IIRC, SFC Martland has 11 years in. That he made E-7 that fast says something about his performance. But with no bar to reenlistment he should be able to get 18 years active duty at which he is a lock for his 20.
Now...one story says ABCMR “changed” comments in his one negative NCOER to get him off the QMP s***list, therefore no reason on file for him to be passed over for E-8.
There’s political residue in this case, that’s for sure.
Trump should issue an EO promoting him to E9, and making him “Sergeant Major of the Army”.