIG requirement changing from 2 years TIG as a SSG to 3 years TIG. I was also in USAREC for my first 2 promotion boards. The individual responsible for personnel records updates for the Battalion was a civian and was horrible at her job. I was unable to get my ERB to reflect my unit assignments and match my NCOERs. Also, my OMPF did not reflect all of the college that I had completed. Since then I believe that I am know back on track. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 5:59 PM 2014-12-08T17:59:51-05:00 2014-12-08T17:59:51-05:00 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member 367559 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Tie, Specialist 6 years , SSG 6 years Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 2:52 PM 2014-12-12T14:52:14-05:00 2014-12-12T14:52:14-05:00 SFC A.M. Drake 370093 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>10yrs as SFC recruiting AGR<br />5yrs as SSG recruiting AGR<br />2yrs as SGT Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Dec 14 at 2014 7:57 PM 2014-12-14T19:57:18-05:00 2014-12-14T19:57:18-05:00 SGM Erik Marquez 377635 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-8 to E9 was 6 years.. Why?<br /><br />No matter what it reads like sour grapes ..so I wont bother.. Lets just say duty station at a time peers were deployed and able to distinguish themselves.. above those stuck in a congressional mandated assignment that was important, but viewed as less worth than those being deployed AND proving themselves. I take nothing away from those promoted before me, it was to a 99 percentile earned. Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 19 at 2014 1:25 PM 2014-12-19T13:25:27-05:00 2014-12-19T13:25:27-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 377853 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Spc. Was 4 years due to permanent profile and my unit refusing promotion. So I elected for Honorable Discharge due to medical reasons and left. They wouldn&#39;t approve transfer either. Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 4:39 PM 2014-12-19T16:39:43-05:00 2014-12-19T16:39:43-05:00 CSM Laurence Williams 380462 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG E-6 to SFC E-7, Mar 1969 to June 1976, 7 years, 11B3H to 11B4H (light weapons infantry instructor). Response by CSM Laurence Williams made Dec 21 at 2014 4:26 PM 2014-12-21T16:26:48-05:00 2014-12-21T16:26:48-05:00 CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member 473890 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PO2, 5years. Hard advancement for my Rate. Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 11:15 AM 2015-02-13T11:15:37-05:00 2015-02-13T11:15:37-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 481329 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The answer to your question is MSG/E8 6 years 5 months. Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 12:50 PM 2015-02-17T12:50:24-05:00 2015-02-17T12:50:24-05:00 LCDR Private RallyPoint Member 481342 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E7. I was there for just over 5 years because I took a shore duty after back to back submarine tours. Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 12:55 PM 2015-02-17T12:55:36-05:00 2015-02-17T12:55:36-05:00 SFC Walt Littleton 481370 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Mine was Spc5. I was very motivated and was promoted very quickly to Spc5 back in the 70's. I was in the signal corps and was an E-5 for about 6 years I think. I was Soldier of the Month, NCO of the Month, NCO of the Quarter maxed out education, awards and PT scores were good, still nothing for my MOS. I was in the 101st AB and was told I had to wear sergeant stripes because they didn't have Spc5 there. So there I was a sergeant with 11 years service and about 6 years in grade. I was the Platoon Sergeant for headquarters platoon because I had more time in service and grade than all the SSG's in the unit. Finally made SSG and was picked up as an SFC MY 2nd year. Missed E8 at my 20th year and decided it was time to retire. In signal during those days the stovepiped MOS's at the E7 grade therefore fewer slots for promotions. Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Feb 17 at 2015 1:12 PM 2015-02-17T13:12:03-05:00 2015-02-17T13:12:03-05:00 SFC Mark Merino 481394 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-7. I took that one to the grave. I spent a good many years as an E-5 as well. I was a reclass from infantry to aviation and until I felt more like a SME I refused to go to the board. I&#39;m at 500 ft and the CW3 announces &quot;you have the controls&quot; (assuming I was at least experienced as a crewchief). That decision, made so he could light a cigarette (old school!), really solidified my decision! Vietnam Scout Pilot RESPECT!!!! Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 17 at 2015 1:26 PM 2015-02-17T13:26:00-05:00 2015-02-17T13:26:00-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 481498 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E5, 4 years &amp; 6 months. However, I left Active duty and stayed in the IRR for 1 year &amp; 2 months. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 2:17 PM 2015-02-17T14:17:32-05:00 2015-02-17T14:17:32-05:00 LTJG Robert M. 481534 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>HM1 / E-6, Jan 1, 1982- Sept 28, 1990<br />Reason was the rate was locked out, CG Combined Corpsman and Dental Technician rates into one, calling it Health Services Technician. Response by LTJG Robert M. made Feb 17 at 2015 2:29 PM 2015-02-17T14:29:29-05:00 2015-02-17T14:29:29-05:00 SGT Brian Gibbs 481541 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held CPL. For 6 years. I was promotable and was nearly maxed out on anything I could submit. I was lacking awards and that was due to my NCOs not recommending me for doing my job Response by SGT Brian Gibbs made Feb 17 at 2015 2:31 PM 2015-02-17T14:31:21-05:00 2015-02-17T14:31:21-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 481838 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E6, since July 2011 Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 5:34 PM 2015-02-17T17:34:27-05:00 2015-02-17T17:34:27-05:00 LTC Paul Heinlein 481849 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Son/ Brother- 46+ years and counting<br />Soldier- 26+ years<br />Husband- 20+ years and counting<br />Dad- 17+ years and counting Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Feb 17 at 2015 5:40 PM 2015-02-17T17:40:29-05:00 2015-02-17T17:40:29-05:00 PO1 Chris Crawley 481870 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E6<br />summer of 96 to retirement 1/31/10 Response by PO1 Chris Crawley made Feb 17 at 2015 5:55 PM 2015-02-17T17:55:32-05:00 2015-02-17T17:55:32-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 482052 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I enlisted after completing my college degree in 1994. I received my first promotion, to SGT in 2003, almost exactly 9 years (in the Guard there has to be a slot for your MOS and next grade for you to be promoted into). 5 years, 1 month later, promoted to SSG. SFC 4 years 2 months later, but I was PPG'd to SFC for 14 months in there.<br /><br />I think I know my future, but I don't wish to jinx it. Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 7:35 PM 2015-02-17T19:35:59-05:00 2015-02-17T19:35:59-05:00 SGM Mikel Dawson 482372 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I like you SFC (P) Richard Gilley, got stuck in the SSG slot, 1988 - 1995. Don't know why, but that's the way the ball bounced for me. Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 17 at 2015 10:35 PM 2015-02-17T22:35:31-05:00 2015-02-17T22:35:31-05:00 PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) 482422 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I held Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5) for 7 yrs 10 mth. <br /><br />Why that long? Because the Navy is stupid that rely on testing only! Given the chance to board I more than likely put 1st class on after 4 or 5 yrs. Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Feb 17 at 2015 10:52 PM 2015-02-17T22:52:24-05:00 2015-02-17T22:52:24-05:00 PO2 Terri Myre 482610 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E5 / PO2 June 2007 until medically retired August 2012. Response by PO2 Terri Myre made Feb 18 at 2015 12:47 AM 2015-02-18T00:47:14-05:00 2015-02-18T00:47:14-05:00 SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member 483370 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>MSG/1SG, 7.5 years Response by SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 12:40 PM 2015-02-18T12:40:53-05:00 2015-02-18T12:40:53-05:00 1SG Mark Colomb 483399 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My longest was as an E-8 (Frocked to 1SG Oct 96 to March 99, MSG Apr 99 - Sep 04). Due to family issues I had declined consideration to SGM.<br /><br />As for SSG I was an SSG from Sep 86 to Feb 92 which was considered normal at the time. I was a first time Select to SFC and MSG. Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Feb 18 at 2015 12:54 PM 2015-02-18T12:54:53-05:00 2015-02-18T12:54:53-05:00 SN Dorance Gray 483581 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-5 SGT. Response by SN Dorance Gray made Feb 18 at 2015 2:30 PM 2015-02-18T14:30:00-05:00 2015-02-18T14:30:00-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 483594 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Specialist. Had that rank for a total time of 11 yrs and change. I used to joke that I should just put two stars on either side of that E-4 eagle and call it Specialist Major of the Army. Think they would have given me an office at the Pentagon? Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 2:35 PM 2015-02-18T14:35:37-05:00 2015-02-18T14:35:37-05:00 SSG Keven Lahde 544919 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="60131" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/60131-91z-senior-maintenance-supervisor-e-co-3-10-av">1SG Private RallyPoint Member</a> SFC good post. I have to say my current which is E4 unfortunately. Since December for 1999. But if we go by Army time, December 15, 2005 when I came over from the Navy. So I hope I don't retire as an E4. I would love to an NCO and its something I am still fighting for!! Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Mar 22 at 2015 8:22 AM 2015-03-22T08:22:16-04:00 2015-03-22T08:22:16-04:00 SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 548109 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As of next month, 3 years as an E-4. Reason is my unit will not send me to WLC. Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 5:15 AM 2015-03-24T05:15:44-04:00 2015-03-24T05:15:44-04:00 1SG Michael Blount 574220 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Looking at these posts, some people have been at the same rank for wayyyy too long. If you're happy with what you're doing - fine. If you want to accelerate that career, consider the Drill Sergeant route. Yes, USAR has Drill Sergeants - LOTS of them. If you'd like to discuss this further - especially if you live in the MD/DC/NoVA area - hit me up RIGHT HERE.<br /><br />r,<br />1SG Blount Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 6 at 2015 8:19 AM 2015-04-06T08:19:38-04:00 2015-04-06T08:19:38-04:00 CW3 Private RallyPoint Member 574230 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Got promoted to SSG while on active duty in 1996. Appointed WO1 in the USAR 25 July 2008. 12 years as a SSG. I think that's some kind of record. Left active duty for the Reserve in summer 2001 Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 8:26 AM 2015-04-06T08:26:16-04:00 2015-04-06T08:26:16-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 574247 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great post. I held the rank of SPC/E-4 for three years because I transitioned into a new MOS then I held SSG/E-6 for almost three years before transitioning to the Officer Corps. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 8:41 AM 2015-04-06T08:41:39-04:00 2015-04-06T08:41:39-04:00 Cpl Private RallyPoint Member 574271 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Been a lcpl 3 years and 9 months and still counting. Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 8:55 AM 2015-04-06T08:55:45-04:00 2015-04-06T08:55:45-04:00 SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA 574325 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So far, I've been a SPC for about 18 months. I wore PFC for less than a month, and that's not on my ERB. I never wore PV2, and I was a PVT for about 4 1/2 months.<br /><br />I think that's probably a unique situation. Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Apr 6 at 2015 9:27 AM 2015-04-06T09:27:20-04:00 2015-04-06T09:27:20-04:00 Lt Col Jim Coe 574770 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Captain (O-3) 1972-1978 Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 6 at 2015 1:11 PM 2015-04-06T13:11:43-04:00 2015-04-06T13:11:43-04:00 TSgt Private RallyPoint Member 578288 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSgt Oct 1993 - Oct 2001 (8 years to the day.) Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 11:44 PM 2015-04-07T23:44:39-04:00 2015-04-07T23:44:39-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 689295 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've currently held E-5 since Feb 2006. Have been #1 or #2 on the list for the last 6 years. I just haven't been in the right place at the right time. Army National Guard. Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 5:56 PM 2015-05-22T17:56:48-04:00 2015-05-22T17:56:48-04:00 TSgt Private RallyPoint Member 903426 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PO2: I got out for 4 years just as I would have been coming up on 3, so my time restarted due to the break in service.<br />Then if you restate it as E-5 I'm back there for switching branches and schooling. Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 8:03 PM 2015-08-19T20:03:54-04:00 2015-08-19T20:03:54-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 1049213 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My longest at a rank was SSG at 5 years 1 month and then the list came out so currently just waiting on sequence number. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 6:09 PM 2015-10-18T18:09:38-04:00 2015-10-18T18:09:38-04:00 SSG Keven Lahde 1186269 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="60131" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/60131-91z-senior-maintenance-supervisor-e-co-3-10-av">1SG Private RallyPoint Member</a> TOP my current rank is. Have been since 2005, since that is when I transferred from the Navy to Army. I hope that changes here soon. Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Dec 18 at 2015 11:27 PM 2015-12-18T23:27:24-05:00 2015-12-18T23:27:24-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 1186275 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PFC and PV2 twice. Is that combined time? Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 11:32 PM 2015-12-18T23:32:45-05:00 2015-12-18T23:32:45-05:00 SFC Terry Logsdon 1186651 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>promoted to SFC E-7 aug 1983. then I got hit with the big three.730 am arrived in office my retirement orders were sitting on my desk. got cup of coffee sat down and my phone rings,it assignment branch and they inform me I would be pcsing to korea. after good laff and refusual phone ring again and our group csm want to chat in office. upon arriving at his office was informed I was selected for MSG on new listi choose keeping the retirement option and retired 3 months later. Response by SFC Terry Logsdon made Dec 19 at 2015 10:00 AM 2015-12-19T10:00:28-05:00 2015-12-19T10:00:28-05:00 MCPO Roger Collins 1186717 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-7, five years. Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 19 at 2015 10:52 AM 2015-12-19T10:52:46-05:00 2015-12-19T10:52:46-05:00 SMSgt Lawrence McCarter 2292646 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I guess that would be SSgt, I left the active USAF after 8 years and had made SSgt in Four. I would have made My fifth stripe at the 8 year mark but though I knew more than I actually did. After an 8 year break in service came back in as a SSgt but lost the time in grade as it was such a long time. After gaining the time in grade was promoted to TSgt, MSgt and then SMSgt a grade I also held a long time until I retired with 22 years in Air Force Blue. Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 29 at 2017 1:31 AM 2017-01-29T01:31:09-05:00 2017-01-29T01:31:09-05:00 MSgt George Cater 2295646 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Gunnery Sergeant 1981-1990 Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 30 at 2017 9:28 AM 2017-01-30T09:28:19-05:00 2017-01-30T09:28:19-05:00 MSgt Private RallyPoint Member 2540665 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Currently for me, it is E-7 (MSgt.). I have had it for 26 years this coming July. I retire in Jan. 2018. Doubtful I&#39;ll be promoted. I do my job, but not at the expense of my fellow enlisted. So that is why I have had it so long, I want to keep my integrity. Have seen others kiss butt and screw over their fellow airman to get promoted. Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 1:06 PM 2017-05-02T13:06:18-04:00 2017-05-02T13:06:18-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 2552898 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Technically it was SSG cause I held it from Jul 2011 to May 2014 which includes my 2-years of ROTC. The other being SPC from Aug 06 - Jul 09. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 5:28 PM 2017-05-07T17:28:02-04:00 2017-05-07T17:28:02-04:00 MCPO Roger Collins 2552948 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E-7, four years. Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 7 at 2017 5:56 PM 2017-05-07T17:56:40-04:00 2017-05-07T17:56:40-04:00 2014-10-05T19:43:00-04:00