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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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...

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.