"I just want to be good at my job."

I think you are right. This happens to nurses in the army. We all have to go admin eventually which sucks. I have always wanted to stay clinical. I hate paperwork and cubicle offices.

The military is a hierarchical structure with a standard attrition rate.

The way they compensate for this is the "up or out" policy.

Subject Matter Experts are essential, however, Leaders are more essential. There is a balancing act between the two.

If you want to be a SME, you have a couple choices. First is to become a WO in your field, if they exist. This offers "narrow" promotion opportunities, but a career and longevity. The second choice is to promote through the Enlisted ranks, without stopping.

Based on the discussion parameters, the Enlisted option is out, because it triggers "up or out."

Why is up or out needed? Because without it, you end up having mid level managers stalled in specific positions, preventing those below them from progressing. Additionally, we have to maintain what is called institutional knowledge. The only this knowledge is maintained is if people pass it from higher ranks to lower ranks. Having "stalled" middle managers creates a roadblock to that.

This is why you have to be a Leader in addition to a Subject Matter Expert.

Technical skill is a very good thing to have but you are a soldier above all. You should be striving to be a SME at both. You will falter at times but it is how you adapt to every mission / event that makes you a stronger leader. I can see beside your rank there is a "(P)" there. you may not notice or see it but all soldier around you follow your example. I do understand this is a discussion and am not taking offense but if people ask you your rank and you say I am Specialist Promotable so and so...you have a responsibility to hold yourself and others accountable. <--- My 2 cents