Are people scared to speak their minds on RP because of the higher ranking military personnel that use this site?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:00:20 -0400

Are people scared to speak their minds on RP because of the higher ranking military personnel that use this site aswell? It has very well turned into a debate chat room of sorts. I see alot of questions being thrown around about does rank play a role here or there? Does it and are you scared the wrong person may see your thread or take offense and find your superior.. There are those those few who do that Sort of thing.. Case in question PFC ask how to get his PLT SGT off his back..

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 21 at 2015 12:19 AM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:19:13 -0400

I hope not SGT Private RallyPoint Member as I am genuinely interested in what everyone has to say, I am always respectful, and like when I was a Soldier, I learn a great deal from everyone. Rank does not give one a monopoly on the best ideas and opinions.

I hope with my response to the PFC about his PSG, I was not creating tension. That was not my intent.

But, if that is an issue, it is issue worth talking about.

I you guys want me and others banned from here, that is OK too.

But, we are all veterans...

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 21 at 2015 12:31 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:31:58 -0400

There always someone who wants to run to someone else's chain of command. Sometimes it needs to happen and most of the time its for retaliation. I myself have had it happen to me out of retaliation from civilians, but I never give up my chain of commands contact information. Service members and veterans should speak their minds in a tactful and professional manner none the less.

Response by SrA Kelly Richard made Apr 21 at 2015 12:52 AM

SrA Kelly Richard — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:52:07 -0400

Yes, PFC Snuffy was definitely in the wrong, but it should have been handled at the lowest level like most others attempted to do so.

I might be a veteran and no longer bound to the UCMJ, but that doesn't mean I try to go around intentionally offending or disrespecting others. However, when I was still enlisted, sure it's intimidating, knowing someone can misinterpret your text with their own tone of emotion.

I see hundreds of people my rank with my same AFSC/MOS, yet almost NONE of them are active on this site... Why do you think that is? I'd imagine it's even more so with jr ranks of MOSs that you're not supposed to have opinions, just shut up and color.

I really like RP, and I think all ranks, branches, MOSs, AFSCs, and rates should use it! I think it will make for a better community. But one must understand the struggle to that ideal.

Response by SFC William Naney made Apr 21 at 2015 1:00 AM

SFC William Naney — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 01:00:33 -0400

When I was in the Rangers we did skits. We couldn't say the name of the person and they couldn't smoke us for what we did. It was for fun but still had guidelines. As long as you adhere to those usually you were ok. Nothing is absolute. If you put something out there be specific about he problem but generalize who it is about. The problem is there is always room for interpretation and something's just don't need to be posted if some anal NCO or officer will see it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 2:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 02:08:30 -0400

I see the mixing of ranks as a way to get guidance and knowledge for those with whom I would not normally converse. I would not normally have a conversation with a COL/Capt., a nominative CSM, or a GO. Here it is not only possible, but a regular occurrence.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 21 at 2015 3:44 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 03:44:17 -0400

I'm glad you posed this question after what has been going on lately. Without knowing specifics or taking sides, I saw that discussion you mentioned as a very young soldier asking for help. He didn't mention specifics or names, but asked a question that a person at his stage of his career would often do. To have someone report him to his CoC is very uncool. I would rather have that Private in my unit than the NCO. I am embarrassed of his behavior. So much for being a mentor and a leader. More like nah nah nah nah nah I'm gonna get you in trouble.....Lord help us.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 21 at 2015 5:56 AM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 05:56:52 -0400

I concur with your point. I offer this in retort. We all fight or have fought for our freedoms. Speech, expression and all that we defend. I for one am happy to have the forum to express my perspective, share stories and get different insights.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 21 at 2015 9:17 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:17:57 -0400

In the case of the PFC in question, I think it was a case of "How he asked" not "what he asked."

In other words, he failed to apply "Tact" which would normally be a forgivable mistake among Peers (and this is a Peer network). Personally, I think a "few" jumped the gun a little, and went "letter" vice "spirit" of the question.

This is a hugely diverse network of individuals (600k) and there is A LOT of great info out here. But in ALL on line interactions, we must be cautious, because you never know who is watching, and things can be taken out of context, and requests for advise, can be seen as needless bitching.

What is really unique about RP is that we are NOT anonymous. We put our info out there.

This is both good and bad. That said... We as a community should be very cautious about reaching out to anyone's seniors without good cause.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 9:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:56:08 -0400

My policy is that I try not to say anything on RP that I wouldn't say to someone in person during a debate. I try to keep that in mind, with a recognition of rank. (And have failed a few times!)
I'm fully aware that anything I say on here, if misconstrued, could come back to haunt me, as I am still a SM.
This type of incident has happened. A lower enlisted soldier said a few things on this site and someone contacted his superiors. It's definitely something of which we should be aware.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 9:56 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:56:24 -0400

Coming from a "fuzzy" I am honestly intimidated by the high ranks on here. But that is mainly because i have only met a handful of nco's and officers i can talk to normally. I rarely am needed to talk to anyone over staff sergeant and almost never an officer during a normal work day. I am the lowest rank possible, i still have a long time before i come even close to having the same amount of experience as my leaders. And that point is made very clear every day.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 21 at 2015 10:33 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:33:06 -0400

I know I am but, for me, the word 'military' needs to removed. I do not speak my mind because a higher 'personnel', or power, stops me from reaching through the keyboard and choking so many people...regardless of military rank...and I know I am better for that restraint.

Oh Lord, there are so many that need a good choking too.

For the record, I do not endorse violence or reaching into the digital world to choke anyone...well there is one person and you know who you are.

Response by Cpl Patrick Reade made Apr 21 at 2015 10:49 AM

Cpl Patrick Reade — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:49:00 -0400

I have always respected the higher rank. Instant willingness and obedience to orders was my way. That being said if there was something that needed to be said I said it. Being an NCO to me meant you look out for your Marines so if there was an issue I spoke my mind. ( with tact of course) I would rather take a blow from a higher than stand by and do nothing. Still got my good cookie so I guess I did a few things right. Semper fi

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 21 at 2015 12:06 PM

SGT John Wesley — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 12:06:26 -0400

If I was an active duty Private and saw that thread, I'd hightail it out of this forum! We can argue semantics, but Privates don't think that way

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 21 at 2015 12:28 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 12:28:13 -0400

It's not what you say, but how you say it. Rank really does not bother me because I always treat them respect.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 4:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:29:26 -0400

I don't think there are really many people here that are scared to speck their mind. I think people are afraid of what may come back to them. If I were to say something stupid I should expect someone to call me out. That is what happens in real life. RP is not a soap box for anyone to spew their agenda. If you don't want want a discussion then don't have one. If you know for a fact that you are not about to change your mind or entertain an opposing view point then you don't want a discussion. I don't care how much you think you are right. You don't have a real discussion like this. I have seen far too much mud slinging going on here.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 4:34 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:34:14 -0400

I've disagreed with some higher ranking individuals on this site. But I maintained respect.
There have been a few senior Officers and Enlisted that I feel do not hold conversations and just talk at other Service Members in discussions. That being said I have always remained polite, even in disagreement.
Generally what happens outside of duty should remain there, but we as Service Members have to hold ourselves to a standard. If someone violates the RP community standards action should be taken to remove them from here, or a temporary ban, etc.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 9:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 21:29:59 -0400

Sgt. Johnson's personal rules up above are pretty good ones to go by, and if political posts are your thing, and they get you really fired up, just remember to walk away a few minutes before you hit "post" and then read what you were about to post. (I have to do that with emails all of the time) Political & religious "debates" never have a winner. It is easier to change idea than it is beliefs, so those topics are always dangerous in a professional environment.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 21 at 2015 10:04 PM

MSG David Chappell — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 22:04:52 -0400

The secret is not to be afraid it is to be respectful be professional you can say or do anything in a debate as long as you're not willfully trying to attack someone tapped decor him or the rules of the day But ask me a question like how do I get my platoon sergeant off my back is not really a very professional question saying something like I'm having some issues with my producer not sure what I'm doing wrong anyone offer some advice is a much more tactful way of saying it

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:26 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:26:16 -0400

In my line of work I have a lot of interaction with the top three of the Enlisted and a lot of the upper leadership on base. I am the son of an officer and my grand father was an officer as well. I have no real issues being in front of, or talking to higher ranking individual and some times find I can actually relate better with them then with my own peers. As far as RP goes I feel the same. through my time in the military I find people come to me for what they need to hear and not necessarily what to hear. As long as you are respectful to ALL ranks any good leader will value your opinions!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:31 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:31:16 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 4:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 04:14:35 -0400

My answer in this discussion applies here, too.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/does-rank-play-a-role-in-rallypoint-discussions-are-you-intimidated-by-higher-ranks

Does rank play a role in RallyPoint discussions? Are you intimidated by higher ranks? |...

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 22 at 2015 12:33 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:33:49 -0400

Truthfully, I'm retired not much any rank can do to me. I still try to be respectful but that is just called being nice. But I speak my mind and if you don't like It I would gladly further explain my point of view. I respect everyone's views and will defend mine. Just be smart and don't be an A$$hat and your view no matter how unpopular will be fine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 12:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:43:57 -0400

Of course they are. Just the other day i saw a post from a soldier simply stating his PSG was always on his case and looking for ways to rectify the situation. Upon reading the comment a SSG who knows the Soldier decided to take it upon himself and tell this Soldiers PSG and later commented and bragged how the Soldier was now regretting his decision to post in an open forum. Soldiers will never fully open up with NCOs like that one lurking around and trying to make an issue out of nothing. The fear of reprisal is real and not many younger Soldiers will test those waters. Sadly in a forum where a lot of Soldier can receive guidance and mentoring hindered by overly stimulated egos.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 1:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:23:15 -0400

No because every person regardless of rank has an opinion, and as long as responses are professional and don't get out of hand or taking to the extreme.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 1:24 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:24:09 -0400

Speaking for myself I am not afraid to speak my mind but I will do it tactfully. There is no rule that says I have to agree with everything you say. If I don't agree, I move on versus using that down vote button.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 8:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:01:02 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member To answer your question SGT I am not afraid to voice my opinion, and attempt do so with tact and respect that every member regardless of rank deserves. We all have our own opinions and interpretations of events, and this forum provides a great way for service members to share there experiences. I would hope since we are all supposed to be professionals, or aspiring to be professional, that if someone had an issue with my comments that they would approach me about it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 11:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 23:50:41 -0400

People are very cautious what they post on RP, and probably leave many of their true feelings out. With all the repercussion from social media sites members think twice before they post. I have seen many replies and remarks on here and most look carefully thought out. Someone is always trolling out there. I see more honesty on Fb.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 25 at 2015 8:27 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 20:27:02 -0400

I know a few folks that have gotten talking toos and a few that have actually gotten in career altering trouble over both RP and FB posts. The post themselves were not "bad" but perception overruled.

Response by SrA Rex Brown made Apr 29 at 2015 6:16 PM

SrA Rex Brown — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:16:31 -0400

No matter what a persons rank they should always encourage others to speak their minds. It is called an opinion for a reason. If you make it so a PFC can't tell a CMSGT. his opinion than you are telling that person they don't matter, or that their opinion doesn't matter. If you disagree with a Col. then you should be able to tell them that you disagree with them. The trick is always respect the persons rank. You don't have to like or respect the person but always respect their rank. Some Upper ranking NCO's and officers should go out of their way to ask a junior officer or enlisted their opinion and appreciate the input from that person. If you don't like the idea the easy out is " I will take that into consideration" but never belittle a person for their ideas or opinion and encourage them to speak up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 1:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:56:57 -0400

I can defiantly see where junior enlisted could be intimidated by having higher rank on this sight. I am sure when we were E-1s(or 2s or 3s) fresh out of basic we would all be terrified to have to speak to anything higher than a SFC, so coming here were CSMs and Generals can see what you are saying would be a nightmare.

But that being said, I feel this is an amazing forum especially for younger SMs to seek out advice. Normally in the military you won't see MAJs giving PV1s advice on a personal level, but here you get that.

I think as long as everyone conducts themselves professionally and tactfully at all times, as we should as members of the U.S. Military, there should be nothing to be scared or intimidated about.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Mar 10 at 2016 3:49 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:49:18 -0500

I'm retired. I'm no longer active duty. So...I'm not going to be scared of talking to an Admiral, General, etc. Were I to be active duty I wouldn't be on RP as I'd be too busy having sex, training, having sex, deploying, having sex, well...you get the gist...

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 8:29 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 08:29:58 -0400

Yes. That coupled with the same member's negative responses (regardless of the innocence of the question) are contributing factors. RP isn't the place for your knife hand. Some members would be better served to keep their comments to themselves and answer objectively.