Are you hiding in RallyPoint under an assumed service or rank because RP doesn't recognize your service?

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 02:04:58 -0400

I would have to say that i'm basically disenamored with RallyPoint because it doesn't foster inclusiveness of all uniformed services. RallyPoint allows for only a portion of service members and excludes others that may actually contribute not only to our nation but are armed forces. I'm talking about the other forgotten services, USPHS and NOAA. We have USPHS officers on RallyPoint that have falsely register under other services they work with. Ask yourself who are the physicians in the Coast Guard? They aren't Coast Guard. What about that mental health provider in the Army with a different kind of uniform? That's not Navy. Who is helping the Navy with that climate change study effecting maritime operations? It's not a Navy scientist. Its NOAA. These fellow service members are either staying away from RallyPoint because they are second class veterans or hiding under assumed ranks. I haven't heard a good argument from RallyPoint as to why they wouldn't include them. But hey, I'm just a visitor here and have no real standing so I guess I can chose to take my comments elsewhere. So to all good luck and thank you for your service.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 28 at 2018 2:22 AM

TSgt David L. — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 02:22:29 -0400

I guess I never really gave that much thought. But I'm really a NASA Space Shuttle Door Gunner, pretending to be EOD. Not too many people are familiar with either one! LMAO

When I read your title I assumed you were talking about folks with incomplete Bios and/or no picture. I didn't know that (picture) was optional, BTW. I see Coasties on here. Like I said, I never thought about other government agencies.

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Apr 28 at 2018 2:30 AM

SGT Cynthia Barnard — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 02:30:07 -0400

They can click a civilian government employee

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 28 at 2018 5:29 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 05:29:28 -0400

We have civilian supporters and family members on RP. It is hardly an exclusionary policy.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Apr 28 at 2018 7:04 AM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 07:04:04 -0400

Well, we can take this a bit further. What about WW2 veterans, specifically the Merchant Marines, or the Womens Air Force Service Pilots (WASP). They’re technically Veterans as well, although if they’re on here, they’d be well into their 90’s by now and probably not technology savvy.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2018 7:26 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 07:26:33 -0400

I have made an effort to reply to every comment. It appears to me that that there is a misconception of what a uniformed service is. There are seven, they all have the same pay scale. It is by rank. If you serve 10 years in one of the seven uniformed services you can serve ten more in any other and retire with the same type of pension as if you have stayed in one single service. They all are covered under tricare, they all are covered for disabilities under the VA. They have the GI Bill, both the past Montgomery and the new post 9/11. They are covered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). They are integrated within DOD and have valued experiences that could be of benefit to the PR community. All I am saying is that they deserve to be recognized in their profile by their rank, experience, and service. I don't understand why PR refuses to recognize them as a service. Just saying. I don't run the show but clearly there is a lack of education. and as an invited guest I curtly don't want to make a nuisance of myself. COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Apr 28 at 2018 8:02 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 08:02:36 -0400

COL Private RallyPoint Member You're right, of course. There are seven uniformed services. When I was training Fort Bragg gate guards, I advised them to be aware of officers from the USPHS and NOAA who should be saluted, but who may be in a uniform you don't recognize or that looks off a bit.

I think I can shed some light on the choice to exclude USPHS and NOAA from RP. According to the "About Us" page, https://www.rallypoint.com/about-us "RallyPoint was founded . . . to help make military life better. . . . RallyPoint connects its members and gives them the best tools possible to succeed both while in the military, and beyond. With RallyPoint, you can build out your professional network, connect with other members of the military and veterans in a safe environment, and explore career opportunities both within the military (PCS opportunities) and in the private sector." "MISSION:
To help all members of the military community lead more successful and fulfilling lives." "VISION:
The platform that digitally connects the military community, enabling a lifetime of support."

So you see, the scope of RP is the Military, not all seven Uniformed Services. Although that leads one to wonder why State Defense Forces are excluded, as they are also Military.

About RallyPoint

With RallyPoint, you can build out your professional network, connect with other members of the military in a safe environment, and explore career opportunities both within the military (PCS opportunities) as well as in the private sector.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2018 8:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 08:40:33 -0400

The scope and audience of the platform have expanded since its beginning. You brought it up. If you get the necessary support from those within the mentioned organizations, RP may consider more.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Apr 28 at 2018 12:37 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 12:37:10 -0400

COL Private RallyPoint Member Thanks for your feedback and comments. My suggestion would be to email the following group at RallyPoint, so they can research your comments and make soem informed decisions on how to proceed. Here is the email address: [login to see]

I'm also curious on why you changed your rank from LTC to PVT according to your Profile?

SSG Carlos Madden some of your thoughts on this post would be welcome - thanks.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2018 3:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 15:21:25 -0400

I am impressed that you are deputy chief of staff as a private. Your words would carry more weight if your profile wasn't so suspicious. I am not sure what your end game is, but you sure have the wool pulled over a lot of people's eyes.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 8:06 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 08:06:50 -0400

Uniformed services versus armed services. Not Veterans.
I was surprised to find their eligibility for this GI Bill and VA home loans.
Interesting.