Posted on Oct 5, 2014
1SG Company First Sergeant
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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.
Posted in these groups: Rank RankStar Promotions
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Responses: 95
SFC Mark Merino
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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!!!!
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CSM Michael Lynch
CSM Michael Lynch
11 y
E-5 I went form Artillery to Aviation longest 6 year wait to see E-6. Was a long road to make up but GOT ER DONE.
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MSG Recruit
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The answer to your question is MSG/E8 6 years 5 months.
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CSM Laurence Williams
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SSG E-6 to SFC E-7, Mar 1969 to June 1976, 7 years, 11B3H to 11B4H (light weapons infantry instructor).
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CMSgt Blaine Means
CMSgt Blaine Means
11 y
E-5 to E-5 7 years
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SGM Erik Marquez
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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.
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CSM Michael Lynch
CSM Michael Lynch
11 y
SGT for 6 61/2 years after changing from Artillery 13 E FDC to Avionics Special Equipment Repair 35R and received a QMP notice too while on Recruiting Command during the time as well.
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CW2 Information Systems Technician
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Tie, Specialist 6 years , SSG 6 years
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SFC Inprocessing
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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.
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SFC Inprocessing
SFC (Join to see)
11 y
Now*
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SrA Andrea West
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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...
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PO2 Corey Ferretti
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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.
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CSM James Winslow
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SGM/CSM. 17years 7mos. Retired CSM. DOR 20 July 1997.
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SCPO Intelligence Specialist
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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).
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