Can you explain the impact, if any, that social networking and RallyPoint has made on your organization or you personally?

2016-04-17T11:11:26-04:00

How has social media networking and RallyPoint impacted your organization and you personally?

Facebook, LinkedIn, RallyPoint, Youtube, etc.

Which do you prefer and why?

Can you do without them in today's world?

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-04-17T11:13:15-04:00

It has been able to broaden my base for networking

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 17 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-04-17T11:15:36-04:00

LinkedIn for business purposes, RP for Military, FB for family reasons

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 17 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-04-17T11:24:45-04:00

LinkedIn has helped me maintain contact with people and stay abreast of working relationships and alignments over the years COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Facebook helps me stay in contact with my relatives overseas in Europe as well as friends and relatives over here. Facebook requires discernment.
RallyPoint has helped me gain friends, share my faith, inform and educate others on history and the basis of my faith in Christ.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Apr 17 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-04-17T11:44:52-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs ,
Granted I am not really huge within the realm of the various social media platforms and cannot attest to its external impact within my organization other than seeing team members maximizing every opportunity possible to check their phone in between work tasks. In no way am I deeming this as a bad thing. However, the two that I choose to participate in and prefer is RallyPoint Team and LinkedIn. Primarily because I like mature, direct interaction with no filter Rally point provides an alternative perspective of views that I am used to coupled with varied levels of experience from different times of history. I love it as it serves as continuous learning points. LinkedIn presents professional knowledge across various industries with the opportunity to connect and grow. Very advantageous. Facebook, Instagram and others come with their share of drama. I'm 35 years old with a growing family, soon to be grand family, possess an MBA and am currently postured as a Doctoral candidate student. I chose to leave certain dramas where they belong (Middle School, High School). And to answer the second part of your question, I most certainly can function without the social media communication platforms, hence the reason why I still have a flip phone. My 17 year old daughter may tend to disagree.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Apr 17 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-04-17T11:51:29-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs It keeps me tied to the airman in our group between drills. I learn a little about them, see their successes, and family posts. It has also helped me identify when there have been issues/problems that led to effectively solving them with the member when we had drill. They also get to use the medium to get to know me better as well.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 17 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-04-17T11:58:29-04:00

Social media arrived too late to impact my career. I retired as it was just rising in significance. However, it has had a significant impact in allowing me to reconnect with old friends, some lost as many as three and four decades ago. It has also helped me discover new friends and new ways of contributing to my extended community. For example, I have become an active participant in Save A Vet Life which supports a virtual world where veterans can find resources to help them in their recovery and their careers. All things considered, it makes me happy that Al Gore invented the Internet (Sorry, I couldn't resist ending on sarcasm)

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Apr 17 at 2016 2:06 PM

2016-04-17T14:06:51-04:00

RallyPoint has made a great impact on my life, because here I can talk to fellow veterans on all subjects. This is a great motivation group and a great support group. Facebook is good for keeping in contact with the family.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-04-17T17:14:29-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Sir, LinkedIn is a great site to network when you are seeking a job, or networking with business acquaintances. RallyPoint is what I use most because I can network with fellow brothers and sisters. We can share information and learn from each other. RallyPoint is a great site for veterans and active duty personnel.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Apr 18 at 2016 1:11 AM

2016-04-18T01:11:27-04:00

It hasn't impacted me much. I post more frequently here on RP than I do anywhere else but my posting here has gone down even. Otherwise social media hasn't really played a huge role other than staying connected and keeping up with old friends and family that are distant.

Response by SrA Lauren Kresse made Apr 18 at 2016 3:14 AM

2016-04-18T03:14:59-04:00

RP is good for me to stay in touch with issues/people from the military, but I got out before social media began. FB is mostly for family and close friends, and Instagram I use to follow police groups, workout groups and food places, it's more of a site to learn things, at least for me. However, in my job as a police officer, these new kids are posting a lot of things I never would that I think is very unprofessional. It gets a lot of people in trouble. EX... Both male and female cops posting pics of them in their underwear or bathing suits that don't leave much to the imagination. People they work with see these pictures. Why would you want your boss to see that kind of stuff??? Or we've had a couple instances where cops film what their doing at work and post it to snap chat....( filming a chase or an encounter with a perp) it's no good, that can lead to problems!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 8:25 AM

2016-04-18T08:25:17-04:00

I find that LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with business contacts, but generally too "formal". RP is an excellent place for maintaining contact with the military community, but not formal enough for business. Facebook is simply becoming a "gossip" column...wish I could cut loose from it without convincing both sides of the extended family we weren't trying to "cut them off". Taken as a whole, "social media" has a few benefits, but the regulations governing modern business ethics makes it unlikely to influence any decisions for contract award, etc. and the potential for getting embroiled in "keyboard" wars generally leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. Personally, I think social media is going to go the way of the land-line phone and the television on day...What will replace it? Who knows?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 18 at 2016 9:39 AM

2016-04-18T09:39:08-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs great question sir..Personally, it has made me more introspective.. More aware of what i say and how I say it. If "it" can be taken out of context, or in a manner not intended it will happen on social media. On the other hand if your point or position is clear in what you post....it will be all the more so in person.. so Social media i think has made me personally a better communicator.

Response by Cpl Jim Hainen made Apr 18 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-04-18T10:59:11-04:00

Any connection is better than no connection. James Hainen, Sgt. USMC 1189639

Response by SGT J M Porters made Apr 18 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-04-18T11:19:57-04:00

I remember a note that was always posted on the wall when I was station on the DMZ in Korean. And it said "always assume that this call is being monitored by the North Korean." I say that about social media and RallyPoint. To much unsecured information floating around. Now no one will say it but all of us think about it. It is the little bits and pieces of information that when put together that paint the picture. Just remember there is no expectation of privacy here or on any social media sight.

Response by SPC Nathaniel O. made Apr 18 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-04-18T11:21:31-04:00

Rallypoint to see first hand opinions and knowledge from our militarys top enlisted and commisioned. Very refreshing.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 18 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-04-18T11:28:37-04:00

I have gained a lot of information from RP,and alot of new people who are interested in the same things. Also made a lot of new friends.

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Apr 18 at 2016 11:32 AM

2016-04-18T11:32:04-04:00

Absolutely it change my whole trajectory. I initially started out on Linkedin and only had 137+ connection until a friend told me to start connecting with other people ie HR professional, recruiter, and my network grew exponentially. In fact I am recruited and sourced all the time. That is a great position to be in where people are connecting and coming after you. You want to keep your profile updated and current, you never know.

I hear people say I dont like social media....I dont either however more than 70% of jobs are from social media. There is only 2 reasons to be on social media and that is if you want to find people and opportunities or you want opportunities to find you. It will revolutionize your search.

I use linkedin, periscope, twitter, facebook and Rally Point

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made Apr 18 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-04-18T11:38:00-04:00

RP allows me to reach out to those who have a grasp of sacrifice and duty. I prefer RP because many of the traits for solid performance come from military-minded individuals in my opinion.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 11:45 AM

2016-04-18T11:45:40-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs One thing that must be kept in mind, is that if you have too many accounts, you would spend all day, just logging into and out of your accounts.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 18 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-04-18T11:51:22-04:00

Facebook: Destroyer of faith in humanity
Linked In: All Business all the time. Two accounts one for my employment, one for spiritual
YouTube: Relax, enjoy, see goats jumping All is well
RallyPoint: Like Minded folks I can disagree with, but still hold a civil conversation, networking with folks who served, community.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Apr 18 at 2016 3:33 PM

2016-04-18T15:33:10-04:00

Social Media tested my ability to lead and mediate between Soldiers. A Soldier of mine had made a comment and another NCO had stepped in and commented as well. That NCO had then tried to use his rank and grade against my Soldier who had responded in such a way that frustrated the NCO. When I approached the NCO with the evidence of his lack of professionalism, he then grabbed his Senior NCO as a sure of force. I showed his NCO that he was acting unprofessional and offered my advice that he shouldn't be abusing his position of authority.

Rather than come to me , he chose to harass my Soldier and brought about unprofessional behavior on his part.

Response by MSgt Rena Schmidt made Apr 18 at 2016 3:59 PM

2016-04-18T15:59:55-04:00

You can keep in touch with old friends and the ones who PCS away.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Apr 18 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-04-18T16:22:19-04:00

For me personally it gives me an outlet. I became homebound at the end of last year and I am a very social person. My work and after work hours were full of people, conversation and sharing of experiences. I now have a limited opportunity to do those things. I have no job, I can no longer go out except maybe once a week and I cannot have many people at my house as my ailment causes me to exhaust quickly.
With RP, FB and LI I have the ability to share my knowledge, experience and current affairs thoughts with people who are interested. If not for this outlet I most likely would lose my mind and maybe lose some of my reason for existing.
I am grateful for the creators of these social media platforms and I will continue to use them to share what little I can to those who ask the questions.

Response by PO3 Julia Perry made Apr 20 at 2016 1:32 AM

2016-04-20T01:32:13-04:00

Response by PO3 Julia Perry made Apr 20 at 2016 1:33 AM

2016-04-20T01:33:43-04:00

I'm more easily able to envision tasks that I take on as being "missions" like when I was on active duty.

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jun 12 at 2017 4:59 PM

2017-06-12T16:59:34-04:00

They serve different purposes.

I come here like I used to go to the Officer's Club. To shoot the shix with friends.
I use Facebook to host several different pages to serve as a way of coordinating activity and sharing news. My personal page is where I'm back at shooting the shix with a wide network of friends, family and fellow travelers.
LinkedIn? Maybe someone will hire me... not that I'm really looking. It's good to see the career development of former colleagues though.
Youtube? Fun. Sometimes educational.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 12 at 2017 6:37 PM

2017-06-12T18:37:55-04:00

I think social media has many impacts on us and are used for many different reasons. Of the four you listed, I probably use LinkedIn the least. Not that I have anything against it, I'm just not actively looking for a job. RallyPoint I use to maintain close to the military community and engage in more professional types of discussions. Youtube I use primarily to watch funny videos or listen to the few people I subscribe to speak about subjects that interest me. Facebook I use the most because it allows me to follow the things that are of interest to me personally, or post photos of my daughters so my family up north can keep in touch.

"Can you do without them in today's world?"

That all depends on if we are talking about you personally or you as in a group of people.

Personally, I could do without them. They may bring added value to my life with their convenience and ease of use, but they also bring stress with it. Anyone who has ever been in a good argument on the internet knows the amount of stress social media can bring.

But can we as people do without them. I highly doubt it. We are a species that is always after the "next big thing". When all the cars were black, it was a big deal to have a car in another color. When tv was black and white, it was a big deal to watch it colorized. The same is still true today. Only now people are chasing how many retweets they can get or how many followers they have or how many subscribers. We're always trying to one up the next guy.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 12 at 2017 6:43 PM

2017-06-12T18:43:11-04:00

Sometimes it takes the community to find the answer, or describe their experiences.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Jun 12 at 2017 8:19 PM

2017-06-12T20:19:30-04:00

I enjoy posting and interacting with fellow vets here on RP. Helps to remind me of the fantastic people I served with during my career. I've gained insight on the mentality, or, lack there of, of my fellow vets who weren't fortunate enough to have served in the Air Force. Seriously, I think the world of my fellow brothers and sisters who've served our wonderful nation. Because of our sacrifices, we're today able to share our experiences here online. Totally cool.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 8:19 PM

2017-06-12T20:19:41-04:00

Rally point has helped me to find new units and vacant positions prior to being published formally. I love social media!

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Jun 12 at 2017 8:37 PM

2017-06-12T20:37:10-04:00

Rally point has been awesome I get great info from so many people here, have made contact with some great people and reconnected with some lost buddies and even a couple of relatives also on facebook. just got started on twitter so do not use it much yet and will refrain from commenting on it at this time

Response by SPC Johnney Abbott made Jun 12 at 2017 8:54 PM

2017-06-12T20:54:46-04:00

Well my main profile is permanently banned. Seems FB doesn't like to argue.

But I like RP because in can hang out with people that have things in common that cubbies just don't get. I don't really use others. YouTube for when I need to research something

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made Jun 12 at 2017 8:55 PM

2017-06-12T20:55:33-04:00

I use Facebook for family friends and pictures. RallyPoint helps me deal with trasitioning from the military mindset back to a civilian mindset.

Response by MAJ Alan Reiter M.A. made Jun 12 at 2017 9:28 PM

2017-06-12T21:28:01-04:00

I have been able to connect with many people who I served with in the army as well as friends who I had lost touch with.

Response by MAJ Frank Ward made Jun 13 at 2017 7:38 AM

2017-06-13T07:38:51-04:00

I'm personally better connected with friends, family and business associates. Social media has enhanced my company's visibility.

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jun 13 at 2017 7:48 AM

2017-06-13T07:48:45-04:00

I only use a couple of them and off course this one to keep in contact with my brothers and sisters in arms

Response by PO3 Tracy Sefcik made Jun 13 at 2017 7:50 AM

2017-06-13T07:50:12-04:00

Facebook for keeping in touch with family and close friends. LinkedIn for work and networking as I do consulting work. Instagram and my Facebook pages for my Cross Country Cycle 4 Vets where all proceeds go to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 8:22 AM

2017-06-13T08:22:19-04:00

While I like the concept of social media, I despise what it has led to. I think that things like Facebook are great for sharing and keeping in touch with those you really care about (i.e. close friends and family) if you can limit your friends to just those people. I deleted my Facebook account years ago when I realized that out of my 1000 friends, I really only cared about what was happening with a handful of them. And what really drove me out was the political rants of some of those I was only friends with on FB. I have enough stress in my life. I don't need to import more. And I don't care what you had for supper, that your kid went 4 for 4 in todays baseball game, or that you think the clouds are pretty. Full Disclosure: I've been called an a$$hole before so the problem may just be me. I accept that.
I also believe that social media (and the internet as a whole) has boosted terrorism to the level it is at today. It's not the availability of guns, it's that these terrorists know that once they commit their crime the entire world will know about it in a minute or two and the network will buzz with their handiwork 24/7. They have a very captive, very worldwide audience with social media.
I could go on about how it causes more insecurity in a lot of people but I'll spare you. Information is good. But I think the amount we get today does more harm than good. Just my opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 8:23 AM

2017-06-13T08:23:18-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I know that it a useful tool but in some cases causes issues. (Facebook) as far as RP personally, it is very useful and a place that I know any service member can seek advice, and be involved in helping other service members.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 8:37 AM

2017-06-13T08:37:14-04:00

Social media has offered better lines of communication between a unit/organization and its followers/audience. There are so many additional channels of information now that were not available years ago which offer a better informed audience.

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made Jun 13 at 2017 8:59 AM

2017-06-13T08:59:20-04:00

I'm more involved with volunteer activities. It has also connected me with total strangers who I can relate to, which forces me to connect and support.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 9:38 AM

2017-06-13T09:38:07-04:00

I'm new to RP and so far I like it . I'm just so tired of seeing all of this negative stuff on Facebook and people always complaining . Constant fake news .

Response by Sgt John H. made Jun 13 at 2017 10:34 AM

2017-06-13T10:34:50-04:00

Personally, I like RallyPoint because it keeps me in touch with like minded veterans and expands my horizons. I have met several people that I would consider to be friends through this forum. Thanks Col Mikel Burroughs for helping out on that.

Response by PO3 John Mcdaniel made Jun 13 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-06-13T11:44:35-04:00

For a long time I was an advent user of Facebook, but after a while, I just got tired of all the drama that came with it. Sadly most of the drama came from my family, which is why 1: I joined the navy, and 2: moved several thousand miles away after my discharge. I don't go on Facebook much, but I keep my fb messenger always logged in.

The only other social media that I use is YouTube. I use it for the music aspect. Music helps keep the hallucinations manageable, and is the only link I have to the past, and keeps me current with up and coming new artists.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Jun 13 at 2017 12:25 PM

2017-06-13T12:25:15-04:00

FB mostly for keeping in touch with old friends and fellow employees. RP for interesting perspectives on past and present military issues. I like RP a lot better. Less politics involved.

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Jun 13 at 2017 1:05 PM

2017-06-13T13:05:53-04:00

Nice choice of topic COL Mikel Burroughs. The responses are interesting in their different views. I have mixed feelings about social media. One thing that makes me crazy is being with a group at a restaurant or meeting, and everybody has their face smashed to the screen of their phone. Kinda rude I think. I FB three or four times a week to keep in touch with Border Patrol Agents on two BP groups that use FB, much like RP for BP Agents. I rarely post or share on FB. I mainly just go there to "check it out." I will say there is a lot of fake and misleading posts on FB. Linked In for business after retiring from BP. Quit Linked In after I retired for good. You Tube rarely. I have really enjoyed the RP because it has helped me reconnect with the military community. I love the "soldiers attitude" here on RP. Y'all hang in there Rally Point!

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made Jun 13 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-06-13T13:22:09-04:00

Can't say that I am some kind of media techie. Since I pulled myself with the help of other Vets, I have found that a face to face is something much more beneficial than an IM on a computer screen. I do understand that in today's world the use of media is paramount to gather recognition, a party of followers, media word of mouth and sometimes social support. The one facet that is missing from this perspective is emotion. It is easy for a person to write on a message board without the reader knowing their state of mind. So the question has media influenced my life in some way? Probably not. I'm still a traditional kind of person. A firm handshake, look into the eye of another and a good ol conversation, says more about a person than a screen. Just my opinion.

Response by SPC Woody Bullard made Jun 13 at 2017 2:05 PM

2017-06-13T14:05:27-04:00

I prefer RallyPoint because on the RP site I believe that I am a small part of a big military family.
The older veterans along with the young veterans and active duty members information and opinions
posted on RP have been interesting reading and a learning experience. I'm a analog old school veteran living in the new digital veteran and active duty member world. Social media is with us today whether we like it or not and it is not going away anytime soon. I try to stay on the positive side but
I have seen the negative side of social media. It is a reflection of the human condition, good and evil.

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Jun 13 at 2017 4:13 PM

2017-06-13T16:13:38-04:00

I think I saw a post on FB from RP. I "moved" over here as you folks have a wealth of information, great posts, and are helping me even more with my quest in helping military familes & veterans.

Making some great friends here albeit in cyberspace at this moment in time.

~ Jenn

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jun 13 at 2017 4:54 PM

2017-06-13T16:54:21-04:00

To certain extent some of my feelings from my military time have been validated, explained and given proper placement in my head. It has as been a joy hearing from younger vets as to how they see the world while active duty and post-active duty. The similarities are monumental while times and processes are different, experiences are military just a different time, different place. I can only admire our current all volunteer military.

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Jun 13 at 2017 5:09 PM

2017-06-13T17:09:24-04:00

I know one area of my organization which was positively affected by social media is free advertising! Now most organizations have a face book page to be "liked"! Not only does this make potential customers and consumers aware that your organization or company has life, but is alive and serving people. Young folks especially. Young people take full advantage of social media these days! As for me personally, I remember the days when mailed was delivered to my ship via helo/helicopter, making the receipt of mail an arduous process if you were stationed on a small boy type ship, i.e., destroyer, frigate and so forth so mail was far an few between, sometimes a letter would chase you for an entire deployment or 9 mos. With social media you can connect with family, love ones, friends almost daily, just using it! All in all it is a positive experience for those who use it.

Response by SGT J M Porters made Jun 13 at 2017 5:36 PM

2017-06-13T17:36:52-04:00

Social Media is the go-to point during any investigation. And a digital footprint can not be erased.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 14 at 2017 1:10 AM

2017-06-14T01:10:54-04:00

Absolutely. RP for military and vets, Facebook and Twitter for peers, vets, family. Twitter and Facebook have been essential in building a global network and contacts.

Response by CSM Tony Blair made Jun 16 at 2017 2:57 PM

2017-06-16T14:57:16-04:00

As you deploy many times, and soldiers PCS or ETS you loose contact. But I've kept up with hundreds of former soldiers and made new ones of the net. This to me is good, but it does not come close to once again hearing the voice of a face you faced death with.

Response by PO2 Jerri Jackson made Jun 17 at 2017 12:27 PM

2017-06-17T12:27:59-04:00

I enjoy meeting other like minded veterans, n connecting.
While I don't hv ad much time as I thought I would, I still like reading some of the post/articles and their responses.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Jun 17 at 2017 9:57 PM

2017-06-17T21:57:10-04:00

I enjoy staying in contact with Family, Friends, and Military Family, but I don't have to have it to Live!

Response by Cpl Shawn Van Wagnen made Jun 23 at 2017 7:01 AM

2017-06-23T07:01:41-04:00

I can't speak for everyone obviously. But I can say for myself RP has been a major help for myself. It was extremely difficult for myself to transition back to the real. Family and friends attempted to help "your home now" or "everything is ok" no no it wasn't on the inside. It's a great help to know your not alone and to meet and see family on RP and know at the click of a button your brothers and sisters are there waiting. THANK YOU RALLY POINT.

Response by SSG Leo Curtis made Oct 24 at 2019 12:45 PM

2019-10-24T12:45:21-04:00

I was injured in 2004 and went through 3 yrs of surgery and rehab. I felt all alone after I was discharged even with my family all around me because I could not being my self to talk to them about it. RP gave me a outlet for my pain and anger thank you to all my brother and sister.