E6 in 3 years? Is there such thing as making rank too soon?

They make Ensigns out of people that only claim to fame is College.

No, If you passed all the qualifications and are able to pass the UCMJ and your rating's Technical exams, especially with high enough scores to place you on the promotion list, mor power to the Navy as it proves that this person is dedicated to his Rating and knows his job, as far as leadership, come on they make 21-year-old Ensigns with no working past, only book schooling.

I made E-6 in six years but I was serving in the Army Reserve starting in 1973. No troops were going to Vietnam and the draft was over. Many reserve units were understrength so they needed NCOs who met the qualifications. Later made E-7, then became a Warrant Officer.

What happened to the time in grade requirements? When I was in, 62 -65, there were time requirements for advancement in rank. (Old Timer here)

Yes for those who have no combat experience advancing in rank quickly presents a liability to those he is responsible for.

Let's just say that maybe you made rank too fast, its more important on how you act and carry yourself and how you hold the rank. Again, when I was in I had LT's and Captains younger than me. Some were awesome and some you just shook your head with that being said you have to listen to your peers, listen to other people how have held the rank and listen to the E1's to your rank and beyond. Absorb all of that knowledge and use it.

4 years of college and zero military experience will make a 21 year old (or younger) an O-1, thus the question "what is the difference between an E-2 and an O-1? an E-2 has been promoted once.". There was a time when people left boot camp and went straight to buy E-7 uniforms. Making enlisted rank is based on job proficiency and the ability to pass an exam, not leadership skills, all personnel are required to be ready to take the next exam as soon as they are eligible, and some people are great at taking tests. Normally people that make rank at breakneck speed know they are good at their job but might not be great leaders so they stick with doing their job and let someone else be a leader, those that don't figure that out become disliked.

Could be, unless the individual has proven they can do the job of an E6, lead, disciplne and just carry out the duties and having the necessary training, College Education

Yes & No, it depends on the Individual,
on the members Maturity, Leadership & Job experience & Knowledge

I have seen some Individuals that have a really Outstanding knowledge of there Rate, and are really Good at taking a test, yet lack the experience and maturity in leadership.

to many members, spend all there time and effort learning there rate, and forgetting to find a mentor to teach them on how to be a really good leader.

it seems to me your command believes you are ready, the question is do you believe you are ready?

I have found most people will grow into there new rank and leadership role after they receive their advancement.

I recommend looking back at your past leaders, take what you like from there leadership style, & Make it your own, leave the rest that you do not like on there table.

find yourself a E-7 that you feel will be open to mentoring you in your new leadership role.

also Remember it easy to mentor the person who is a go getter,

not saying you should not mentor the go getter just the opposite, you should mentor them and have them help you mentor the member who is struggling , this will help the Go getter to learn his or her leadership role,

Use the go getter, to help you mentor that young sailor that is struggling with his or her rate and leadership.

take that Individual and start mentoring him or her, also remember you can mentor more than one person at a time, you can have the 1st, 2nd , 3rd class help you mentor the third-class, & Non rates

as a senior E-6 , or NEW E-7 OR Chief , I have found the very 1st thing you need to do with a junior member who is struggling with there Rate or service, is to get them back to basics.

what do I mean by that? the Júnior member who is struggling, will not have pride in him or her self or uniform, or pride in there job or service, why?
not 100% sure, but I feel they feel under prepared, and over whelmed for the upcoming challenges' they are facing, in there rate and service, sadly there uniforms will Look unkempt, & they will try to hide, as there supervisor it your job to help them get there pride in themselves , service, Rate back.
you start with there uniform.

you call them in for a counseling session, let them know what you expect of them , tell them there job is to follow all safety rules, etc, if they follow the basic safety rules no Equipment is damaged beyond repair, no member is injured or hurt, if no Equipment is damaged there is no mistake that cannot be fixed, if they are having a problem on a job task, they should not be afraid to go to there mentor for help. so the Mentor can teach & help them become better at there job, guide them.

you need to let every junior member know they should not be afraid to attempt any job or task, on there own, as long as they follow all safety rules and tag out procedures, no equipment should be damaged beyond repair, no personal will be injured.
you will start to see a big change

once the junior member realizes there no mistake, that cannot be corrected as long as they follow all safety rules and tagout procedures. they will start to become more confident at there rate

Start ensuring every service member arrives to work at least 30 min before the workday starts, nothing use to piss me off more, than a juniors member waking in 60 sec before the start of the workday.

have a uniform inspection every AM before the workday starts
ensure everyone is wearing the proper uniform, once you see the improvement in your personal you can back off .

ensure there bunk or rack is properly made, nothing worse than a long day at work, and coming home to a messed up bunk or rack.

in case your wondering why I tell my personal to arrive to work 30 min prior to the start of the workday?

here is my reason, Members should be ready to start work at the proper time, not going around the different shops saying hello to shipmates , while they are going out for a cup of coffee, smoke or dip break, not spending 30 to 45 min getting tools ready for the job, when the work day starts ,

this is why you come in 30 min prior, to the start of the work day, to look over your work list, get your tools ready so when the workday starts, you are ready to go!

I think it just depends on the person, their attitude, and their maturity. Back when I was in, I had an ITC who I was told was the second quickest ranking E7 on the west coast.. I believe he made it in 5 years or so (it's been awhile).. he was a squared away gung ho dude lol I only made E5 in 3 years but I also came in as an E1.. I got out right before my first E6 exam.