Yeah, when in Rome, they do as he does.

I went to see the boss today, as the instructions on the job posting said to see him before applying. And the job posting had a requirement of at least three yrs. in mgt. or managing a team as a prerequisite. I thought that was a little weird, since everyone (my co-workers) currently not in mgt. who would have that mgt. experience would, by definition, have taken a step back to be in their current position.

Anyway, boss said they were pretty strict on that requirement, but that, since I was expressing interest, he would help to make sure my career path was trending toward mgt. and would keep me in mind for any assignments or projects that would help in that regard.

So I came away feeling like I wasn't supposed to apply, but that I was probably the only person who had come to him yet to say I wanted to start working toward such a position.

You did the right thing - you should feel good about that.