A moment of your time please.

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 23:26:50 -0500

I just wanted to say thank you to all current and former service members for your service and self sacrifice. I'm new to RallyPoint and new to the Army as well but after every encounter I have with a SM on this site I become prouder and prouder to wear the uniform. The NCOs on here consistently demonstrate professionalism and the WOs and Os have incredible insight and are always ready to help. Thank you for your commitment to America and enjoy all that life throws at you.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jan 28 at 2014 11:44 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 23:44:51 -0500

Welcome to RP PFC Logan M. :)

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 28 at 2014 11:49 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 23:49:55 -0500

Welcome to the wonderful, informative, frustrating and rewarding world of Rally Point. This is by far the best social media site for military personnel. <div>Rule 1. Always maintain your military bearing. </div><div>Rule 2. Always maintain your sense of humor, respectfully. </div><div>If you don't laugh at our jokes we'll destroy you. (that was a joke) </div><div>:) </div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 12:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:24:07 -0500

Welcome! It's always nice to see fresh faces in these forums. I'm sure you will learn a lot as well as provide some quality information around here.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 29 at 2014 12:43 AM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:43:06 -0500

PFC Mullins,

Always feel free to ask questions and many of the veterans and retirees are a wealth of knowledge for you to tap into, and the AD SMs are even more of a viable resource for any questions or assistance you may need, never feel intimidated to ask a question, I live by the old saying, "the only dumb question is the one that is not asked," there are no dumb or unpopular questions.

As SSG Woods mentioned as long as you maintain your military bearing with everyone, you have a enjoyable and productive experience.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 12:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:54:24 -0500

Fair warning: RP can become quite addicting :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 10:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 10:32:02 -0500

Rp has become a great resource for information and friendly banter, and I love the amount of info I have been able to gleen off of everyone here. Enjoy your time, you will learn alot.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 12:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 12:50:46 -0500

Welcome.

THE FIRST RULE OF RALLYPOINT IS.................

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 12:59 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 12:59:12 -0500

I was actually heartened by the behavior of our young troops since the start of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Therefore I am not too surprised that many troops are respectful and I have noticed quite a few specialists that represent our services well.

So thank you as well,

Larry

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 1:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:20:09 -0500

Welcome! RP is a great online community for all military personnel past and present! There is lots of info here for everyone and it is a great way to share opinions and gather perspective. Contribute your unique perspective and further our collective knowledge! There are lots of "golden nuggets" of info here for you to put in your rucksack.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 29 at 2014 2:52 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:52:50 -0500

Welcome aboard PFC Mullins. There is a lot to learn on this site. There are a ton of knowledgeable service members and former service members who span all ranks, all MOSs and all services. If you cannot find/get the right answer here, there probably is not a right answer out there...

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 29 at 2014 3:11 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:11:45 -0500

PFC Mullins, welcome to RP.

Response by SPC Brendan Kearns made Jan 29 at 2014 6:32 PM

SPC Brendan Kearns — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 18:32:10 -0500

Be careful, or you run the risk of spending hours of your time reading thread after thread after thread.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 29 at 2014 6:32 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 18:32:43 -0500

A good majority of the people who have responded are some of the most active people on the forums. Network, and learn from these people, they are likely to give you all you can learn and more on almost any topic. And do not be afraid to have a differing opinion to someone who out ranks you. Just have the documents to support your reason and no one will rip your head off for saying, "I'm sorry but that is wrong, because xyz, and here is the article to prove it."

Response by CMSgt Robert Gates made Jan 30 at 2014 8:57 PM

CMSgt Robert Gates — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 20:57:49 -0500

Wear your uniform proudly. There was a time where the uniform was not popular when I first entered active duty Feb 1969. I had my own convictions and they guided my personal and military life. I proudly retired March 2005 after 36 years of total military service. Great to see young persons entering the military voluntarily. America is in great hands.

Response by Capt Stuart Alexander made Jan 30 at 2014 10:56 PM

Capt Stuart Alexander — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:56:39 -0500

Been out since '84. USAF Academy grad, '77. SAC aircraft commander for years. Son of the youngest AF MSgt. in AF history (high school dropout from Nowhere, Mississippi to MSgt. in 6 years flat). Father of 8, 5 sons, 3 of whom either wear now or wore the uniform of the US Army (one pinning on Major any day; Bronze Star awardee for PL excellence during the Surge in Iraq leading a Stryker platoon....brought ALL of his guys home during the real shit).

We're a military family. Even my mom was Army. Ex-wife....AF air traffic controller.

I've been in the computer business now for 30 years, but the military is what defined who and what I am. Never lose it, son. Never. I'd die for this country tomorrow if asked, and that is the spirit of ALL of us that keeps this country free from all enemies, foreign...and now, especially...domestic. God bless and stay strong.

Response by COL George Antochy made Jan 30 at 2014 11:27 PM

COL George Antochy — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 23:27:39 -0500

Joining the Army back in the '70's was not popular after the Vietnam War. The All-Volunteer force was taking foot while there were still draftees who wanted to continue serving after their initial commitments. As an ROTC Cadet, not many professors were friendly towards us, or those who returned from the War and were using their GI Bill. We rarely wore our uniforms on campus. Rarely until DS/DS did the public acknowledge our Service. After DS/DS and especially after 9-11, you couldn't go anywhere without someone wanting to recognize you and say "Thank You". Today our Service eligible population is very low, and I very much honor everyone who is willing to make the commitment to our Nation, especially during hostile times. Throughout our history everything this Nation has become and stands for is because young men and women are willing to make the sacrifice to defend our freedoms and spirit. Also we should never forget our Service families and the commitment they make to enable us. God Bless the United States of America.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 31 at 2014 12:02 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 00:02:52 -0500

Welcome PFC Mullins. If you haven't found out yet in your short time here this is how it works. 1. Someone posts a discussion. 2. Everyone gives there opinions on the matter. 3. I intervene at some point and give the correct answer.

This is just the way it is.

Anyway, enjoy the site and I hope you learn as much as I have, or at least as much as I have forgotten. ;-)

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Feb 1 at 2014 12:34 AM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:34:45 -0500

PFC Mullins the watch, as we say in the Navy, has been passed the the younger generation. I came in in 1966 and avoided the draft by joining the Navy. Still got my Draft Notice in Boot Camp, lol. Stayed in and did 30 years, all active before I retired. You have the opportunity to pick the brains of not only members of your own service and speciality, but all services. You may choose to stay or get out, but you can make contacts her to carry you throughout your life.

Welcome to Rally Point and make the best of your opportunity. You have given a portion of your life to serve your country, take something back.

Response by SPC Brendan Kearns made Feb 3 at 2014 5:24 AM

SPC Brendan Kearns — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 05:24:31 -0500

ssg burns will get you hooked on his responses or topics

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 10:55 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:55:19 -0500

What a great thread! I've really enjoyed reading all the postive comments and seeing such great energy being shared.