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

I hope not SGT (Join to see) 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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

SGT (Join to see)

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.

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.

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.