Were there ever any Specialist Nines in the US Army?

Answer 1

The rank of E9 is in fact a Sergeant Major OR a Command Sergeant Major (there are many) The highest enlisted rank is Command Sergeant Major of The Army, and yes there is only one, as far as pay grade goes however he is still an E9, he just has special title and position above every other enlisted soldier, including other Sergeants Major.

However, I believe the original question was in reference to the out of use Specialist (SPC) system. Where a SPC could be promoted to a higher pay grade, but not given the responsibilities or authority of a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Also as a side note: When this system was in use a SPC was considered a technical expert in his field, with the different grades of SPC denoting your level of expertise.

Now to answer the original question. In 1968 the SPC Ranks at E-8 and E-9 (Master SPC by title) were abolished, with no soldier ever having been promoted to either rank. Both only existed on paper.

Added Info if your curious about the pay grade:

The Sergeant Major of the Army and the other five SEAs hold pay grade E-9, as all sergeants major and command sergeants major; however, in accordance with 37 U.S.C. § 1009, Schedule 10, an SEA's base pay is $6,875.10 per month ($82,501.20 per year), regardless of the incumbent's service longevity. For comparison, any other E-9, even with the maximum forty years of service, would receive $6,605.40 per month.[5]

In addition to his base pay and normal tax-free allowances, the SMA and the other SEAs are each entitled to a special tax-free allowance of US$2,000.00 per annum, in accordance with 37 U.S.C. § 414(c).

Hope this helped

SGT S.