You have it one too low - he reached CSM but retired as an SGM because of coursework.
There is actually one rank higher, E-9, which is the singular final boss of all the NCOs, which I guess is a significant asterisk I should put to that “highest rank.” He reached the highest rank there is more than one of allowed to exist at a time.
Ah good catch, I wondered why I googled CSM. Went back to the article and misread his highest rank. Regardless, I think it’s honorable he retired as lower rank.
You missed the part where he reached SGM but retired as MSG because he didn’t complete a course. I don’t think many people would drop rank.
Also, I think CSM is technically higher rank?
You have it one too low - he reached CSM but retired as an SGM because of coursework.
There is actually one rank higher, E-9, which is the singular final boss of all the NCOs, which I guess is a significant asterisk I should put to that “highest rank.” He reached the highest rank there is more than one of allowed to exist at a time.
I’m asphyxiating.
Ah good catch, I wondered why I googled CSM. Went back to the article and misread his highest rank. Regardless, I think it’s honorable he retired as lower rank.
FWIW, Vance was a CPL