Would you like to see a RallyPoint like website for veterans, active and retired that is not for professional development?

Cpl Brett Wagner — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:53:25 -0500

So it was explained to me by a RP administrator that RP is meant for serious professional military development. He also pointed out that because the military I served in was nothing like today's therefore my experience is irrelevant. As RP members we are only supposed to be discussing things like regulations, how to get promoted etc. Please don't tell me facebook provides what I am talking about. It doesn't.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 10:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:05:32 -0500

I think an RP for purely social purposes would be great. I think if someone can get professional advice on RP then great, but it’s a shame some want to limit this site to that. I work a pretty slow 3rd shift job. I come here to pass the time and discuss serious and light topics with fellow SMs past and present. Maybe even run into an old time friend I’ve served with.

I really don’t understand why vets and retirees are allowed to be members here if their service is irrelevant. My guess is one administrator has his own idea what he wants this site limited to.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 10:14 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:14:23 -0500

Wow they seriously said that to you? WTF are they thinking? I think without some of us kick ass vets, this site would be pretty f-ing boring!
F-it! If it comes to that, I'll develop the damn site myself!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 2 at 2014 10:27 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:27:08 -0500

I have no idea who you were talking to, brother. They gave you some serious bad intel. Seriously bad.

Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Dec 2 at 2014 10:29 PM

SFC Melker Johansson — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:29:52 -0500

Yes, definitely. I have no use for a professional development website, but I can always appreciate an interesting debate about some hot topic subject. It would be a mistake to make RP into something strictly for professional development as it would quickly die out.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 2 at 2014 10:35 PM

SSG Tim Everett — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:35:08 -0500

From https://www.rallypoint.com/about-us

"RallyPoint connects its members and gives them the best tools possible to succeed both while in the military, and beyond."

The last two words are telling: "and beyond". Oh, that and the whole bit about best tools to succeed whilst serving (and beyond), which indicates to me that we're not here solely to talk about regulations and how to get promoted. And just stating the obvious here... as a veteran and PFC (Private Freaking Civilian) I have no need for regs, advice on how to get promoted unless it's to SPC (Super Private Civilian), etc.

About RallyPoint - The Professional Military Network

RallyPoint is a professional military network that was founded to help make military life better. RallyPoint connects service members and veterans, giving them the best tools possible to succeed both while in the military, and beyond.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 10:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:36:49 -0500

If that is their intent, they are doing a suck-ass job of implementing it. This certainly feels like a Facebook-type social media site for people with a military background, which is pretty f+<&!ng awesome. I doubt the person who told you that had correct intell. No way that is what this site is for.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 10:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:42:26 -0500

Let me be candid here. This site has people at different points in their lives. Anyone asserting otherwise has a chip on their shoulder. Some have serious medical conditions and RP is just that, a RallyPoint. In effect, a place where all members are treated with dignity and respect. Telling someone that they are old school and this is the new military, please take that and put that where it does not cause harm to a fellow brother or sister.

The reason I do NOT downvote, is because I respect the lives and commitments of all the members, who actually contribute to the site and make it uniquely beneficial to all current and former members. Little attitudes by leaders is especially offensive, because it is not a true democracy in the sense that there are no limits. But seeing as we are adults, then we should act that way and have each other's backs.

I have seen this time and again, where these little fires erupt. Usually a perception of values. I get that SMs are under a lot of pressure right now and what they say can definitely hurt them. So in regard to those who opine freely, I could see where that makes those very uncomfortable.

There are different platforms here where members can have their own little fiefdom and that is the beauty of this site. And I for one could really care less if someone likes me or not or asks me to join one. That is their right and since I am none the wiser, why would even matter, right?

With exceptions no one should be telling or dictating what is said, whether it be attempts at humor, their day fishing or recollecting their past service days. Remember, some SMs have already or making the switch to Post-Military Life.

We all have our opinions and when we do not respect these differences a slow steady corrosive social problem appears and is harder than getting rid of household vermin.
I will not tolerate abuse of women on this site, I have seen and so have others but this too is a work in process and we learn only when we listen. Monologues get boring this one I am making.
ic
There doesn't need to be two RallyPoints, to me that is bad news and we can form our own groups. We have that feature here. We also should not imply that a retired officer is a phony. To me, I would ban that person for that. That is not who we are and it is a kind of tyranny and disrespect.

Regardless of your religious ideas, "Be ye kind to one another" or just practice the Golden Rule. No one is perfect, especially myself.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 2 at 2014 11:01 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:01:27 -0500

Cpl Brett Wagner If that is the case, why are there discussions about things like the pets of RP? I mean I love my dog and all............

This is a place for military types past and present to get together and talk about relevant things; commiserate over BS that we have all experienced; perhaps make new acquaintances that but for a common ground site, you would not have met. A place to get guidance from current leaders, and those who have been there and done that.

I am thinking you are good to go. If you have no interest in a thread about right over left lacing of boots, you get to bypass it.......

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 2 at 2014 11:05 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:05:17 -0500

I wish there was something I could say to help make up for those comments. I can assure you that whomever made those statements was speaking from their own opinion and I hope they get a serious reality check. From one old soldier to a former Marine, I bid you Semper Fi, and award you the coveted RallyPoint Commendation Medal for being able to get kicked in the gut and still maintain your professionalism.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Dec 2 at 2014 11:29 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:29:11 -0500

If I'm irrelevant I'll be more than happy to just mosey on down the road....just give me the word.
Your loss.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 11:41 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:41:46 -0500

Irrelevant?

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Dec 3 at 2014 12:10 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 00:10:11 -0500

I think this site is diversified enough.

Response by PFC Aaron Knapp made Dec 3 at 2014 1:19 AM

PFC Aaron Knapp — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:19:30 -0500

If that is the case why even allow Veterans to join?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 6:09 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 06:09:37 -0500

Sounds like someone was a little confused.

Response by SSgt B Mac made Dec 3 at 2014 7:33 AM

SSgt B Mac — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 07:33:37 -0500

Pretty narrow minded for an admin. Serious military professional development? Discussing regulations and how to get promoted? Rally Point is an online VFW, AMVETS or American Legion. Does anyone really want to go online to talk regulation after hearing about it all day?

Someone needs to lighten up. The service hasn't changed so much that us Veterans are irrelevant. A Lieutenant is still a Lieutenant, and a Sergeant is still a Sergeant.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 3 at 2014 8:19 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 08:19:12 -0500

Cpl Brett Wagner -- no RallyPoint admin that I know of would tell you -- or any veteran from any period -- that your experience is "irrelevant" solely because of the period in which you served.

This is a serious allegation for you to make, though it should be easy enough for you to send me (or MAJ Laurie H. the message you received that called you "irrelevant" due to your time period. Can you please send it to me in a message, or email it to " [login to see] "?

It is true that RP is intended to serve professional development needs as much as possible, though at times of course we see people enjoying discussing more casual topics.

Anyway, most importantly, I am asking you to please substantiate the claim you are making here by sending me the message you received from the admin who called you irrelevant.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 3 at 2014 9:07 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:07:33 -0500

IF that is the intent, I expect that RP will be starting a decline soon.

I doubt that is the intent. Those things are certainly a facet of the discussions on RP, but far from what I see the intent as. I think the analogy of LinkedIn is better. The overall focus may well be professional discussions (and I have derived a lot of value from same!!), but there also needs to be room to discuss those other topics that are of interest to the community.

Of course, at the end of the day, the intent is to have a high-quality community of participants (the product) that third parties can advertise to.... (Same as Fb, or any other free social media site)

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Dec 3 at 2014 9:42 AM

Cpl Dennis F. — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:42:46 -0500

I am on Facebook, but rarely use it, as even some friends on there are in need of a brain housing group tune up. Linked in I am not a part of so couldn't comment. I have been pretty active here. I can expect a certain level of sensibleness on this site and know that we have all been through the machine in one form or another. The goofy shit that takes place on here just goes to remind us all that we are also human and not quite perfect:) And we all know that "All work and no play...will lead to Jack/Jill being grumpy and horny....."

Response by CW4 Aaron Rasmussen made Dec 3 at 2014 11:34 AM

CW4 Aaron Rasmussen — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 11:34:09 -0500

Hi, Brett. I'm sorry to hear about your experience with that particular administrator. I'm relatively new to RP, but I've seen enough to know that the administrator was incorrect. They're making progress on the development of the site. Like you, I am not really interested in what the latest uniform regulation says about tattoos or hairstyles.

I have found a number of conversations relevant to where I am in my life and RP is starting to make progress toward allowing me to focus on that stuff vs. all the stuff I used to worry about when I was active duty. I do agree that the site can help us in our professional development (drop the military for those of us no longer active).

Stick around. There are a lot of people like you on here.

Aaron

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 3 at 2014 11:57 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 11:57:51 -0500

https://www.rallypoint.com/about-us

I think that unnamed user/admin misspoke

About RallyPoint - The Professional Military Network

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 12:26 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:26:21 -0500

I like the idea of a Facebook-like portion of RallyPoint, sort of an open forum where people could post random (military related) items. RallyPoint's Q&A format is somewhat limiting, probably for a reason.

Bottom line is that the focus of RallyPoint should be (IMHO) military stuff, regardless of the format.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 3 at 2014 1:02 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:02:17 -0500

Waitaminute.....! RallyPoint is for professional development?!?!?! ;o)

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Dec 3 at 2014 1:15 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:15:48 -0500

OK everyone I am sorry for all the commotion. I really wish I had saved the exact words and post because the person has conveniently removed the posts that tore me up. I will say he did not use the exact word irrelevant but was clear about what RP is and is not. He was clear that the military I served in was nothing like that of today and IOWs my experience would not be relevant in today's military. My bigger issue was how he spoke to another member, his saying this is not facebook or linkin if that is what you want leave. I asked him if he has told other members to leave and he said yes.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 2:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:28:03 -0500

One never knows where they are going until they know where they've been. Lessons are learned still today from tactics that were used in WWII And Vietnam. Your experience is invaluable. I can offer you one last piece of advice. Don't take to heart what anyone says. Defend your position, but be thick skinned. Many people comment without looking at their response from 360• all around.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 3:37 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 15:37:53 -0500

CPL Wagner--it takes all kinds of people to make the world go 'round, including the significant clueless nut factor. Tact and diplomacy are learned skills; a class that someone skipped. RP is whatever we make it to be. Hang in with us and make it better!

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Dec 3 at 2014 4:56 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 16:56:36 -0500

It has always been a bit of both to me. I can discuss topics of military development and improvement, current events, discussions of the developments within multiple theaters, etc. Then we get the threads that are all about PT belts and that just makes me get a warm and fuzzy inside. I am stuck with a civilian job I do not like (for a few more months at least) and RP has always given me that connection to the military lifestyle I love on a more regular basis.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 5:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 17:59:08 -0500

And to think that I've learned most of what I know from vets. Horrifying. I find it amusing that it takes the military 30 years to update some regs. I guess we're all mostly irrelevant.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 7:45 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 19:45:49 -0500

Personally - I'm against FB. Entirely too many wanna-be experts (expert definition: ex - formerly or belonging to; spert - drip under high pressure) on subject matters they can't actually spell the words to. I also disagree with the "free-for-all" attitude of FB - which allows people who don't have a clue to speak their mind without what they believe is no consequence. Too many people are under the impression they can just spout out bullshite endlessly without consequence - which is not true. They (non-military personnel) are free to say what they wish about the government without the government beign able to muzzle them in any manner. However, that "freedom of speech" does not prevent reactions to one's comments by individuals, etc., which is where a lot of people get themselves in trouble at work for instance.

Don't get me wrong - you wanna go out and spout out some unproven theory (conspiracy, et al) - go for it. Just don't do it on my time. It's like some of the people who want to rant at me about the ills of the VA during an appointment with me to help garner some VA benefits for themselves. I usually stop their ranting and raving and tell them if their going to do nothing but bitch about the VA then I no longer have any time for them. I also tell them there's 40 veterans out there waiting in line patiently to see me to try and get some of those benefits he/she is bitching about - and those 40 waiting are more than wiling to take the chair they are wasting my time in - early.

Most of what I saw on FB was useless bullshite.....I got not time for that.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Dec 4 at 2014 3:53 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 03:53:17 -0500

There's Together We Served.

Response by SSG Donald Fuller made Dec 4 at 2014 9:50 AM

SSG Donald Fuller — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 09:50:35 -0500

Yes think there should be a web site!

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Dec 4 at 2014 1:23 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 13:23:22 -0500

Really? I didn't realize that was what RP was about... I guess they can kick me out if they want.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 5 at 2014 6:58 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 06:58:12 -0500

Looks like RP runs the gamut from old dogs like us to young bucks and lasses just getting their feet wet in the Military and they can always learn from us Old Dudes and Dudetes. Keep putting in your 2 cents since you've been there and done that!

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made Dec 5 at 2014 9:20 AM

SSG Thomas Gallegos — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 09:20:25 -0500

I would and I agree with CPT Williams below that the individual whom told you this is talking out of their rear end. Anyway I joined this site to network but to also meet fellow Veterans and have a place to tell my opinion and such with like minded people.

Response by SSG John Erny made Dec 5 at 2014 10:08 AM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:08:12 -0500

I would like to see RP team up with veterans groups, wounded warrior project, etc. So that we can have tools to reach out and help those who are suffering the invisible wound. This is something that I care so very much about, for those of you who have know a service member who has fallen on their own sword you know very well what I mean. When they do this awful thing their pain becomes that of those who love them.

Response by Sgt Junyer Knight made Dec 5 at 2014 11:30 AM

Sgt Junyer Knight — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 11:30:16 -0500

Creating private groups is a great start in Facebook, it has help a lot of the vets from my battalion reach out for help, or let us know when something happens. I used Facebook to keep in touch with the veterans I knew but it's not easy to find the ones I don't. I never feel like I fit in with the overall veteran zeitgeist though so that does not bother me.

That Administrator is way off though. The experiences from the "old corps" matters. It helps new and younger veterans see the lenses of those who had transitioned before them and learn from them.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 6 at 2014 1:28 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 01:28:34 -0500

I fail to see how our age and experience is irrelevant to any time in the military? Sure times change, but some things don't. I don't know who this REMF was who told you that, they had no idea. From what I've seen professional things seem good. And getting the mix of BS in the conversation, well it's expected by all in the forums, (except maybe the RP Admin).

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 3:36 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 03:36:40 -0500

FB has many different closed groups for veterans. One of the most fun is Dysfunctional Veterans, if you are looking for nothing professional, and hilarious humor, stories and ridiculous mistakes and mis-statements from veterans...this is the place you should look.
However, If you are looking for comraderie, sharing, education, professional humor (if thats possible) and overall bonding with SM (men and women, enlisted and officer, active and retired) Then you Cpl Brett Wagner have arrived. This is my new FB. I leave on all day at work. Thanks God I am self-employed, because this site would be blocked anywhere else I might work, because of the time spent on here.

Response by SN Brian Riter made Dec 6 at 2014 7:09 AM

SN Brian Riter — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 07:09:59 -0500

why not we all serve or have served and have a different way of thinking then our civilian counterparts. we have branch rivalries and we may not agree on everything but when comes to the time when we need our brothers we don't need to worry about that because we have each others back.

Response by SPC Leisel Luman made Dec 31 at 2014 9:09 AM

SPC Leisel Luman — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 09:09:29 -0500

The beauty of RP is the fact it includes all of us. You get information from all branches and all ranks. I have found out about programs that I never knew existed. As a Vet I have been able to provide info about navigating that gauntlet. All of our input from different frames of reference adds to the site.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 31 at 2014 10:22 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 10:22:19 -0500

First, your experience was NOT irrelevant. IF an RP administrator said such a thing, which I can only hope was statement that was misunderstood or taken out of context, they should reframe their statement to better reflect their appreciation for your service and how everyone values your insight.

I don’t think we need our own site and I think there is a proper amount of subjects on the lighter side and good amount humor injected into the more serious subjects.

IF an RP administrator did actually say something as foolish as you state...I hope the realize their error and correct their mistake.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 9 at 2015 11:19 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 23:19:18 -0400

That may be their stated intent, but this feels more like a mix between a Facebook-style social networking site and any number of the political discussion websites. Maybe RP should establish a few different boards, and then let people participate where they deem appropriate. They could have one for professional development, one for political commentary, one for social networking, etc. I've seen that approach used effectively on many other websites. If the intent is really to focus only on professional development, the administrators are doing a bad job of policing these boards.

Response by SGM Eric Lobsinger made Jun 9 at 2015 11:30 PM

SGM Eric Lobsinger — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 23:30:11 -0400

Personally, I enjoy perusing RP and checking out what my fellow veterans have to say - both past and present. At times I have a great opportunity to engage with some of our current soldiers and share some insight and perhaps a little teaching, coaching and mentoring. At other times I have had a great opportunity to engage with some of my fellow veterans who have either recently, or not so recently, served their nation. Either opportunity for dialect is a great one. I would hate to see our community break into separate groupings. Treat everyone with respect. All veterans, regardless of when they served, bring something to the team.

And, lest we forget:
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 22 at 2015 4:25 AM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 04:25:43 -0400

http://navy.togetherweserved.com/

There are also sites for the Marines, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

TogetherWeServed - Connecting US Navy Sailors

Navy.Togetherweserved.com is the place for Sailors to reconnect with old friends, network socially and professionally, and remember their service.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 22 at 2015 11:50 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 11:50:25 -0400

Irrelevant? Sounds like a whippersnapper with too much butt hurt and too little butt cream.
I do like the idea of a purely social venue.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jun 22 at 2015 12:01 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 12:01:38 -0400

Did you really get told your responses were "irrelevant" or was it "off topic" or "not constructive." This is a great venue where people can solicit useful advice and opinions that will help them in their careers. Are you providing such inputs or do you prefer witty, albeit, barbed comments? Are your comments illustrative and thoughtful or merely rhetoric? Do you get a lot of up votes or are you garnering down votes? Take a deep hard look at the reason for this site and what the originators hoped to accomplish. Never before have service members had the opportunity to reach out to hundreds of thousands of years of first hand solid experiences and wisdom with virtual mentors who are happy to spend their time helping a new generation of warriors come up to speed and progress in their leadership.

This site enjoys the largest collection of living vets in the world -- people who organized and ran huge units, worked in every job specialty code, served during all our wars (back to Korea) and are now willing to share. This site is a treasure trove.

So if all you want to do is opine about the good/bad old days and how dicked up everything was when you were in, we already know how bad it was, the trick is making it better, faster and smarter.

Does that help?

Because if all you want to do is yammer, bitch, whine and moan, there is a VFW somewhere looking for you. Check on Face Book.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 22 at 2015 2:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 14:15:37 -0400

Sure we will call it the unprofessional forum jk lol

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2017 12:44 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:44:10 -0400

There is a new website: http://www.hooa.com for the Army soldiers. It is also for learning, personal and professional development. Also, there is a room for non-professional development as well (Just for hanging out).

Home - Hooa

OUR MISSION TO BUILD A COMMUNITY WHERE US ARMY SOLDIERS & FAMILIES CAN CONNECT, SHARE, FIND INVALUABLE RESOURCES AND YES! HAVE FUN. TO PROVIDE NEWLY ENLISTED SOLDIERS WITH WONDERFUL RESOURCES & CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCED. WE WELCOME INPUTS FROM THE CIVILIANS WORKING WITH OUR ARMY.