Are there any people on here who were in the Navy in late sixties to early 70s?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 May 2017 20:16:54 -0400

My mom's husband claims to her that he was a counselor in the Navy. From what I know he was in probably late sixties to early 70s. I am not sure but I am pretty sure he was likely enlisted the entire time. Can enlisted be counselors in the Navy - as in behavioral health counselors? Could they then? I really can't see him ever being a counselor in a psychological sense.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 18 at 2017 9:04 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 18 May 2017 21:04:28 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Actually a "Navy Counselor" is an Enlisted Job Rating in the Navy, More of a Career Counselor than anything Else, You have to be a Senior Enlisted in another Field before You Apply.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 18 at 2017 9:18 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 18 May 2017 21:18:08 -0400

It was an odd time for Career Counselors. First, people were fed up with 'Nam. Second, people were punching out because the Navy couldn't paint a very good future. Let's see, we're downsizing, probably consolidating some ratings and you'll be on the losing end,... the list went on. Reagan was a later blip pushing for the 600 ship Navy. Only way to do that was to hang onto the obsolete crap that sailors hated. Then they were trying to man the two major wars going on at the same time scenario. I came in when Zumwalt was CNO. After him, long hair covered by wigs, beards overall OK, and other things went the way of the Gooney Bird. But that was when a carton of Camels cost a Buck.

Response by CPO Mike Neel made Jun 17 at 2017 8:45 PM

CPO Mike Neel — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 20:45:01 -0400

The Navy had Command Career Counselors in the 60's & 70s... They personnel retention specialists. The Navy also had Command Drug & Alcohol Counselors that received specialized training to evaluate and recommend treatment or discharge options for sailors with drug or alcohol abuse problems. Did both jobs as a E5/E6/E7 1967-1991

Response by CPO Gale Kennedy made Oct 1 at 2017 2:43 PM

CPO Gale Kennedy — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 14:43:39 -0400

The Navy Counselor rate did not start till approximately 1974 or 75. It is more of a Human Resources/Career Counseling than mental health. Only MH counselors would have been medical folks at that point in time. Later you have civilian social worker type counselors at Family Support Center offices.

Response by CPO Curtis Alexander made Dec 23 at 2020 8:58 PM

CPO Curtis Alexander — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 20:58:36 -0500

If he were a Navy Counselor as a rating, he counseled enlisted personnel on Navy opportunities such as duty station assignments, advancement and career counseling.

Response by PO1 Doree Trent made Jan 5 at 2023 4:19 AM

PO1 Doree Trent — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 04:19:29 -0500

There seems to be a bit of confusion.

During the time your looking at there was (and may still be) a Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor. It was not a rating, but held the NEC (Navy Enlisted Classification) of a 9522. I was one and worked at the In-patient Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center at NAS Miramar in the late 70s/ early 80s. I later worked at Out-patient assignments.

In the late 80s the Navy added the Rating of a Navy Counselor (NC) ..... which has nothing at all to do with any type of Counseling for Drug or Alcohol Abuse/Addiction. The NC Rating is all about CAREER Counseling.

I hope this is helpful.