Jim,
Im a E-7 SFC or Sergeant First Class. I get looked at this Jan for another promotion to MSG or 1SG, Master Sergeant or First Sergeant which is an E-8. The final rank for my pay bracket is E-9 which is a Sergeats Major and or Command Sergeants Major. So Im two ranks away from being maxed out for rank, but it will likely take me another 6-8 years to max depending on the way the system goes and the way the draw down goes some time in the next 5-10 years goes. I have just a little over 6 years to go till I hit my 20. Wish me luck LOL!!!
Don