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Here's the deal. I did a search for the top influencers and LTC is pretty much where it ends. There are a notable few COL's and CSM's I've seen on here expressing their thoughts and sharing their experience and wisdom with the fellows here on RP. There are a host of 1 Star and 2 Star officers which dwindles down to nothing at the 4 star level. Obviously there are less of them and given that their time is usually caught up in other things, but will any of you stop posting when you get up in rank? I don't plan on it, but hell...I could have reached the xenith of my leadership potential as a platoon leader. Is the discussion too open here? Is RP not mainstream enough? What a great community to message to. Hmm.
Posted in these groups: 
RallyPoint
RallyPoint
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 14
This is a great question. We've seen a lot more senior enlisted engage with the community on here then senior officers. There are many CSMs on the platform at the Battalion and Brigade level and above. We even have the CSM of the entire Army Reserve engage with the community from time to time.
My only guess is that there may be a JAG in the ear of senior officers always telling them about the dangers of social media, or maybe this comes in O-6 and above training. It seems like they have a lot to lose? It's unfortunate if that is the case, but I also believe that as RallyPoint becomes even more mainstream (it's only two years old), we will see a lot of activity from senior officers, including dedicated "Q&A" periods where they will be online at pre-announced times answering questions, contributing to the Command Post, etc.
My only guess is that there may be a JAG in the ear of senior officers always telling them about the dangers of social media, or maybe this comes in O-6 and above training. It seems like they have a lot to lose? It's unfortunate if that is the case, but I also believe that as RallyPoint becomes even more mainstream (it's only two years old), we will see a lot of activity from senior officers, including dedicated "Q&A" periods where they will be online at pre-announced times answering questions, contributing to the Command Post, etc.
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COL (Join to see)
It's good to see the Q&A on here. I'd like to see more current Army and ASCC level leaders coming to the plate to engage the community.
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CSM Carl Cunningham
LTC Yinon Weiss , I would say that you are on point in reference to a JAG telling senior officers and CSM's (GO level) to be aware. They are the true representatives of the Army, especially since they are the leaders that have frequent contact with Congress. If they were to get on RallyPoint and make a statement, despite it being an opinion or not, it could be used against them. They deal with too many strategic level issues to get on RallyPoint and ruin their progress with a statement that Congress or DoD leaders could use against them. While RallyPoint would be a great venue for effective Strategic Communication, I do not expect them to get on here and answer some of the regular questions I see on here.
I do expect the Organizational (BDE and BN) officers and CSM/SGM's to get on RP to help mentor and "translate, then transmit" the strategic vision of the senior leaders to younger Soldiers. We should also be the ones to answers the day-to-day questions and issues that Soldiers bring up on here. We are the leaders that still have daily contact with Soldiers. We are not echelons above reality. Now, I am not saying our strategic leaders are clueless, they only get to see the worst issues in the Army. They do not deal with the daily leadership issues of the organizational level.
Bottom line: I highly doubt you will see any nominative level leaders speaking out on RP.
I do expect the Organizational (BDE and BN) officers and CSM/SGM's to get on RP to help mentor and "translate, then transmit" the strategic vision of the senior leaders to younger Soldiers. We should also be the ones to answers the day-to-day questions and issues that Soldiers bring up on here. We are the leaders that still have daily contact with Soldiers. We are not echelons above reality. Now, I am not saying our strategic leaders are clueless, they only get to see the worst issues in the Army. They do not deal with the daily leadership issues of the organizational level.
Bottom line: I highly doubt you will see any nominative level leaders speaking out on RP.
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At some point you have to transition away from the military community and into the civilian side. As a GO, your profession is dependent less on the interaction with the troops and more with politicians and contractors.
As influencers, they provide the wisdom through other means such as linkedIn and professional publications. One advantage is they don't find themselves wallowing in the mud over divisive, yet minor topics like politics or religion.
As influencers, they provide the wisdom through other means such as linkedIn and professional publications. One advantage is they don't find themselves wallowing in the mud over divisive, yet minor topics like politics or religion.
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COL (Join to see)
True, I guess. I just wonder at the amount of good that could come from senior leaders actually voicing opinions that aren't counter to the good order and discipline of the military. If you're a leader, people should know what you stand for...and not just the party line...what you really believe in.
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CW2 Joseph Evans
COL (Join to see) We do know what they stand for. Most are published. They've created, written documents. Most of their writings are considered professional development. LinkedIn, Redleg Quarterly, MI Professionals, Army leadership... You want to know what a leader thinks, its out there. General Odierno has a blog... http://armylive.dodlive.mil/index.php/category/general-raymond-ray-odierno/
As far as the party line... well, they were appointed to create the party line...
As far as the party line... well, they were appointed to create the party line...
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COL (Join to see)
Indeed. As a mind-wiped Jedi from the SAMS school...trust me...I know messaging. That's not what I'm talking about. It's focused. It all is. Nothing in there is off-message or relatively little of it. He actually does do a great job when there are live events and he fields questions. When he spoke at the Command prep-course at Leavenworth, it was obviously all on message, but I can't get a great read of him...or other senior leaders who I don't have lasting contact with. In person he's a great General. Sat next to him and talked with him about a plan and briefed him on a number of them personally. That was a formal setting though with many other GO's around. I just think this forum is more...open and questioning. It's just a good forum that's all. Don't see many using it.
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Any Cav leader that uses terms like "Cavtastic" is far from reaching his peak.
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COL (Join to see)
I've been known to throw around the term "cavgasmic" as well...but that's when things are going very well.
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Suspended Profile
If you ain't Cav....
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