Do you broaden or do you diversify?

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.

Great Question. I think if you go into it a bit more you might get more responeses.

With that bring said you will often find that both are usually used interchangeable. As you have stated in here that hey really aren't the same. For me a Boradening assignment could be taking an Armor Platoon or be a Movement Offier. When in relation to Diversifying I wouldn't step out of my common position as a Mech infantry platoon leader. I could take a scout platoon or a mortar platoon. It would only increase my skill to do either.

But I am also very wary of this. I have seen a Field Grade officer that was developed in a boardening assignment too much. He moved up and promoted as he was able to do these extra assignment but when it comes to his basic branch he is a bit lost. There are concepts that I used and understand as a PL that this field grade doesn't. The simple set up of a fire should be known to pretty much everyone in the army. If you are in a command of a unit that has a fire team you should really know it. You will be giving orders to units that you really don't understand what they are composed of. This is dangerous.

I am am fan of doing both but you first should master your basic branch first.

Personally I would do broadening for the absolute least amount of time possible and then focus on diversifying. Anything more than 2 years holds you back in a broadening assignment if you do not have any Soldiers in my opinion.

Sometimes you get stuck and have to make due but 4+ years of rated time with zero Soldiers and the same job is terrible for your career.

If I could change my career I would have stayed on line as much as possible with time as a Drill Sergeant and that's it.