5 Years at RallyPoint

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 10:23:38 -0400

Vigilant about professional development, I joined RallyPoint (RP) after reading about it on Facebook while in South Korea. I was a new non-commissioned officer (NCO) and eager to improve myself. I'd already read FM 7-22.7 (The NCO Guide), FM 6-22 (Leadership), and about Signal Corps history. I read TM's for my equipment. I strove to remain technically and tactically proficient per the NCO Creed. But I wanted more. More for my professional development. More for my career as an IT specialist. More to share with others. Just more.

Even though I was an NCO, I only had two short-term mentors up to that point. I saw RallyPoint as a good substitute. It was. I suddenly had access to Leaders across all military branches and Veterans from each generation. I could discuss changes within the new AR and DA PAM 670-1. I could ask senior Leaders about lessons learned resulting in current SOP's. Most importantly later on, I could learn about transitioning into the civilian world from others who've already done it.

Twenty seconds into my latest single "2015 (Big Change Coming)" I said “Justice Outreach and SFL [Soldier For Life - Transition Assistance Program] were all that grounded me” regarding my transition. Following that analogy, RallyPoint was the plug providing mental energy to focus on what I discussed with those groups. To summarize how from my first RallyPoint Command Post “Why Service Members (Past, Present, and Future) Should Use RallyPoint" ( https://rly.pt/2XnUDkQ ) - a sense of community, networking opportunities, and Veterans resources and benefits information.

Even better, here's some notable examples. RP is the only place I've been able to have a civil conversation about controversial topics - e.g. racism, gun laws, LGBT, and Linux versus Windows. IT specialists advised me on certification programs and college projects. RallyPoint Command Post was the first platform I guest blogged. Most importantly, the community helps me with the military-to-civilian transition I still struggle with five years post-military.

RallyPoint isn't perfect. Like other social media and forum platforms, sometimes members spam, argue, and give empty responses. Unlike other platforms, RP is proactive with such issues without pushing a narrative to maintain a reputable resource for Veterans. They empower the community to do the same with a vote and flag system.

All of this adds to why I appreciate every time RallyPoint staff and moderators reach out to me regarding employment assistance and career goals. This is why I wear my RallyPoint shirt proudly, share RP threads with non-members, and talk about it whenever I can. But what I care about most - when I need any assistance, especially as a Veteran, this is my RallyPoint.

Now, RallyPoint is my Facebook, Twitter, and news source. The IT pros make RP my StackExchange. Finding the Suiting Warriors, Cry Havoc documentaries, and 1Vet2Another's here are my networking events. The recruiters, VA officials, and politicians make this my LinkedIn for Veterans. But what I care about most - when I need any assistance, especially as a Veteran, this is my RallyPoint.

Why Service Members (Past, Present, and Future) Should Use RallyPoint | RallyPoint

RallyPoint is a great online resource for active service members and veterans. Even if you’re just thinking about joining the U.S. Armed Forces, RallyPoint has a massive amount of information and experience to gain knowledge from. Between the hundreds of thousands of members from all ranks, specialties, and branches, and the active forums covering all types of topics which affect the small percentage of the U.S. population who have served,...

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Jul 2 at 2019 10:29 AM

COL Dana Hampton — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 10:29:18 -0400

Excellent summary and on point!

Response by Ryan Callahan made Jul 2 at 2019 10:34 AM

Ryan Callahan — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 10:34:20 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Do you have a link to your single "2015 (Big Change Coming)" ?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 2 at 2019 10:47 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 10:47:46 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I wish more people would approach RP as you do. I've seen your posts and contributions, indeed what this was intended for. The RP trends that concern me:
- Crutch for the lazy, no attempt to research independently
- supplanting those first line leaders as sources of information and guidance. If you let them off the hook they don't grow either.
- enabling people's avoidance of a hard interpersonal conversation
- junior leaders with dangerously tangential understanding of systems and processes.
- spouses end-running their service member
- barracks lawyering for the internet age.
- enabling helicopter parenting beyond the DD Form 4
- no attempt to see what else has been posted on the same topic, literally the same day, before posting the same question.
- fake profiles, "asking for a friend", hypotheticals that aren't
- people pimping their commercial interests

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2019 11:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:09:03 -0400

You are a consummate professional! I always enjoy your posts, even when I don't understand them. I am still learning basis computer skills. Lol! Seriously, thank you for your service and friendahip!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2019 11:31 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:31:45 -0400

Congratulations on completing 5-years on RP SGT Private RallyPoint Member! I have only been on RP since mid-February. Lots of good people here on RP, as I am sure you have found out yourself. Have a great day, Jacqueem!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 2 at 2019 12:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 12:20:44 -0400

Yep I still remember your post denigrating me for saying thank you.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 2 at 2019 12:39 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 12:39:01 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member: CONGRATULATIONS, JACQUEEM!

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 2 at 2019 2:06 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 14:06:02 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member you make RP a better resource/place for all. I'm always amazed by the reach of RP as well.

I think another great thing about RP is in how its used to help maintain that sense of community you've talked about. Not just with service members but their families as well. From my own personal experience the reach of RP should never be under estimated.

RP I think as well reinforces and helps in reminding us of our constantly evolving task and purpose both in and out of uniform.

Peace and blessings -

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2019 3:34 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 15:34:28 -0400

Congratulations my friend! Great post! Thank you for contributions to RP!

Response by SR John Megill made Jul 2 at 2019 4:18 PM

SR John Megill — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 16:18:27 -0400

I'm new to RallyPoint and I want more too. I'm looking for a good online school to further my education.

Response by LCpl Christopher Costa made Jul 4 at 2019 6:12 AM

LCpl Christopher Costa — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 06:12:32 -0400

Outstanding and I really love this photo you are talented. Totally stealing it :-)

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2019 10:10 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 10:10:33 -0400

Awesome post, SGT Private RallyPoint Member! You know I'm here if you ever need advice or just someone to chat with. As far as certs go, the best ones to get now are Azure and AWS. Another friend of mine got 4 AWS certs from udemy in a 6 week period, then oddly went to work in an Azure shop.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jul 4 at 2019 1:46 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 13:46:39 -0400

Excellent.

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Thank you for your well stated viewpoints.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 5 at 2019 5:37 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 05:37:23 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Best Thing I've Read All Morning! Many thanks for All You Do for Rally Point. I Love the Visual Graphics.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2019 1:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 13:50:46 -0400

Networking is important

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 8:26 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 20:26:59 -0400

Congratulations on years

Response by SPC Nathan Barnes made Jul 6 at 2019 9:44 PM

SPC Nathan Barnes — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 21:44:38 -0400

Your words are inspirational, to me. I've been a member for quite awhile. I came here trying to find BROTHERS that i served with. No luck so far. I've found 1 on FB so far. I spend close to 18 hrs a day trying to get ALL Past and Present U.S Military togeather, one mission BROTHERS and SISTERS helping BROTHERS and SISTERS.
Thinking i will start here as well. THANK YOU

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2019 7:52 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 19:52:06 -0400

Please
No
For the love of God, no
This place is a hotbed of ultra nationalist bullshit propaganda
Do NOT take your leadership lessons here

Response by SPC Nathan Barnes made Jul 11 at 2019 1:38 AM

SPC Nathan Barnes — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 01:38:09 -0400

Excellent job my BROTHER only one thing i can see wrong.
You will never be a civilian again LOL your transition is from active duty to Veteran Branch of the US Military. I believe if you can recognize this that the different view might just help in that transition.
LOVE ,HONOR, and RESPECT.

Response by SSG William Jones made Jul 12 at 2019 8:49 AM

SSG William Jones — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 08:49:58 -0400

No way to improve on that!!! Well stated and effectively communicated, SGT Private RallyPoint Member. Thanks for this powerful message.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 12 at 2019 7:00 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 19:00:23 -0400

Great piece, SGT Private RallyPoint Member. Through the years on RP, I’ve always appreciated your helpful approach to member questions. Also, any time I hear someone talk about an IT related topic, you’re the first guy I think of!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2019 11:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 23:09:10 -0400

I am glad I’m not the only one! Love my RallyPoint family

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Aug 14 at 2019 6:43 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 18:43:11 -0400

Excellent post! I just recently joined Rally Point and I feel as if I found a whole NEW FAMILY of men and women who know where I’m coming from and I don’t have to explain EVERYTHING to receive feedback and encouragement! Thanks Rally Point!

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 2 at 2019 3:18 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 15:18:27 -0400

Excellent post. I recently ‘found’ RP and I feel connected to all branches of the Military and I agree with you. This seems to be the only place where Veterans, Active Duty, and others actually carry on respectful conversations. We ALL have opinions and experiences; we ALL share a common ground: Active Duty Military experience. Maybe the politicians should learn a lesson from the RP community. We ARE civilized, intellectual people and we ARE able to discuss the relevant issues of the day without violence and possible death! I feel safe and acknowledged when posting on RP! The site is Fantastic! Thanks for your post!

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 2 at 2019 3:25 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 15:25:54 -0400

Congratulations for sharing and participating for five years!

Response by SGT Kevin Hughes made Dec 20 at 2019 4:52 PM

SGT Kevin Hughes — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:52:27 -0500

Jumping Gee Whilikers...I couldn't have said it any better, and I have only been on ten days! All because I wanted to just tell my funniest Salute Story. Like you, I was amazed at the breadth, depth, and wisdom on these threads. And the Civility. I am glad folks like you are out there!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2020 5:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:04:02 -0400

A good read, SGT

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Apr 21 at 2020 8:30 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 20:30:16 -0400

Congrats