Even before that though, Gotti went straight from Associate to Capo upon being made, and after doing 4 years in prison no less. I mean he's in jail off the streets from '73 to '77, comes out, is made, and becomes Capo automatically upon being made. I'd think one would usually be a Soldier for a time before being bumpede up to Caporegime.
Gotti was basically already recognised as a made member before he officially became one when the books were re-opened. In fact, he was put in charge of the crew he was with by his capo when he was still an associate. That is why he became a capo overnight when he was inducted.
