Why is the "military only" aspect on RallyPoint so important to you?

RallyPoint Team — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:54:08 -0400

"RallyPoint is more of a personal connection because the people that you're interacting with have a similar background. They think pretty much the way that you think. No matter what branch they're from, being a military member, they have the same perspective." Army SPC Shelby Thundercloud

We understand the importance of staying connected with the military community, and we truly appreciate you choosing RallyPoint to do so!

Hear from fellow Service Members and Veterans in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ-qwIZqd_Y

RallyPoint: A Military Only Community

RallyPoint is an online community for U.S. Service Members and Veterans. Hear Service Members and Veterans share why they support RallyPoint and why they enj...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 2:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:49:40 -0400

I love that it is military only. Whether retired, other services, short time spent in or still active I can get answers with actual experience behind them and an understand of how the military works. I hate talking to folks that have never served about an obstacle I'm having and they go off on some tangent that makes no sense because they have no idea. Or....them telling me based on their vast experience of none, why the military is such a horrid thing.

Response by SPC Russell Carbaugh made Oct 9 at 2014 6:51 PM

SPC Russell Carbaugh — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:51:06 -0400

its nice to have a spot where we all can go and state whats wrong and maybe get some anwsers that know one else can give us

Response by SPC Russell Carbaugh made Oct 9 at 2014 6:49 PM

SPC Russell Carbaugh — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:49:50 -0400

its nice to have a spot where we all can go and state whats wrong and maybe get some anwsers that know one else can give us

Response by PO2 Michael Berry made Oct 9 at 2014 7:40 PM

PO2 Michael Berry — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 19:40:26 -0400

I think this is the best military networking/blog site. It is the only one that I have found that I connected to the members and the discussions right away. I stay very busy but can't wait to log back on and chat with fellow military members who being military generally think along the same lines as I do.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 10:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:05:09 -0400

I can gain insight from like minds and in some case, open minds. In the military its just like any career.... Networking is a must. Other members might know something and vice versa.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 9 at 2014 10:18 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:18:12 -0400

I am more "myself" around my brothers and sisters than I am anywhere else. I don't have to sugar coat anything.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 10 at 2014 12:33 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:33:32 -0400

Because some people just can never understand because they didn't serve. Not saying we are better or worse..okay I do think we are better...but they just do not get what we are discussing.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:05 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 01:05:48 -0400

It's easier to talk to people who have mostly similar experiences. While we have not all experienced the same things in our military careers, we have a mutual understanding of what everything that the others have gone through. When I am speaking with my college friends they have no idea what I'm talking about, if I start using acronyms, that seem to me that they should be used in everyday conversation. As others have said, it is much easier to be myself here, and to tell things that have affected me in the military and my personal life, without being judged. Also getting advice from people who have been there and done it, is something that you wouldn't be able to get on the other side.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 01:37:13 -0400

I was recently honorably discharged from the active duty Army and am currently in my transition phase. Since my ETS I started going to GCU to pursue my bachelors degree in psychology. I belong to numerous veterans organizations, because being around my fellow vets (brother and sisters) I realize, we are all we have. In the civilian world everyone is out for themselves, there is no camaraderie. This is a network for us. No matter what branch of service or grade we are all brothers and sisters. We are the 1% of our nation that answered the call to defend our nation no matter what our job description is. So brothers and sisters let's keep this network for just us service members both retired and still serving. God bless America and those who have and are serving.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 10 at 2014 3:41 AM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 03:41:52 -0400

For me I find the military only aspect the most important aspect of rally point because it gives you a sense of security. There are things that I've only shared on here that I would never share on any other site and things that I haven't even shared with my family. So much easier to talk to somebody about your military experiences without having to explain to them the military.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Oct 10 at 2014 8:02 AM

LTC Hillary Luton — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:02:32 -0400

I think for me its more a matter of connecting will fellow service members. We have a common interest that ties us all. It doesn't matter if we have different opinions about subjects or issues, but the fact that we have something in common that we can all relate too.

I use FaceBook to connect with HS friends that I lost touch with, and its fine for some of the stupid stuff, but to be honest, I get really sick of the stupid stuff. I guess I feel like there is a higher level of intelligence on RP........ok, most of the time. :-) And I like discussing issues that are important to service members.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Oct 10 at 2014 8:08 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:08:29 -0400

I remember joining Facebook back when it first started and it was only for college students. I watched it open up to everyone else and its made the system into something messy and "required" for people these days.

Rallypoint came in with the mission of being military only, and it has stuck to that, and I hope it continues to stick to that. Its a great place to speak to others about your experiences and be open and have an understanding about a common experience or interest while you either maintain a holding pattern on the day to day or you are looking to advance in life. Rallypoint is a great source of knowledge from like minded people.

Response by 1SG Pete Marcell made Oct 10 at 2014 8:20 AM

1SG Pete Marcell — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:20:28 -0400

It's nice to connect with new people and find old friends but honestly time will tell is if this becomes the Military LinkedIn. Civilian recruiters don't target this site, they scrape the other job broads.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 8:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:59:49 -0400

For those of us who attend religious services regularly, I would equate being apart of this, the RP Family to that of being apart of your "Church Family".

Having like-minded folks to interact with, pick you up, engage you in meaningful conversation, and help you grow as a person and professional is invaluable.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 9:59 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 09:59:20 -0400

I love the fact that I am learning about personalized experiences from SMs and vets from other branches. Not too many of get a chance to do that.
Additionally, there are SMs on here with huge amounts of experience and knowledge. I can ask questions. On duty, I don't get many opportunities to solicit feedback from the higher-ups. And most certainly am rarely asked.
As a SPC, we are generally taken for granted. Many in leadership assume we have very little experience to contribute to a discussion or work-related issue.
Besides, even if most of us, regardless of rank discuss something face-to-face, we would be stumbling all over each other. At least on here, there is someone a flow, as everyone "waits their turn".
I learn a lot on RP. Much of it I will integrate later on in what's left of my career. I love to read others' contributions and am sometimes amazed, often entertained, and always appreciative.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 10 at 2014 11:38 AM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:38:55 -0400

I feel at home here.

Response by SSG Kelly Ferguson made Oct 10 at 2014 11:53 AM

SSG Kelly Ferguson — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:53:47 -0400

To have someone to relate to

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 12:06 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:06:16 -0400

I believe Rally Point just brings us closer as brothers and sisters. It also brings us closer learning about the experiences of each branch. And how the cohesiveness works to bring the military together as a whole. The military affects you as an individual, that civilians just do not understand. In the civilian culture when you talk about the military those that haven't served get bored. They always say "is that all you can talk about". And some times yes it is, because we need to talk about it. Many who are retired or have reached their EAS and not reenlisted really start to miss that connection. Rally Point fills that void.

It is also great to see the interaction of the younger junior troops. To get their opinions, ideas and knowledge on subjects and conversations. For many I believe it in powers them that they do matter in the whole scheme of things. That they do have something to contribute and that maybe an old dog can learn something.

Somebody said in a past post that Rally Point is very therapeutic and it is to many of us. Rally Point can sometimes help heal a mind just a little. And in some instances maybe even safe a life of a brother or sister.

So I for one am very thankful for the team here on Rally Point and what you have created. I am also very thankful for the family I have amassed here. So thank you to everyone for making this a great experience. My cover is off to all of you! God Bless!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 12:53 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:53:40 -0400

Sharing knowledge with like minded (for the most part) individuals. Reading all of the varying points of view, stories, ideas etc..

Best of all, the professionalism that exudes from this site is impressive. Much Respect!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:30 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:30:40 -0400

I really enjoy some of the questions that people put out there and reading a lot of different views on any one topic. Most of us will never meet in life and to still be able to read and enjoy others experience and stories is great! I like seeing the different perspectives from folks from various branches and ranks.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 10 at 2014 3:12 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 15:12:33 -0400

First, it is important as I know everyone here has served. There is a trust between service members that we share and others haven't earned.

Second, the sharing of ideas between Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve, Retired from all branches of the armed forces lends so many different perspectives. This allows for growth, change, and increase in intelligence.

Third, the knowledge that someone on here has experienced a smiliar event, emotion, response, and or outcome.

Finally, staying connected to the military which has been a part of my life for over 30 years.

Thank you all.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by 1LT John Melia made Oct 10 at 2014 3:29 PM

1LT John Melia — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 15:29:12 -0400

I have recruited military veterans for several years for oil and gas companies. I think the largest disconnect I have seen from my fellow veterans is lack of understanding of the profit motives of the hiring company. Unlike the military, you are not gonna get 30 days off a 96 hour pass after tough training cycles or NCO Call once a month. You are gonna get a career/job, a paycheck and maybe some benefits if you're lucky nowadays. Rest assured they will show you the door if you don't perform or if the company is not profitable even if you are a high performer.

Culture shock is quite prevalent and in my experience it often takes vets a year or two to decompress and get used to the culture of civilian employers. I have not only recruited hundreds of vets but have employed hundreds as well. I would say my experience is pretty consistent with what I've heard from other employers and business owners.

Last thing is to have some realistic expectations. Unless you have an immediately transferrable skill, you are probably going to need some industry specific training or to start in an entry level role. I would never trust my balance sheet to someone who has never seen one before. Additionally, I am often amazed at the lack of situational awareness of some of the vets I have hired. The F bomb and foul language doesn't work in a corporate environment and especially around female employees. It gives us all a bad rep when vets come on the job and think everyone talks like we did in the Grunts.

It can be a tough transition if you have one foot constantly in the past. Be proud of your service and sacrifice and use the skills you acquired to out perform your civilian colleagues. That's how we get the respect we deserve and more vets hired!!!

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Oct 10 at 2014 6:26 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:26:53 -0400

I will probably echo many of the responses so far, but RallyPoint provides a sense of ease when you ask or respond to questions or "talk" to folks. This is a military environment and for those us who have spent the vast majority of our lives serving our country, this platform provides me/us with a great place to share thoughts, provide guidance and support, and most importantly, open up to folks who possess shared experiences.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 10 at 2014 7:31 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 19:31:00 -0400

RallyPoint is great therapy for those of us that are having a hard time saying farewell to our military careers. It is safer than hanging out at the local veteran "watering holes" and someone is always online and ready to lend an ear. Even after decades of post-military life, it is nice to know that we can come here and talk to those who know where we are coming from.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 9:44 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 21:44:05 -0400

There is an invaluable amount of knowledge and breadth of experience from seniors and retirees that I as a young leader can learn from.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Oct 10 at 2014 10:02 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 22:02:17 -0400

i have to say the professionalism and just the fact that we as SM and veterans all have one common thing
we are all brothers

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Oct 10 at 2014 10:42 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 22:42:52 -0400

There is nothing new I can add that hasn't already been said. Except perhaps, thank you.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 11:48 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 23:48:00 -0400

idiom

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 12:58 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 00:58:14 -0400

I love the fact that there is a place to contact with other people that "understand". It does not mean that we all agree on everything, but we have all "been there and done that". It is nice to have a place to ask questions and get information and get honest answers. It nice that we have a place where we can speak our minds about those things military without a civilian mis-construing what is being said. It is great to get all the different points of views of the members of the various services.

Response by SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr made Oct 11 at 2014 7:05 AM

SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 07:05:14 -0400

Rally Point allows veterans and active duty military to discuss topics and get advice that otherwise would go unheard. This site allows veterans to stay connected and assists many with PTSD to cope with day to day challenges.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Oct 11 at 2014 10:14 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 10:14:14 -0400

RallyPoint is an effortless way of connecting with many who embrace the same thought processes, have endured the same trials and tribulations, have touched the same fear and foreboding, and worked through all of that to end up where you are today. None of us take the same path to get here yet every one of us have traveled those difficult roads in the process.

Staying connected with the military community can be a life line to someone who no longer actively serves and is living their 'veteran' life outside the military wire far away from the hustle and bustle of military interaction. A few have mentioned "therapy" as a kind embrace of what RallyPoint can be. When you scan the discussion threads you can oftentimes find several where fellow members reach out to an individual asking for help or guidance about a problem or issue they cannot solve. This community has shown the ability to not only meet that challenge but overcome it time and time again. Any member (vetted) is willing to step up and offer assistance to one who needs it. That character virtue is contained in every sailor, soldier, and marine who put on the uniform.

RallyPoint has created a space for that assistance to happen. It is unique, it is military, and those who have not served their country have a difficult time understanding what makes us that 'band of brothers.....'

Response by SGT Donald Howard made Oct 11 at 2014 11:44 AM

SGT Donald Howard — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 11:44:04 -0400

The military only aspect give people with similar background and mindset a place to discuss a multitude of topics pertaining to the military,national security and events that directly effect our forces.It also keeps out people and/or persons that hold animosity toward the armed forces for whatever reason and would have no other intention here other than be vitriolic and unobjective.

Response by SGT Aja Johnson made Oct 12 at 2014 2:08 AM

SGT Aja Johnson — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 02:08:49 -0400

Because you don't really have to explain anything to other Military members and the things you DO have to explain are usually things that cross over MOS and Branches. I like talking to other service members about things because we simply "get" each other. We have been through the same hardships and experiences for the most part and we are always learning from one another in things that we can't learn from a civilian. I love it!

Response by MSG Sommer Brown made Oct 12 at 2014 11:36 AM

MSG Sommer Brown — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 11:36:06 -0400

Some level of Security, Understanding, Empathy, Similarities, and Family.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 12 at 2014 9:00 PM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 21:00:34 -0400

So we don't have to put up with idiots like "CSM Howard Loomis"...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 13 at 2014 7:47 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 07:47:58 -0400

I spend my days surrounded by people who don't, "get it", have not served and can't relate. RP is like a home away from home where I can reconnect and make friends with fellow SMs who've, "been there and done that".

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 8:48 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:48:55 -0400

I was thinking about this on the way to work today, and it struck me why the military flavor of RallyPoint is so important to me. When I retired, that was the end of CW5 Montgomery (active duty). I became CW5 (Ret) Montgomery. Kind of a drop in "status." Not that I'm all that in to status, but it definitely was a change. Now, here I am, still retired, but I get to interact with active duty personnel and retirees, and I am again (at least closer to) CW5 Montgomery.

I recognize that's a bit of a convoluted explanation. Also, as I think I posted before, RallyPoint is the virtual equivalent of a place where retirees hang out and reminisce, discuss current events, BS. It provides that venue for retirees to stay connected, even if it is "just" online, and that "place" is important.

Response by PO1 John Y. made Oct 14 at 2014 11:10 AM

PO1 John Y. — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 11:10:15 -0400

Because, especially now that I am retired from the military, I can get all the non-military/civilian crap I want from the civilians who surround me. RP is one of the few places I can go where most of the members can relate to my viewpoint. We may not always agree, but at least my brothers- and sisters-in arms understand where I'm coming from. Plus, it is one of the only places I can give or get a dig on another vet or service member because of their branch or specialty and not worry about someone reporting me to HR.

Response by SPC Timothy Cox made Oct 15 at 2014 10:08 AM

SPC Timothy Cox — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 10:08:47 -0400

I agree with many of the comments, security is the main, due to fact we tend to operate with a condition red mindset, based on my experience, this is often misunderstood by civilians as being irrational or some other mental deviance and labels are quickly placed. What they don't see is when something unthinkable happens and everyone else is running the other way, it is when we run to the area to help often referred to as the helpers.

Response by SSG John Erny made Oct 15 at 2014 10:23 AM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 10:23:30 -0400

We are part of special group that others do not understand, even our family members who have not served do not understand our culture. Here AT RP veterans, officers, NCO's and enlisted can chime in on topics or just BS. That is awful hard to do in garrison with out loosing you military bearing.

The only time when I was on active duty that I talked to a senior leader in an informal manner was when the CSM would come to the Air Items ware house to get away from the brass, he did it several times a month. He was about ready to retire and would talk about what he was going to do.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Oct 28 at 2014 9:31 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 09:31:06 -0400

If I wanted to hear the opinions of civilians on things, I'd go to Facebook or any other social media platform. I have a lot of military members on my Facebook page but inevitably when we start talking about war, some civilian comes waltzing in -- as is their right on my page -- and chimes in with their probably well-meaning opinion.

Rallypoint presents a "home" where veterans and service members can talk about topics, most of them seemingly military-centric, without having to stop and explain every single little acronym or bit of jargon. It presents a place where I can say "Jodie got your girl/guy" and everyone automatically knows what I mean, I don't have to add a paragraph of explanations.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 11:18 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 11:18:11 -0500

"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion." — Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army

I am obviously biased in this aspect, but I whole heartedly believe that something similar could be said of all of our services. Through my interactions with other service members at work and through rally point, I get some semblance of an understanding of the ins and outs and way of life of the other services. But I feel like those individuals who have not signed the same dotted line as us can't understand us and the way we think. And frankly, I feel like this is the one portal online where I can express an opinion and not worry about pissing someone off with the Political Correctness BS. Yes I've had debates and differences of opinion here, but no one has ever said to me "You can't say that because it offends me". That mentality doesn't exist in the military, we have no room and no need for it. And even if it ever rears it's ugly head at work, we have enough salty old vets here to ensure it doesn't hit RPs shores for many years to come.

Response by SSgt Henry Phillips made Nov 26 at 2014 3:30 PM

SSgt Henry Phillips — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 15:30:46 -0500

The reason the military aspect is near and dear to me is for a couple of reasons. The first is because I belong to this unique demographic. The second is because I feel we have a better understanding of what it means to be a citizen of a nation, to herald that call of duty and have a strong desire to better our community. I enjoy having a forum and community to participate in with like-minded people.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Dec 19 at 2014 12:42 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 00:42:15 -0500

The thing I like about Rallypoint is that it hasn't been taken over by commercial interests. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with commercialization in general, and I don't mind looking at some appropriate advertisements, but sometimes commercial interests can take over entire organizations.

My Father-in-law (now deceased) fought in WW II, Korea and Vietnam with the Army Air Corps, and the U.S. Air Force. As an World War II Army Aviator (he was a door gunner in WW II) he was a member of the "Old Crow Society". Of course this is an organization that included a great number of career military personnel, but ultimately was self limiting in it's charter as the membership became older. My Father in law served 29 years in the military and flew in B-52's over Hanoi, flew reconnaissance over the Soviet Union in the 1950's and 1960's (mapping most of Siberia), Worked at the Pentagon acquiring and developing aerial reconnaissance systems.

The reason I tell you about this is that he told me about how the Society of Old Crows changed over the years. The Aerial (later satellite) reconnaissance business meant big bucks, and was soon taken over by it's customers. First, in the form of sponsoring conventions, and a newsletter, later by having the bylaws changed to allow "associate members" (defense contractors) Before they knew it, the entire organization was being run by the contractors instead of by the membership, and conferences became more about selling new equipment and systems than about the men and women who were our WW II Aviators. http://crows.org/

This is why it is important to keep Rallypoint a military only forum. The industrial complex associated with the Military is enormous, and has profit as it's motive. Again, I have nothing against profit, I think profits are great, but don't belong in any influential form, in a forum designed to discuss matters of military importance on a personal level.

Association of Old Crows (AOC) | Electronic Warfare | Information Operations

For the EW community, this presentation offers fundamental principles to guide a coordinated, coherent approach to our profession.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 1:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 01:16:53 -0500

No matter what differences we may have, there is most always certain commonalities in experiences, language, & points of view than can be shared. There is a bond shared in few other places as there is in the military.

I've also found that a brother or sister I may have known only a short time in service has been more willing to come to aid or act like family than some very long-time civilian friends I have.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 3:59 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 15:59:21 -0500

My military experience spans almost 3 decades and 18 years of service...so far. I am a part of the military caste system.

I have often feel like an outcast in the civilian world...I do not belong. I have had some difficulty transitioning from active duty...enlisting in the Army Guard aided me in my transition.

I took a 6 year hiatus, to finish my education....however, I will be a life-long learner.

My own wife has told me I am 'too military', not as in Drill Instructor kind of way, but the fascination with militaria, tattoos, etc, etc...to a point that she has deleted me from her FB account.

This is my military social networking site. Since I have arrived, I have contributed and feel part of the family.

This is my military family.

Rally Point has helped with my transition. This is my therapy. This is family in so many more ways than my biological family.

The military life changes you...sometimes and hopefully for the better. With that comes experiences and demons that no one else will ever have to experience, other than your brother or sister in uniform. We at Rally Point have an inextricable bond.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 26 at 2014 12:18 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 00:18:58 -0500

A few of my coworkers say that RP is nothing more than a social media site and they want nothing to do with it. One coworker stated anyone can look at your profile and wreck havoc on your profile information.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 2:59 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:59:49 -0500

There are civilian supporters on RP, it isn't just military.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 27 at 2014 3:39 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:39:43 -0500

I enjoy congregating with other military members. There are some things that civilians do not understand about military members and veterans. Sometimes they misjudge and adopt misconceptions without asking or investigating however, some military members do the same also.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Mar 13 at 2015 7:58 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 19:58:07 -0400

Other SMS are the only ones that understand the B/S. Every day " the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, the sad, funny!

Response by Col Paul Schubert made Mar 18 at 2015 11:35 AM

Col Paul Schubert — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 11:35:30 -0400

Trust. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 30 at 2015 4:20 PM

SPC Donald Tribble — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:20:37 -0400

Part of what I do is working with Veterans who have PTSD/TBI. This forum allows me to keep abreast of what's current in the military and helps me in relating to the Veterans we are helping and it's also nice to hangout here. Reminds me of the comradery back when I was in.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 5 at 2015 8:57 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 20:57:33 -0400

The shared experiences and camaraderie