Is RallyPoint supposed to replace the chain of command and NCO support channel?

This is a great point. While it may not always be the case, it is possible. Another reason is "Joe" feels that their "stupid" question will get some sort of reprisal from leadership. I know new privates would rather ask a stupid question to a peer than get an incredulous sigh and a straight answer from an NCO or salty E-4.

At least through Rally Point their is a venue for networking and mentorship! This didn't exist before and there are plenty of issues they may not feel they should ask. It's okay to assist as one might help a friend or child. Good opportunity to still be of service and help them become better leaders as they mature in the ranks.

Col Rebecca Lorraine - very true ma'am, but if RP is the first stop these Soldiers have....we have a serious credibility issue in the ranks. If they're coming here first, then what does that say about the current crop of leaders? It means everything that is taught is being undone. No one should come here as a first stop, it should be where they can ask their NCOs at the unit level. That includes NG and Reserve NCO's. There is a NCO (SSG Thomas Livingston) on here if you ask him ANYTHING, he will come with an answer pretty quick, and his accuracy rate is damn near 100%. He is not AD either. If they cannot handle it, don't know where to look, or how to research to find it, somethings wrong. If you've made it here, and no one could find the answer there, maybe new uniforms is the least of our worries. RP should supplement the NCO Support Chain, not replace it.

I wonder if they are just testing the water. They want to appear prepared and informed. Or maybe no one is listening. Good share.

CPT Jack Durish - threatens go order and discipline.

CPT Jack Durish - 1LT Michael Jay it is both. It is one thing to vent a little as we are all human, but the internet lacks context and tone.
It is great to help someone if their leadership is truly not helping or if it is a leader looking for advice to better care for someone. I personally believe that the vast majority of leaders have a good heart and try, but some are severely lacking experience. So every time we answer a question that the leader doesn't know we are robbing them of their development. Even if the info is accurate it wasn't gained through experience or direct mentorship within their unit.

When enlisted members welcome their soldiers to go to their officers for answer. In my opinion speak volumes to there leadership to train soldiers. If a NCO can't or won't help or answer simply questions saddens me. It is a testament on the senior enlisted ...ie 1SG and SGM. When I was a junior enlisted...just looking or having the privilege to be giving some of there knowledge gave me the tools to climb the ranks.

New to RP, it seems like this is a great place to obtain different opinions and experiences from personnel regardless of rank. I remember when I was enlisted, I made some career choices based on one person's opinion and later when I learned more, wish I would have done things differently. Obviously, RP is not a replacement for NCOs and the Chain of Command, but free advice & mentorship should be taken when available.

So what are you going to do to fix this problem Team Leader? You are in the very best position to nip this in the bud. Be harsh in enforcing standards, but do not drive them away where they wont bring their problems to you.

Well I'm in no place to fix toxic leadership mostly in part of me being medically retired. I'm here to give advice and help where I can. If I was still in I would try but at the same time my soldiers never had an issue coming to me with there problems.

Sounds like you got out while the getting was good, but we need more like you

Thank you for your vote of confidence in me. I guess your right though. I've been rather upset with the way the military has gone since I got out and it's only been 6 months. Sad right?