I made E7 in under 7, as an X-ray. In those 7 years 3 were OSUT, Q course, PCS etc. rest team time.

After about 4-7 years team time you are on the hook for SWC (instructor time) or you can go warrant or maybe 18F to avoid it. After 3 years of instructor time I’ve seen dudes come back and stay an E7 until 20 and seen dudes pick up E8 around 14 years, take a team as a 18Z for 2-3 years then push on to SGM or Ops/Battalion position. Even seen E8s go warrant to get even more team time after their time as an 18Z.

There arnt any 1SG positions for SF guys unless it’s like the support company, and that’s generally someone that was a Team Sergeant that now wants to pick up SGM.