I was an enlisted man in the 60s. In the Aviation Community there
seemed, to me, to be increasing responsibility with my promotions.
Retention was a big issue in the technical field so rate came fast for
those who scored well on the tests. I made E4 in one year and E5 in
under 2 years. After making E4 I went to a week long school called
POIS (petty officer indoctrination school) that began the training for
decision making and leadership. After being advanced to E5 I was sent
to a petty officer leadership school that I think was also a week
long.

As an E4 I was responsible for some of the E3s in the shop as well as
other collateral duties. As an E5 I was a communications shop
supervisor. When I reported abord ship I was the night supervisor in
the ECM shop. The same held true for others I knew in the AT field.
I can't speak for other ratings but I was fortunate.

Also - In my day the Chief was supreme. There were those who were
idiots and sluggards BUT for the most part the Chief ran the part of
the Navy that I lived in.

Too bad that changed.