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

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.