What's your honest opinion of RallyPoint?

SFC Collin McMillion — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 07:08:44 -0500

I am asking just to find out how others feel about this site. I know to me it has really, with few exceptions, been a great place to be. Here has teally helped me, weather just reading what others say and feel. or being able to have some little input myself. To me just to have a place to speak with others that I understand and to know they understand me is a blessing. civilians, for the most part, either don't understand us or even know what we are talking about. I just wanted to take a minute to thank you guys for being here for me. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Mar 7 at 2015 7:10 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 07:10:19 -0500

With the exception of the occasional rise of the right wing echo chamber, it's pretty good.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Mar 7 at 2015 7:27 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 07:27:25 -0500

RallyPoint is an excellent forum for our military and veteran community. Sure, there are some irrelevant topics and occasionally an inappropriate response. But overall the camaraderie, the access, and the collaboration among our community is outstanding!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 1:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:35:07 -0500

I signed up in 2012 and fund the best features to be those related to units and locations across the military.
Since "Answers" was created I have found some threads to be useful and others to be not worth my time. I have asked my own questions and received some good feedback.
At the end of the day, I use it, but am not dependent on it.

Thanks RP for a military focused Social Media site!

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Mar 7 at 2015 2:00 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 14:00:42 -0500

I miss being part of a team where success and failure is a direct result of the individual contributions and the trust of the man next to you. Although I know those times are gone forever, on this site I'm communicating with men and women who understand that level of teamwork.

My service was long ago, during a very safe global situation and I was under very little personal risk. A lot of the topics are so far outside of my experiences that I just can't relate, but I try to learn something from all of them.

I am one of those "irrelevant topic" guys. I admit it. But it's my way of staying connected, and if I can add some value, humor or knowledge that helps even ONE of those heroes in need of support, I'll continue posting, commenting and responding.

RP is my venue to regain / restore some of that lost camaraderie, and I appreciate being part of it.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 7 at 2015 2:11 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 14:11:26 -0500

I kind of like it, unfortunately they don't believe in freedom of speech or expression and there's just way too much political correctness can't say what you really want to say. butabout 90 percent of my right Wing conservative friends are on here

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 7 at 2015 2:25 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 14:25:28 -0500

It's Facebook and Yahoo! Answers for the military, but it is quite useful in its own right.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 2:27 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 14:27:07 -0500

I have drawn down my participation because of other interests more pressing right now. That said, I like the leadership overall and think it has done a good job helping out people with employment, charitable functions, etc.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 7 at 2015 2:32 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 14:32:13 -0500

It is a mixture of entertainment and occasionally a chance to help an active or retired service member with a tidbit of knowledge locked away in a clutter of useless information.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 7 at 2015 6:33 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 18:33:10 -0500

RallyPoint has been a wonderful addition to my daily routine. After I woke from a coma I became out of touch with everyone and my identity as a soldier. RP gives me the ability to communicate with others that have the same thoughts, goals, ambitions, and morals as myself. I learn a lot here and connect with a lot of high speed SM's. I'm very thankful that RP is here.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 9:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 21:19:17 -0500

I was really interested in Rallypoint when I first started and thought it was a good sounding board for military orientated individuals but I have to say honestly that over time I have seen it spiral in a direction I consider bad.

I have noticed as several other people have that like any site there are trolls here. Individuals who aren't actually partaking in a conversation but trying to derail it. Like individuals trying to intimidate others by their rank when they do not like your answer (happened to me..note.."trying" to intimidate). Or others that just talk negatively about other generations which is something that happens all the time especially with competitive military folk.

So despite my problems being ones we always have on the internet..I think Rallypoint is somewhere I will continue to visit for the time being.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 7 at 2015 11:29 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 23:29:26 -0500

meh.......lol.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 8 at 2015 8:10 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 08:10:27 -0400

I believe RallyPoint is an excellent resource for current service members to ask the "wealth" bank of other service members and veterans. Are there some pitfalls yes are they handled yes. Could the system be improve yes does improvements cost money probably. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and stories with past, present, and future service members and I have learned a few things along my way on RallyPoint. I hope that others have learned from my comments as well.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 8 at 2015 8:55 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 08:55:57 -0400

I enjoy Rally Point, I only wish I would have known about it earlier. I didn't find it until a couple months ago when stuff from here started popping up on my Facebook feed.

I enjoy having a place to go that is all military(at least verified members are). Get a lot better opinions and discussions here than on any other forum I have been on.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 9:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 09:11:17 -0400

I signed up for rp a year or so ago and didn't ever use it. I found it a little overwhelming to get into. I've started using it this last week and, while I'm still somewhat icon the fence with portions of it, I have found it both useful and informational as I'm looking to transition to a new unit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 9:23 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 09:23:27 -0400

I agree with you, with the very rare exception I enjoy the discussion of topics on here between different branches and ranks/grades within those branches of service.

Response by PO3 Amanda Crippes (Powell) made Mar 8 at 2015 9:37 AM

PO3 Amanda Crippes (Powell) — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 09:37:31 -0400

Love the idea and website. Mobile site and app are very in-user friendly and glitchy. Hoping to see improvements in the future as that is the main way I browse all the great content.

Response by SSG David Shifflett made Mar 8 at 2015 9:40 AM

SSG David Shifflett — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 09:40:16 -0400

Ditto brother! It hard to find a brother or sister to talk too. Like being exposed and no cover. No one having your 6 or there when you need that back up. Thanks to everyone. We find solidarity in numbers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 10:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 10:35:45 -0400

It has been a great tool to comment on relevant issues and for me, to provide opinion and mentor-type advice. Those of us long in the tooth know that even when we espouse advice or our opinion, we learn in the process -- we are made to think, reflect, analyze and then offer something that we hope is of value.

The respondents on RP seem more professional and there is a decent filter on the usual political/partisan/pop culture stuff that overwhelms other social media sites.

There have been some threads lately where the posts/replies have been from the hip and that is not as productive to the long-term viability/utility of the site. But overall, I think RP has really emerged into something useful and helpful to the profession.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 11:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 11:43:46 -0400

Outstanding web site. It beats Facebook when it comes to information of a relevant nature (As if I care about Kim Kardashian or other Hollywood yuppies daily endeavors). Meeting others of all branches, ranks, generations (both past and present). I compare it to a giddy child at story time, when a person speaks of the past; rich histories of of the times (cultures, languages, ideologies) within this country's rank. This is the perfect medium to conduct a forum such as this. Awesome site. I'd download the app but I don't want to be COMPLETELY addicted! lol

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 8 at 2015 4:25 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:25:49 -0400

There have been quite a few responses to this guestion, I certain hope RP admin reads some of them. most of the pros and cons are the same, so just maybe we can get some input with admin anout changes we wish to be made in order to address the major issues and make improvements and increase the pro responses.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 8 at 2015 7:40 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 19:40:46 -0400

Not sure yet... I signed up, as it seemed like and interesting discussion place... But, I am still deciding. So far, so good.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 8 at 2015 10:06 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 22:06:42 -0400

I don't have an opinion, I have a fact. It's great.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 10:39 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 22:39:31 -0400

I have found some fantastic vies, changes in time and also the real need for this type of forum where our military people can discuss and hopefully learn with and from one another the many pro's and con's of public online discussion. It seems the dangers that await for many of us online, the ones that will troll, cross post and take out of context, add meaning and then even fall victim to made up facts that are so often simply a persons opinion presented as fact and then only reinforced by someone else that thinks it is cool just to jump on and so n and on.....

Once I retried it became very painfully evident how much the military active duty is duped, told only parts of issues, then even at that, most do not have time to research all the civilian ongoing crap, that which is active duty crap is much more pressing and that is not discussion, that is getting stuff done. The way information is presented to us while active duty is just a part of the con. Even our military leaders sell us out some of the time just to protect their own butt. Take a look at the amount of abusive leadership cases where leaders relieved due to loss of confidence both of upper and lower chain of command. The types of crimes from personal lack of integrity be it General Petraeus with his whoring around with highly classified information to Admirals and Generals taking kickbacks from civilian contractors. Theft from sandwiches for those that can not afford food at home to those who take govt. property and sell it for personal gain. The establishment of prostitution on certain duty stations to shipment of arms and cash overseas. Just take a look, read the archives, it is all there.
We need to learn to look out for one another, really have each others backs. I may rant of some of the negative comments and the misplaced loyalty to those that do not even have all the truth and are not willing to take the time for reading, then pass along that wrong information making the problem even worse. That is also part of learning. We say that we have each others backs, we are a family. That also means helping each other learn about this world of online.
There are troops that even may show up here, pate their wrong information only to pull at the emotions and heart strings and then move on. Those are the kinds it is important even with a site like this which tries to screen the trolls that hide in the dark. Some still get through. Then it is the rest of us that can help to check, make sure that if something is presented as a fact, to the best we can research, it is just that, a fact.
From loan sharks to used car sales there will people out there to try and manipulate, use, abuse and then walk away laughing at the military lay in their wake of destruction. At least we can take the time to say, we take care of our own and then actually do something to help make that a reality.
RallyPoint, you are a sound footing for people to share questions, thoughts, perceptions and suggestions with one another in a supportive environment. Then on top of all that, you take the time ensuring that the best possible of all outcomes, military helping military. That is a full time job for the many of you it takes to keep this site safe and filled with quality information.
There is my rant for tonight. LOL

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 10:46 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 10:46:02 -0400

I like that it isn't like the reasons why I left FB and that it's just for us GI folks. Let's keep it that way. Hooah?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 12:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:34:58 -0400

hope to find some of my old army buddies and I like to be with other veterans an American patriots

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 11 at 2015 12:46 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:46:10 -0400

For me it's great. Living where there are no other vets to talk with or converse with service members, I find this fills a need I've had. In someway, sometimes I think my thoughts and ideas actually help someone. I don't know if they do, but it's there for the reading. I'm also glad to see the other service member on here. I get a chance to learn somethings from them as well(like how to deploy a hotel and five star eating joint from the Air Force). It's great, I'm spending too much time here.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Mar 11 at 2015 3:03 PM

SMSgt Bryan Raines — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 15:03:12 -0400

Absolutely love Rally Point! I miss being around the military. Yes there are jerks in the military as well as the civilian world, but they're our jerks and we can deal with them. I love the interaction on the site and have came across several topics relevant to me as a retired veteran. Also have been able to reconnect with a couple of folks I knew when i was in.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 12:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:53:21 -0400

I really like this... I love being able to interact with other service members and Veterans openly... FB though is nice to keep in touch with people it isn't the same... I really learn a lot from here... It is a good place to get useful advice and talk about some of the things that effect service members without the worry if perception of the general public..

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 13 at 2015 2:19 AM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 02:19:22 -0400

Way to man up there cpo whatever.....giggles....Give you honest truth and you want something else....let me guess......you still with hands up crowd :)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:27 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 11:27:57 -0400

a great way to find old friends and keep in touch with what's going on you always learn new things everyday

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made May 5 at 2016 1:31 PM

SGT Chris Birkinbine — Thu, 05 May 2016 13:31:31 -0400

I greatly enjoyed it when it came out. I was very quick to meet all the milestones on community engagement, and was one of the first rounds of 1 star admins. Not for any reason other than I just enjoyed being on here with my fellow veterans. I find that like most social media, they desire to add new things, expand not only in functionality but as a profitable business has lead to some decisions that I feel are probably profitable, but of not benefit and sometimes at a detriment to the community.

I will say that it has one of the most active and responsive support groups, something I have always appreciated.

Response by MSgt Robert E. M. made Oct 22 at 2022 9:46 PM

MSgt Robert E. M. — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 21:46:14 -0400

RallyPoint has put me closer to others, nothing like the many other militaries or veteran
groups I am a member of like "Make the Connection" and many others. Although I have made a few RallyPoint No-No's mistakes, they never band me from saying what was on my mind. I just got to follow the rules. So me being me, please forgive me, my brothers and sisters, for loving our Team of many from all kinds of walks of life, where we all are one, and putting our officers or enlisted ranks aside with respect for one another. RallyPoint you'll "ROCK". Keep up the job well done.