The RallyPoint Watercooler

2014-04-13T00:28:04-04:00

The idea here is to share content/discuss topics that fall outside traditional or established thread topics. So, if have something military-related or applicable to the 'military experience' but it doesn't fit neatly into an existing thread topic or category... well then, no problem this is your thread! It could be a story of your own, a published article, a photo or historical account, resource, link, or just about anything else under-the-sun. I know this'll be a blast, and pretty much any topic goes, just a couple of basic rules--let's keep it within the bounds of good taste, and as always the 'golden rule' applies--that is to display respect for all members, of all ranks, and in all statuses. Now strap-on your seatbelts, pull-up a keyboard and let's get this this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 12:31 AM

2014-04-13T00:31:08-04:00

To get things started, here is an interesting article, it touches on history although it doesn't necessarily fit neatly into a particular category, you can check it out here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2602084/Nature-war-How-helmets-grenades-guns-discarded-world-wars-enmeshed-tree-trunks-Russia.html

Helmets, grenades and guns have become enmeshed with trees in Russia

A remarkable series of photos taken in a Russian forest have been making the rounds on social media sites, showing what happens over time to instruments of carnage discarded in the woods.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 3:00 AM

2014-04-13T03:00:05-04:00

You remember those old teletypes in Good Morning Vietnam?? Well we had teletype like that in Germany(81-84) and you had to wait for a cue (VB - Ramstein) It was so much trying to disseminate forecasts when one error typing would require a do-over.

An irate F-4 pilot was irritated until he realized my equipment was antiquated and there was severe weather moving in. Later that night 88 knot winds at the MAC pad caused 70,000 dollars of damage to two C-141 Starlifters.

My review of this unforecasted event drew rave reviews from Air Weather Service and flightcrews at thte base. I particularly loved closing the base by forecasting severe icing. It was disputed but I was right. Don't get me started on the Titan II Missiles that nearly killed my cousin.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 3:14 AM

2014-04-13T03:14:31-04:00

Really? We had crayons, No (LOLS) and a few clipboards but I would rather go back to that because learning to forecast means relying on instincts and precision.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 8:27 PM

2014-04-13T20:27:58-04:00

Haha too funny, sorry, I just couldn't resist posting this one... "kill!" (our Jarheads out there will be able to relate to this one) lol Enjoy! Semper, B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNn9H1LR2Tw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_TlXlo1YUQ

US Marine Corps Drill Instructor vs US Army Drill Sergeant

ARMY

Marine Corps Receiving Vs Army Reception

http://futurejarheads.org/ Marine Corps Receiving VS Army Reception.. Just some differences in the way things are done between the two branches

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Apr 13 at 2014 10:46 PM

2014-04-13T22:46:33-04:00

Following in Maj Burns footsteps I found a YouTube video from when I was active army. Its a recruiting video for the 160th. This just happens to be my class (I only show up a couple times in the video most notably in the night vision part). Good times. NSDQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD2zKFmSnvE

160th SOAR (A) Green Platoon

SOATC SOF training no orange padding in real training, just for the video. expect bleeding to occur

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 10:16 PM

2014-04-21T22:16:55-04:00

<p>For those who haven't already seen this, it's worth a moment of your time; the late Red Skelton gives his version of the Pledge of Allegiance, as inspired by his teacher when he was growing up. <a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMR6d_9GsCQ" target="_blank"><font color="#0072c6">http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMR6d_9GsCQ</font></a></p><p> </p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/eMR6d_9GsCQ/hqdefault.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMR6d_9GsCQ" target="_blank">Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">The late comedian Red Skelton shares his prophetic views of the American pledge of allegiance to the flag, recorded some 40 years ago in 1969, on his CBS tel...</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 11:12 PM

2014-05-03T23:12:31-04:00

Here's a gem from SSG Murphy, check out the video and the thread here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-are-the-most-unusual-foreign-marching-forces

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3neDem-1ytA

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 1:27 PM

2014-05-10T13:27:46-04:00

Here's a great photo submitted to this year's National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest by our very own SSG Ledbetter, you can check it for yourself out here: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2014/entries/255921/view/

You can join in the discussion at the original thread here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/national-geographic-photo-contest-please-help

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made May 10 at 2014 1:34 PM

2014-05-10T13:34:04-04:00

I think this is a great idea, as its good to get "outside" the typical realm of conversation sometimes, but I think this also demonstrates another example of how RP might benefit from moving towards a more traditional Forum design with categories or tabs for different broad topics - "Customs and Courtesy" - "Military Technology" - etc.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 6:55 PM

2014-05-18T18:55:07-04:00

Here's a good one from SPC Aubrey A, check it out here: http://taskandpurpose.com/funniest-punishments-military-reddit/?utm_source=rallypoint

...and here's the original topic thread and discussion, enjoy: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-were-your-funniest-punishments-in-the-military

Here Are The Funniest Punishments Ever Handed Down In the Military, According To The Internet

A recent thread on Reddit asked “Military personnel of Reddit, what's the best/weirdest/funniest punishment you've seen handed down by a superior?”

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 7:40 PM

2014-05-18T19:40:18-04:00

If you haven't already heard about this story, it's a great example of the military coming together as a family:
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1102397

a truly great story that reminds us of the saying "nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care," and these Airmen undoubtedly exemplify the "how much you care." Simply awesome... enjoy!

Military "Goes Bald for Brayden"

Military member from all over the world are lining up to "Go Bald for Brayden". Brayden Mitchell, a 5 yo from Ohio was recently diagnosed with stage-3 Wilms Tumor, kidney cancer. Brayden's father Dave...

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 1:25 AM

2014-05-19T01:25:23-04:00

A great article from the RallyPoint Blog, read all about it here: http://blog.rallypoint.com/2014/05/what-mba-at-harvard-did-not-teach.html?utm_source=blog&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Post&utm_content=WHAT+THE+MBA+AT+HARVARD+DID+NOT+TEACH+A+VETERAN&utm_campaign=Blog+Posts&m=1

RallyPoint.com: WHAT THE MBA AT HARVARD DID NOT TEACH A VETERAN | RALLYPOINT.COM

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 5:20 AM

2014-05-25T05:20:44-04:00

A really cool concept, a footwear company founded by a former Ranger, which aims to bring about change through job creation in embattled regions... more information on the company and their mission, along with a great introductory video on the website:

http://www.combatflipflops.com/Our-Story

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 8:50 PM

2014-05-25T20:50:24-04:00

Here's a great video entitled "The Most Honest Three Minutes in Television History" provided courtesy of Cpl Dominic Fittizzi, check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGa57az2VqY

The original thread and discussion in progress here:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/number-one-change-america-needs-to-make

The Most Honest Three Minutes In Television History

http://www.collective-evolution.com A very honest 3 minutes on television that paint a serious and accurate picture of the current United States.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2014 9:17 AM

2014-05-26T09:17:52-04:00

President Obama and Brad Paisley made a surprise trip to visit the troops at Bagram yesterday. They thanked the troops for their service in a Memorial Day tribute. I think that's pretty cool! I'm a fan of Brad Paisley's.

On a side note, the article says that the number of service members remaining in Afghanistan is down to 32,000.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2014/05/25/obama-afghanistan-memorial-day-visit/9568209/

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2014 6:57 PM

2014-05-29T18:57:56-04:00

In order to promote maximum discussion on this and related subjects, here are just a few threads that you'll want to check-out; thank you for all that you do, and... best wishes for continued success!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 6:08 PM

2014-05-31T18:08:07-04:00

A great story, just had to share this one, you'll see why... check it out here: http://www.viralnova.com/mothers-grief-changes-world/

This Woman Lost Her Military Son In War. What She Did With His Uniform Will Move You To Tears.

That's amazing. Really, I can't help but smile.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 10:29 PM

2014-06-27T22:29:44-04:00

Actress Amy Adams gave up her 1st class seat to a Soldier. That's pretty cool!

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/06/27/amy-adams-gives-first-class-airline-seat-to-soldier-sits-in-coach-passenger/

Amy Adams gives first-class airline seat to soldier, sits in coach, passenger says

According to ESPN host Jemele Hill, Adams gave up her first-class seat on a flight so an American solider could sit in the classy cabin.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 10:53 PM

2014-08-12T22:53:45-04:00

Hey RP'ers, Here's a great promotion and excellent opportunity to share your RallyPoint success story; I'm sure that there's many of us out there that have a great story to tell, so check out the contest link below for all the details... good luck, and best wishes for continued success!

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/rallypoint-member-video-contest?utm_source=blog&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Post&utm_content=RallyPoint%20Member%20Video%20Contest&utm_campaign=Blog%20Posts

RallyPoint Member Video Contest | RallyPoint

We want to hear your RallyPoint story! Read the contest guidelines here (http://rly.pt/video-contest-rules) and submit a link to your video in the discussion comments for the running of a $500 cash prize and the chance to be featured on the RallyPoint website! The contest starts now, and we’re taking submissions until September 12th. It’s up to you to pick the top five videos, so vote up your favorites. Keep in mind that the sooner you submit...

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 2:16 PM

2014-09-06T14:16:05-04:00

If you haven't already seen this one, it's worth taking a moment to listen to these two very talented Soldiers: http://www.military.com/video/forces/army/soldiers-song-proud-of-who-i-am-goes-viral/ [login to see] 001/

Soldiers' Song 'Proud of Who I Am' Goes Viral

A pair of soldiers have started a country music band in Fort Eustis, Virginia. Patten and Goff posted their new song "Proud of Who I Am" on Facebook and the music video already has garnered more than 30,000 shares. The video is being shared around the world and could become a popular military anthem for our troops. Check them out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJc3UohUrRQLjsNGHnR550g

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 12:12 AM

2014-09-11T00:12:53-04:00

A great article from recruiter.com on why veterans make great recruiters, read all about it here: https://www.recruiter.com/i/4-reasons-veterans-make-great-recruiters/

4 Reasons Veterans Make Great Recruiters

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Gulf War-era II veterans – those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces any time since...

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-03-01T15:42:02-05:00

Amazing story and video, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7tyT4glkvBs

The Concert for Valor: STEVEN SPIELBERG / Cmdr. BILL KRISSOFF

Subscribe to the HBO YouTube: http://itsh.bo/10qIqsj Executive Producers: Gary Goetzman Mark Herzog Watch The Concert For Valor on HBO GO: http://itsh.bo/1yk...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 28 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-05-28T13:14:04-04:00

More people need to read about Carl Von Clausewitz Trinity. It will give you a lot of perspective on wars.