Do you think having a profile picture for your RP account should be mandatory?

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 08:46:36 -0500

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 5 at 2015 8:47 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 08:47:37 -0500

I think it should be required and I do know some could still post a fact picture. I think it will help some on those that troll without a face on RP.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Nov 5 at 2015 9:00 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 09:00:12 -0500

Required no. Encourage yes. It's disconcerting when you see the grey box.

Having a 10 day countdown, and then putting "random" photos of folks like Bill Murray (Stripes), Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle), Vincent D'Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket), Steve Martin (Sgt Bilko), Phil Silvers (Sgt Bilko), Paulie Shore (In the Army Now) would incentivize putting a "legitimate" picture up.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 9:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 09:05:33 -0500

SSG Audwin Scott I think the requirement is perfectly ok the way it is. I think it's ok to limit who has information about you and who doesn't. We may privately share information about ourselves with each other through messages, if we feel comfortable enough to do that over time. This site has people on it who are unverified, headhunters, civilians, family members, military prospects, cadets,..... Controlling who has access to your data/picture is a good thing.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 9:05 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 09:05:58 -0500

I don't think a picture should be required but I do disagree with the members who are allowed to redact their names from their profiles.

Response by LCpl Ash Carson made Nov 5 at 2015 9:22 AM

LCpl Ash Carson — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 09:22:42 -0500

I don't think it should be required but it is nice to see a face that your having a conversation with

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 9:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 09:36:47 -0500

No, not required.
I do think that if you really want to cut down on cowardly internet sniping, a requirement for your real, full name should be required.
Professionals have no reason to hide their identity and own their own statements.

Response by Sgt Justin Ranson made Nov 5 at 2015 9:56 AM

Sgt Justin Ranson — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 09:56:32 -0500

No, some of us work in industries or parts of the government where we may not want our photos broadcast about the internet.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 5 at 2015 10:08 AM

SSG Todd Halverson — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 10:08:15 -0500

I do not think it should be required to have a picture. But, it is nice to be able to put a name to a face as we are having conversations with each other. It also projects a more professional appearance when you have your picture on your profile. Though I do think that everyone should be required to use their full name and not just initials. This may help cut down on the trolling on the site. Plus, you never know, someday you may want to reach out to a member for assistance with a job, or you may actually end up trying to work for someone on here.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 10:48 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 10:48:20 -0500

Not required. If a SM doesn't want to put up their picture that's their own choice. Given the site requires a full name... And most include their current duty station. I'd be pretty easy to track down anyone of us to the company level. I think it's one of the better aspects of this community. A jackrabbit running his mouth can meet the very real cost of such a decision.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 5 at 2015 10:52 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 10:52:45 -0500

I like the idea, but the minute you make it mandatory, you'll start seeing google pics of random individuals who are not who they claim to be on here. I do think we should be able to see the name of the individuals tho. If you're really worried about being "seen" or "hacked" or even spotted by your CoC, then you should take a knee, drink some water, and re-evaluate why you're on RP or any other social media site. (Insert rank here) Servicemember should not be allowed in my opinion.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 5 at 2015 11:11 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 11:11:59 -0500

It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a photo ID required as to be a verified member, one needs to submit documentation that they have served.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Nov 5 at 2015 11:13 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 11:13:21 -0500

Yes.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 5 at 2015 11:54 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 11:54:16 -0500

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" and 1SG Private RallyPoint Member combined sum it up nicely. If we are a professional organization then represent yourself on the site appropriately w/o "the man" mandating us to do so. It's one of the things as vets we should be proud to do anyways. Rock on RP!

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Nov 5 at 2015 12:41 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:41:46 -0500

Not showing your name, rank, and/or pic, "so sorry, you cannot post or reply to threads!" "have a nice day!"

Response by SGT James Hastings made Nov 5 at 2015 12:54 PM

SGT James Hastings — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:54:34 -0500

I would think so, especially if it is verified to actually be that person.

Response by SSgt Judy L made Nov 5 at 2015 5:01 PM

SSgt Judy L — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:01:50 -0500

Its nice

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Nov 5 at 2015 5:02 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:02:28 -0500

Mandatory, probably not. Encouraged absolutely!. It is good to have a face to link to people you communicating with. If you are using RallyPoint to look for a job, then it is mandatory, Without it a potential employer may wonder what you are hiding. Obviously there are those with MOS that require them to "fly under the radar."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 5:06 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:06:39 -0500

Let people be themselves. Most it seems want a picture on their profile. People not having one does not bother the majority of us. Making it mandatory to have one would simply turn people away who would have valuable input into conversations. I can also see people just putting pictures of random stuff they googled just to meet the requirement to make an account.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 9:49 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 21:49:57 -0500

Do you also think it should be limited to a professional, business-like image, or military attire? More than a few profile photos project a unquestionably different intent.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 8:39 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:39:01 -0500

It's not required on RP but I think that it allows others who you talk to and those that see your profile get to know you a little bit better. Put a face to the name and make it more of a community.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 6 at 2015 11:34 AM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 11:34:04 -0500

When someone does have their photo it makes me wonder why?

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 6 at 2015 12:20 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:20:44 -0500

No, I do not. While posting a picture should be encouraged, I can see why some folks, for security reasons, would not want to do it. But if that is your fear, you probably should not be on RP (or any other social/professional network) in the first place. However, I do think that real, complete names should be used as this forum is more professional in nature than social.

Response by Sgt John Henry made Nov 6 at 2015 1:48 PM

Sgt John Henry — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:48:29 -0500

For security reasons, some servicemembers cannot share their picture with the public.

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Nov 6 at 2015 1:59 PM

SPC Joshua Heath — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:59:35 -0500

Yes. It's a good way of knowing who we are speaking and it hopefully humanizes everyone.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Nov 6 at 2015 3:29 PM

SSG David Dickson — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:29:17 -0500

No, but as a professional and proud member of the group, I should and will correct this deficiency before I get reactivated and summarily smoked by any or all my former NCO's.

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Nov 6 at 2015 6:25 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 18:25:58 -0500

I can see it especially for you young guys but I retired about the same time many of you joined or were born. I can't remember anymore where and when I was during my career because I was embarked on a second career and retired from that. As far as the curriculum vitae, I think I summed that up. I was a systems guy starting out on tactical systems and working through and up to intelligence systems and problems. Even that was 8 years ago. Time flies

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 7:44 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 19:44:12 -0500

Optional

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Nov 6 at 2015 10:34 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 22:34:30 -0500

Indeed, but then I am one that feels getting your profile up to at least a semi-acceptable level should be mandatory.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 2:58 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 02:58:52 -0500

I can't really say that I care. Some people aren't comfortable with showing their image online, and I'm sure others are hiding behind anonymity so they can feel free to say or act in a way they otherwise wouldn't. Whichever the case may be, it doesn't affect me or my opinions, nor how I deal with situations or personal attacks from other members, so I don't see how it changes anything. If people want to remain anonymous, that's up to them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 7:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 07:39:36 -0500

its been part of the deal since the beginning so yes i think so.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Nov 7 at 2015 8:11 AM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 08:11:43 -0500

I personally think it should be a mandatory feature before you are validated. If I was looking at joining a new group I would scout it out with not picture. But I have really enjoyed being apart of the comradeship of this group of fine Warriors.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Nov 7 at 2015 9:48 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 09:48:03 -0500

No, especially for active members. Unless RP can be sure that non-members cannot view the profiles of members. If someone feels it better to not have their picture on here I am fine with that. I would like to see better verification of members though.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Nov 7 at 2015 12:28 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 12:28:12 -0500

It would be nice, but mandatory? No not really.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Nov 7 at 2015 7:02 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 19:02:23 -0500

no it should not be mandatory however i think when you see a face with profile it lets you see who you are in contact with

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 7 at 2015 10:22 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 22:22:26 -0500

There would not be a way to verify it is actually them unless some they know sees it and reports it. I do agree that full names should be used, especially if this is to be a professional forum. I know I do question the authenticity of those who do not have full names (first and last).

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Nov 8 at 2015 12:25 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 00:25:02 -0500

In my opinion a picture should be encouraged but not required. Some active quiet professionals may not want to post a picture but enjoy the interaction on RP. As long as we don't turn it into the DA photo fiasco, which I don't really expect to happen, but I'm just saying it should stay unregulated.

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made Nov 24 at 2015 1:25 PM

SSG Karl Fowler — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 13:25:55 -0500

no it should not be mandatory

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 30 at 2017 10:55 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 10:55:18 -0400

No, while I think it helps with credibility there are some folks who perform jobs that may make having their picture posted a concern.
There's also that internet thing of who knows if someone is really posting their picture or just a picture of a random joe.

Response by Cpl Armando Mireles made Jun 30 at 2017 11:25 AM

Cpl Armando Mireles — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:25:33 -0400

It is great to see who is who, but not necessary.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 30 at 2017 11:51 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:51:19 -0400

I'd rather see restrictions on activities of those not verified, than to see mandatory requirements on what kind of profile picture one has.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 30 at 2017 1:26 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 13:26:18 -0400

No, but I have a problem with anonymous. And pictures that try to indimidate people.

Response by SSgt Laura Kety made Jul 6 at 2017 1:20 PM

SSgt Laura Kety — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:20:03 -0400

While it might lend credibility to the user's account; making a profile picture mandatory seems a bit over-reaching for a "social media" type site. I think as current service members and veterans, we've had enough "mandatory" if you know what I mean. :)

Response by Lt Col Robert Van Hee made Jul 6 at 2017 1:25 PM

Lt Col Robert Van Hee — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:25:47 -0400

No. There is no good reason to force members to share a picture. I underdtand it would satisfy the curiosity of some people but thats to reason to make it mandatory

Response by Capt Keith Glass made Jul 6 at 2017 6:04 PM

Capt Keith Glass — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 18:04:50 -0400

No. I limit my image on ALL social media, even LinkedIn. . .
Real name, yes. Photo ? No. .

Response by MSgt James Bowers made Jul 6 at 2017 7:00 PM

MSgt James Bowers — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 19:00:39 -0400

I see no reason for it unless you are trying reduce the incidence of fraudulent members, in which case a redacted copy of the DD-214 make more sense with just the SS and personal info blocked out but leaving the control number.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 9:39 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:39:05 -0400

As long as you have the option to hide it from certain users. However, this is supposed to be a professional networking forum, and I personally feel that professionals should have no reason to hide who they are in that type of environment.

Response by TSgt Richard Logan made Jul 8 at 2017 7:38 PM

TSgt Richard Logan — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:38:47 -0400

I see no reason why your photo should not be placed on your site.

Response by Sgt Arthur Went made Sep 26 at 2019 8:31 AM

Sgt Arthur Went — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 08:31:33 -0400

Yes