Yes, but that was back in the day where if one had a pulse going in front of the board (remember what years those were, vesta? sometime in the 70's?) you put on khakis.
I made ET1 when I was 26 (and a young-looking 26 at that.) Just under 6 years to E-6. Even then, the Navy average to E-6 was 11 years. A couple of weeks after I got frocked, I went into the "Top 4" Club at Hickham AFB. The crusty (at least 12 years in service) E-4 AP tried to drag me out, saying there was NO WAY I had any business and the "animal bar" was across the way. I pulled out my ID card, showed it to him, and watched the color drain from his face as he left.
I had a section advisor in Nuclear Field "A" School who made SENIOR Chief (E-8) in 10 years. Guy looked just about old enough to drive. Almost.
Fast forward 10 years, with the drawdown, "peace dividend", whatever the hell you want to call it. Nukes--good ones--were retiring as PO1's. Many more were simply getting out. Worst case was a guy who got out after 18 years, couldn't take the bullshit for 2 more years. Remember my story from above? There was no indication that the numbers were going to get any better. The requirements were so ridiculous to make CPO that most of us just said **** it.
It's improved somewhat, but not everywhere, and not all job fields.