What rank/paygrade did you hold the longest?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 19:43:00 -0400

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.

I am curious to know how long it was for others, and maybe the reason they feel it was.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 10:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 22:03:42 -0400

I was an E-6 for 9 years and 1 month. Losing all my time in grade when I switched services hurt.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 6 at 2014 7:03 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:03:13 -0400

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 TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 6 at 2014 7:25 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:25:12 -0400

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 7:59 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:59:43 -0400

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 CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 6 at 2014 8:03 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 08:03:53 -0400

Until becoming a warrant it was PFC.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 6 at 2014 9:34 AM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:34:03 -0400

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 SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 10:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 10:37:02 -0400

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 1SG Michael Blount made Oct 6 at 2014 1:24 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 13:24:22 -0400

I have held my current rank since 2006, so I guess 1SG takes the prize in my case.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 1:42 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 13:42:24 -0400

Cpl/E-4

I had this rank for 4 yrs 8 mo

I held this rank 78% of my time active service.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 6 at 2014 6:47 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 18:47:04 -0400

Great question 1SG Private RallyPoint Member SFC/E-7. Made it in the secondary and thought I was golden. 7 years later.......

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 6 at 2014 6:48 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 18:48:32 -0400

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 SFC Melker Johansson made Oct 6 at 2014 7:17 PM

SFC Melker Johansson — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:17:19 -0400

Definitely SSG which I held for about six years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 8:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:29:11 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member , I was an E6 SSG for 6 years 3 months 14 days. Double the TIG of any other so far.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Oct 7 at 2014 3:36 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 15:36:27 -0400

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 SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr made Oct 8 at 2014 12:28 PM

SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:28:51 -0400

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 SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 8:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:58:32 -0400

SSG

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Oct 10 at 2014 11:42 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:42:51 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member, I had an E-6 that worked for me in Iraq that boasted he had every pay grade twice!! #UCMJ

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Oct 10 at 2014 11:51 AM

LTC Scott O'Neil — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:51:56 -0400

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 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:13 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:13:09 -0400

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 CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 3:25 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 15:25:14 -0400

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's list. After that, I knocked out NCOES as soon as I was eligible.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 3:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 15:39:09 -0400

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!

I deployed a few years later with a 20-yr Specialist, though...no UCMJ, he just never got promoted.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 5:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 17:49:23 -0400

I've been an Sergeant (E-5) for almost three years now.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Oct 11 at 2014 4:12 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 16:12:41 -0400

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.

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.

The lesson here is to take good care of your records.

I did not take good care of my records.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 13 at 2014 7:10 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 07:10:59 -0400

SFC...1 Oct '02-30 Sept '13, 11 years from pin-on to retirement....
SSG was not too far behind, 1 Dec '93-30 Sept '02, thank you USAREC!!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 8:06 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 08:06:16 -0400

USAF E4 SRA/SGT 6 Years
USN E5 HM2 5 Years

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 9:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 09:35:22 -0400

SSG 1 Aug 09 - 1 FEB 14

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Oct 13 at 2014 11:45 AM

LTJG Robert M. — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 11:45:34 -0400

E-6, held it for 8 years before I received my commission, rate was "Topped Out"

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Oct 13 at 2014 12:03 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:03:51 -0400

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.

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 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Oct 13 at 2014 12:02 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:02:30 -0400

Good post you never really think of it, but here it is:
SSG: 8 years, 6months
SFC: 7: years 9 months
-----Offically retired 1 January 2015 Time in the Army(TIS) 25 years and 3days!

Response by SFC(P) Tobias M. made Oct 13 at 2014 1:07 PM

SFC(P) Tobias M. — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:07:55 -0400

E4 5 years.

Response by CMSgt Robert Gates made Oct 13 at 2014 1:41 PM

CMSgt Robert Gates — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:41:26 -0400

14 years as E-8. In the reserves it was difficult to get into a slot for E-9.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 13 at 2014 2:28 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 14:28:13 -0400

Captain. January 1969-September 1979. Part of that time was Reserve time.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 11:44 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:44:02 -0400

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.

During my time as a CPT I served in the following assignments (in this order):

1. Chief of Plans and Operations
2. Instructor, AMEDD Center & School
3. Battery Commander (mind you, I am an MS officer comnanding a Field Artillery Battery...the Reserves are great!)
4. Battalion S-1
5. SROTC MS III Instructor / BN XO (promoted to MAJ early into this assignment).

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 3:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 15:41:21 -0400

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 SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 2:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:11:01 -0400

As of today, 4yrs as E-4. Just waiting for next month to be E-5 hopefully.

Response by TSgt Heather (Hartin) Nottingham made Oct 15 at 2014 4:57 PM

TSgt Heather (Hartin) Nottingham — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 16:57:35 -0400

E-6(TSgt) for 8 years and 11 months

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 SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 3:32 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 03:32:46 -0400

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 SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 7:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 19:44:00 -0400

Are we talking about cumulative time in a particular grade? Or is each time a new TIG?

Response by SGT Jim Barrows made Oct 17 at 2014 1:58 AM

SGT Jim Barrows — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 01:58:26 -0400

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 Packy Flickinger made Oct 17 at 2014 6:27 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 06:27:34 -0400

E4, almost 3 years.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 7:30 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 19:30:17 -0400

For me it was Sergeant/ E-5!!!!

PFC 19 Months

SPC 13 Months

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!"

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.

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 Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 6:10 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 06:10:53 -0400

Captain, for 8 looooong years thanks to the broken promotion system.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Oct 23 at 2014 12:36 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 12:36:41 -0400

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.

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 SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 2:01 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 14:01:51 -0400

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 CSM James Winslow made Oct 25 at 2014 11:36 AM

CSM James Winslow — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 11:36:07 -0400

SGM/CSM. 17years 7mos. Retired CSM. DOR 20 July 1997.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 9:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 21:01:41 -0400

For me, so far it is Captain (CPT) that I have held the longest.

Response by SFC Dave Joslin made Nov 3 at 2014 12:50 PM

SFC Dave Joslin — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:50:15 -0500

SGT - 4yrs, 4mos
SSG - 4yrs, 6mos

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 1:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 13:57:28 -0500

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 David Pope, MBA made Dec 8 at 2014 12:47 PM

SFC David Pope, MBA — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 12:47:21 -0500

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 PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 8 at 2014 1:52 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:52:36 -0500

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 SrA Andrea West made Dec 8 at 2014 1:55 PM

SrA Andrea West — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:55:26 -0500

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 SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 5:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:59:51 -0500

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 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 2:52 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:52:14 -0500

Tie, Specialist 6 years , SSG 6 years

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Dec 14 at 2014 7:57 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 19:57:18 -0500

10yrs as SFC recruiting AGR
5yrs as SSG recruiting AGR
2yrs as SGT

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 19 at 2014 1:25 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 13:25:27 -0500

E-8 to E9 was 6 years.. Why?

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 SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 4:39 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:39:43 -0500

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't approve transfer either.

Response by CSM Laurence Williams made Dec 21 at 2014 4:26 PM

CSM Laurence Williams — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 16:26:48 -0500

SSG E-6 to SFC E-7, Mar 1969 to June 1976, 7 years, 11B3H to 11B4H (light weapons infantry instructor).

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 11:15 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 11:15:37 -0500

PO2, 5years. Hard advancement for my Rate.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 12:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:50:24 -0500

The answer to your question is MSG/E8 6 years 5 months.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 12:55 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:55:36 -0500

E7. I was there for just over 5 years because I took a shore duty after back to back submarine tours.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Feb 17 at 2015 1:12 PM

SFC Walt Littleton — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 13:12:03 -0500

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 Mark Merino made Feb 17 at 2015 1:26 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 13:26:00 -0500

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'm at 500 ft and the CW3 announces "you have the controls" (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 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 2:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 14:17:32 -0500

E5, 4 years & 6 months. However, I left Active duty and stayed in the IRR for 1 year & 2 months.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Feb 17 at 2015 2:29 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 14:29:29 -0500

HM1 / E-6, Jan 1, 1982- Sept 28, 1990
Reason was the rate was locked out, CG Combined Corpsman and Dental Technician rates into one, calling it Health Services Technician.

Response by SGT Brian Gibbs made Feb 17 at 2015 2:31 PM

SGT Brian Gibbs — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 14:31:21 -0500

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 SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 5:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 17:34:27 -0500

E6, since July 2011

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Feb 17 at 2015 5:40 PM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 17:40:29 -0500

Son/ Brother- 46+ years and counting
Soldier- 26+ years
Husband- 20+ years and counting
Dad- 17+ years and counting

Response by PO1 Chris Crawley made Feb 17 at 2015 5:55 PM

PO1 Chris Crawley — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 17:55:32 -0500

E6
summer of 96 to retirement 1/31/10

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 7:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:35:59 -0500

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.

I think I know my future, but I don't wish to jinx it.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 17 at 2015 10:35 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:35:31 -0500

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 PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Feb 17 at 2015 10:52 PM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:52:24 -0500

I held Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5) for 7 yrs 10 mth.

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 Terri Myre made Feb 18 at 2015 12:47 AM

PO2 Terri Myre — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:47:14 -0500

E5 / PO2 June 2007 until medically retired August 2012.

Response by SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 12:40 PM

SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 12:40:53 -0500

MSG/1SG, 7.5 years

Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Feb 18 at 2015 12:54 PM

1SG Mark Colomb — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 12:54:53 -0500

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.

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 SN Dorance Gray made Feb 18 at 2015 2:30 PM

SN Dorance Gray — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:30:00 -0500

E-5 SGT.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 2:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:35:37 -0500

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 SSG Keven Lahde made Mar 22 at 2015 8:22 AM

SSG Keven Lahde — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 08:22:16 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member 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(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 5:15 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 05:15:44 -0400

As of next month, 3 years as an E-4. Reason is my unit will not send me to WLC.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 6 at 2015 8:19 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 08:19:38 -0400

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.

r,
1SG Blount

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 8:26 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 08:26:16 -0400

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 CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 8:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 08:41:39 -0400

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 Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 8:55 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 08:55:45 -0400

Been a lcpl 3 years and 9 months and still counting.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Apr 6 at 2015 9:27 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 09:27:20 -0400

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.

I think that's probably a unique situation.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 6 at 2015 1:11 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:11:43 -0400

Captain (O-3) 1972-1978

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 11:44 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 23:44:39 -0400

SSgt Oct 1993 - Oct 2001 (8 years to the day.)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 5:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:56:48 -0400

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 TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 8:03 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 20:03:54 -0400

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.
Then if you restate it as E-5 I'm back there for switching branches and schooling.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 6:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 18:09:38 -0400

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 SSG Keven Lahde made Dec 18 at 2015 11:27 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 23:27:24 -0500

1SG Private RallyPoint Member 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 MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 11:32 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 23:32:45 -0500

PFC and PV2 twice. Is that combined time?

Response by SFC Terry Logsdon made Dec 19 at 2015 10:00 AM

SFC Terry Logsdon — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 10:00:28 -0500

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 MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 19 at 2015 10:52 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 10:52:46 -0500

E-7, five years.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 29 at 2017 1:31 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 01:31:09 -0500

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 MSgt George Cater made Jan 30 at 2017 9:28 AM

MSgt George Cater — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:28:19 -0500

Gunnery Sergeant 1981-1990

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 1:06 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 13:06:18 -0400

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'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 CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 5:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 17:28:02 -0400

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 MCPO Roger Collins made May 7 at 2017 5:56 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 07 May 2017 17:56:40 -0400

E-7, four years.