Should RallyPoint expand the community to include allied militaries or DHS?

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:18:48 -0400

Over the years I've seen many members of US government agencies (e.x. NOAA, DHS, etc) ask about joining RallyPoint. I've also had inquires from military members of other nations like the UK and AUS, to join RallyPoint. How would you feel about that? Would the community benefit from communicating with our allied partners?

UPDATE: So far a lot of mixed reactions.

Image: A much younger version of yours truly doing HAZMAT training with Jordanian counterparts in Amman.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2022 2:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:00:16 -0400

gREAT IDEA BECAUSE ...

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 4 at 2022 2:02 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:02:25 -0400

More better Rally Point remains focused on military discussions by those who have and are serving in the military! SSG Carlos Madden

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2022 2:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:04:16 -0400

I would say this is a good idea and a bad idea all in one. Here is why I feel this way.

For the experienced person already in the military this is a good thing; helps us network, helps us view different perspectives, helps us develop our skills overall.

However, for the person that comes to RP for guidance one enlistment or new soldiers - it could really muddy up the water with the responses they may get. We already have different branch SOP's that cease some confusion with this... add a whole new country.... might get a little off.

From a secure stand point how would you vet there actual foreign military service?

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Oct 4 at 2022 3:20 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:20:28 -0400

Yes, to allied and *State* militaries and the unarmed uniformed services, but no to police agencies.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 4 at 2022 3:38 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:38:32 -0400

Why would we want to embarrass ourselves to an international audience? There are a number of prolific posters who have a difficult time maintaining professional courtesy and civility. Serial offenders aren't given the boot. I'd think it would be a great thing ***IF AND ONLY IF*** the terms of use were enforced mercilessly. Why would we want to embarrass ourselves to an international audience?

"10.2 You shall not submit, post, upload to, distribute through or otherwise use in connection with the Services any User Content that:
a. Is libelous, vulgar, defamatory, threatening, abusive, scandalous, obscene, pornographic or unlawful or that encourages a criminal offense;"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2022 4:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:04:44 -0400

I think consistently seeking positive change is great but adding DHS and allied militaries takes away from the true intent of this website.

Response by PO3 JamiSue Moore made Oct 4 at 2022 5:18 PM

PO3 JamiSue Moore — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:18:37 -0400

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2022 6:37 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 18:37:55 -0400

Not really keen on the idea. But I have to admit I have wondered occasionally about agencies that interact a great deal with DOD, like DIA, CID, NCIS etc. Could be interesting in how we would interact. They would fit in better then many civilians we let in. I would say definitely a NO to foreign military.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Oct 4 at 2022 10:21 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 22:21:52 -0400

Maj John Bell is correct in his assessment of the situation, SSG Carlos Madden. I’ll take it a step further, however. As diligent as all the admins might be, so much of the bad remains, I can only echo, “Why would we want to embarrass ourselves to an international audience?”
RP will do what’s good for RP, but you asked, and my response is an unqualified no.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Oct 4 at 2022 11:42 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 23:42:45 -0400

Big NO. Other countries can start their own. Other agencies can either join the Military or start their own.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Oct 6 at 2022 9:02 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:02:21 -0400

I believe Maj John Bell has given the best response to this question.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 7 at 2022 7:16 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 07:16:21 -0400

I retired from the Army after 30+, and was a Senior manager at DHS for a little over 10 years. They are nothing the same. I have worked with and around Federal Law enforcement, while they are great at what they do, there mission is a far cry from the Military’s. I am not disparaging them, but there issues are not our issues. I recommend keeping this forum the way it is.

I could break it down into details but I assume my point is understood.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Oct 11 at 2022 12:29 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:29:40 -0400

I like Rally Point as all US Military, the discussions have a certain focus and we are a support group for others like us. Leave it as it is, please. Otherwise, it is just Facebook