[ErnBatavia]

This is off topic, but when I was a "two year man" in the USMC, 1966-68, there were some serious shortages in some MOS's....one of my pals, also a two year man, was a logistics guy, and he actually got promoted to Staff Sergeant E-6 about 18 months into his stint.

He hated it, because he had to move into Staff NCO quarters and bunk with all the Lifers.

[GrandEagle]

Staff Sergeant E-6 about 18 months
WOW! Let's see... In the AF, Basic as E1, about a year E2, E3 in about another year. E4 will take another 18 months. E5 at around 4 years in, usually just after reenlistment. E6 in another 24-36 months in. E7 MAYBE around 9 - 10 years in - maybe. Lots of folks retire at 20 years at E7.
This would be someone who really stood out in the crowd!