Do you broaden or do you diversify?

I went from Machinist, Aviation, Tanks, Finance, National Disaster Preparedness and Relief, to Budget. I enjoyed the diversity, and my experience helped me to connect the dots

The officers are more mobile in the sense after their KD jobs, they are given staff jobs within the battalion or brigade. Some staff jobs are in a completely different post doing something completely unexpected. I think the NCO Corps can integrate this methodology if they relegate it to senior NCOs, maybe E-7 or above.

I think that Soldiers need to look closely at what their individual board is looking for when promotions and assignments are being considered. Read the after action reports for the last few boards and it will become apparent. Different fields really define this differently and look for different things, especially since different things are possible (one reason they have representatives of each field on the boards.)

That said, I think in general they look for a mix of broadening assignments (don't stay in your 'comfort zone' - demonstrate that you can perform the full extent of your MOS in all environments), then get at least one diversifying assignment by the time you are at or looking for SFC. At the SGM level if there are limited CSM opportunities in your field diversifying is another way to open up new career paths to explore.