At what age could a 21 year old E-5 make E-8 theoretically?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 19:12:16 -0400

If a high speed soldier were to hit every promotion once the minimum time in service happened and they joined at 17. What age could the hit E8/E9?

Response by SPC Matt Titus made Jun 13 at 2020 7:19 PM

SPC Matt Titus — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 19:19:19 -0400

Depends on your promotion points or waiver to be promoted early. Also, time in grade.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 8:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 20:32:01 -0400

Minimum TIS for E8 is 8 years. You can extrapolate from that. I have known SGM who was 36 years old.

A talented eagle scout can come in at 18 as a PFC, quickly make CPL, then it's off to the races and depends on MOS in/out calls at each level and points. Combat Arms generally rise quicker then say a Generator Mechanic

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 11:39 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 23:39:45 -0400

Hard to tell because NCO schools can be the bottle neck. I had just met the TIG for E7 when I submitted to the board but after being approved for E7 I had to wait a year and half for a confirmed reservation for SLC.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 11:57 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 23:57:01 -0400

I made SSG at 4 years and a month. I was boarded for SFC two years later. Although I was passed over but then accepted through the WOFT program. If I would’ve made that I would’ve made the whole 7 in 7 which was always a goal for guys in the infantry.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jun 14 at 2020 12:03 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 00:03:57 -0400

One of our DSes said he saw a guy get E9 in 9 years with battlefield promotions.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 14 at 2020 1:24 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 13:24:29 -0400

Depends on MOS... Some MOS's promote much faster than others. Combat Arms make SGM with as much difficulty and time as it takes a mechanic to make SFC, for example.. Population size and retention are two of the largest variables. If you're in a huge MOS where most people quit after their first enlistment, than promotion is basically automatic.