He could have retired at the 20 year point. Why did he choose to go beyond that? From what I’ve just read it seems like he wanted super duper master Sargent but when danger reared its ugly head he bravely, bravely , bravely fled!
He re-upped for 6 years. After four years his unit was being shipped out to Iraq, so he quit and was demoted.
He did not retire with the rank he claims.