Can we get RallyPoint back on track?

2014-07-03T11:43:33-04:00

It seems Rally Point is becoming a place where we place thought provoking / controversial point of view questions IOT get points. I'd like to see it go back to questions about uniforms / boots / Soldier issues, not questions about CINC / SCOTUS decisions that are not our concern as Soldiers. Let's get back on track please.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 3 at 2014 11:51 AM

2014-07-03T11:51:45-04:00

Excellent point MSG Phil Herndon. With the new filters that RP has added under the answers tab, one can now filter out a lot of the "white noise" discussions and go right to military discussions

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 3 at 2014 11:56 AM

2014-07-03T11:56:23-04:00

While I agree that some of the conversation topics are missing the point, I ask you with all due respect MSG Phil Herndon that not all members of the RallyPoint community are still serving. Therefore, there are some topics that we as Veterans like to discuss and share information about that doesn't concern uniforms, boots, and/or Soldier Issues.

I also think it is good for the moral of the users of this site to have a place where we can share some funny things and just enjoy a fun, respectful, and entertaining discussion with our brothers and sisters-in-arms as well.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2014 3:02 PM

2014-07-03T15:02:18-04:00

I actually like the diversity of topics. I love seeing opinions from others wearing the uniform. That's just my 2 cents however.... I find people here to be more intelligent and informed than most of the media, so it's enlightening to read daily.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jul 3 at 2014 5:00 PM

2014-07-03T17:00:07-04:00

MSG Phil Herndon I understand your concern, and the point of your question. Uniforms, boots, service member issues are very important topics. I have been away from active duty for over twenty five years and I like to read the forums to bring myself up to speed on the latest happenings are far as military regs, and issues within each service.

However, i respectfully disagree with the premise of your question that RallyPoint is not on track. The mix of active duty and veteran members makes RallyPoint a unique site. We can learn from each other and share experiences both from an inside/outside the service perspective.

Also, one must realize that some service members are in the reserve components and issues on both sides of the fence concern them.

As for "soldier issues", i would add that POTUS, SCOTUS, and other political issue do concern everyone that serves. Thought provoking and controversial conversation is good for the mind. It helps us all to learn from each other and gives everyone an opportunity to speak their mind in a respectful way. I have had similar controversial discussions in forums outside RP, and they all sound like the political mudslinging campaigns.

RP has made it easier to focus on on specific issues so you can avoid conversations that do not interest you. I think RP is right on track by offering such diversity of topics and the ability for all ranks of all services, active/reserve/veteran, to engage in meaningful, controversial, and thought provoking conversation.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2014 5:17 PM

2014-07-03T17:17:25-04:00

I am still in the military and frankly tend to dodge discussions about the same tired APFT/Uniform/Promotion points quibbles where people want to know why they can't be a special little snowflake.

As for current events, first and foremost, we absolutely need to be informed on these issues and discussing them is a great way to get more depth than a 2 minute sound bite on the news (or Comedy Central, or where ever you hear it). Additionally, as service members, we have a unique take. Some of us have btdt, some of us are there and doing it right now. I have 100 times more desire to read and discuss these things with you guys than my civilian family and friends.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jul 3 at 2014 11:32 PM

2014-07-03T23:32:46-04:00

Anyone know the best boots to use while on a Rally Point marathon?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jul 3 at 2014 11:42 PM

2014-07-03T23:42:37-04:00

What uniform am I allowed to wear in Hobby Lobby if it's after COB?

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jul 4 at 2014 1:05 AM

2014-07-04T01:05:50-04:00

A person can only ask and answer so many questions about deployments, uniforms, boots, policies. Questions about current events are important and allow us to share diverse views and experiences on current events. As long as the topics and responses are professional, they're worth participating in.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jul 4 at 2014 2:10 AM

2014-07-04T02:10:12-04:00

Well I think that if you or I wanted this to only be about uniforms, boots/ soldier issues then there is an appropriate place for that and that's on duty where your soldiers are there daily as in boot camp. Besides if you are at a promotion board or soldier of the month/quarter/year and you ask them about a Current Event and they do not know, because they saw this conversation of your opposition to world events? Really? Then it would be time for you and I to retire 1SG.....with all that jargon I just stated, I will have to give you a thumbs DOWN.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 8:34 AM

2014-07-04T08:34:55-04:00

1SG while I agree that some of the discussions are about what some may consider trivial, I also believe that many of those subjects affect the lives of our service members and therefore warrant discussion. Service members are still humans and Americans and whether they serve 2 yrs or 20 some of these issues will have an impact in their lives.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jul 4 at 2014 11:16 AM

2014-07-04T11:16:51-04:00

Sorry, 1SG, but I disagree, and this is why. We, as military people, past, present and future, are the FIRST line of defense for this country. Because of our place in this society, we need to watch our government and current events like hawks, because WE are the ones who will pay the price first.
SCOTUS decisions, presidental statements and policy are of prime importance to us, and we need to constantly and consistantly be aware of what is happening, because people like us pay the price for decisions, both good and bad, and when we leave the field, its our children who will pay the price, because people like us, raise children who believe in serving, just as we did.
Government decisions and policy are very much our concern, and we cannot forget that its OUR government, put into place by OUR votes, and those same votes can take them out of power as easily as we put them in.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jul 4 at 2014 11:17 AM

2014-07-04T11:17:30-04:00

See my response to my 'down vote' please...

Response by SFC Andrew Kretz made Jul 4 at 2014 12:01 PM

2014-07-04T12:01:55-04:00

I spent 21 years active duty from the age of 18 to 39; if I live until I am 90 years of age, I will have spent 61 years total out of uniform. Therefore, it is extremely important for service members to discuss important issues, such as how to translate their military experience to civilian experience on a resume, in an interview, or just in a friendly discussion with a non military affiliated civilian, who may in turn become a great network connection for future employment.

How will current events contribute to a service member transitioning from the military today is so much more important than information that has already been imbedded into their brains, such as, how to wear the uniform and boots, because that information was provided them on day 1 of receiving their basic issue at their indoctrination into the United States Military.

In addition, if their NCOs are performing their job to standard, then there should be no need for any type of discussion as it pertains to the regulations governing a service members appearance.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 1:29 PM

2014-07-04T13:29:51-04:00

1SG,

One huge problem is that Social Media is intended to be self-regulating. But it rarely works out that way. Social graces, nonverbal cues, and accountability are out the window.

This seems to be the nature (and problem) with social media. People use provocative topics to get visibility and validation. Then, it turns into a pulpit for people's personal agenda. The petty bickering back and forth ruins it for everyone as well.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jul 4 at 2014 3:32 PM

2014-07-04T15:32:31-04:00

1SG Herndon

Simply put, each person has an idea of what RP should encompass however this social network caters to military members without restriction to discussion topics.

I'd say that's a great thing considering how often we are all stifled by someone who outranks us.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jul 4 at 2014 3:49 PM

2014-07-04T15:49:08-04:00

1SG Herndon,
With all due respect, everyone is tired of those topics. They are matters that we have no control of, and paths that we have trotted. We blazed those paths for those who are interested in the future, and should continue to move forward with new topics.

These non-service topics offer everyone the ability share their knowledge and personal ideals that would otherwise but looked down upon. If you are so interested in nothing more than those topics engage in only those topics, but do not attempt to force everyone to be stuck in those arenas as well. It will only chase veterans and juniors away who are not interested in them.

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jul 5 at 2014 1:23 PM

2014-07-05T13:23:07-04:00

I disagree entirely.
This is meant to be a military community, where the members all share a common bond.
It is not meant to be the thought police where topics are rigidly controlled.

A topic, discussed in this setting, has a unique feel and spin to it because of the audience and the shared experiences of those weighing in. So anything contemporary or seeming unrelated becomes related when discussed from a military perspective.

The stuff about quotes, memes and movies are flavor, to give us a laugh or a brief respite from the world of deadlines, bosses, subordinates or small children.

And if you don't find something interesting, you have all the freedom provided by your mousewheel to keep right on scrolling.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jul 5 at 2014 1:47 PM

2014-07-05T13:47:56-04:00

Perhaps there should be a separate bulletin board for less professional topics. Please let me know if you can do it so I can be sure not to subscribe to it. The growing trend I've seen is why I've stayed away.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jul 5 at 2014 2:59 PM

2014-07-05T14:59:29-04:00

I have come across a question or two that I'm not sure how anyone could answer. For most, I pick discussions that can provide feedback for someone. I will pass up on questions that I have no idea on what they are about.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jul 6 at 2014 12:05 AM

2014-07-06T00:05:26-04:00

MSG Phil Herndon I really get bored talking about Soldier Issues and all the Soldier acronyms Army uses. I think more Navy and Sailor talk is in order and not less.

As a retired Sailor I try to follow all of the different questions, and not to "get points." I have learned so much about Army, Air Force Coast Guard, and Marines I did no know (or will not admit I did not know). However the current event and political discussions are critical for our members in today's fast paced and even faster changing environment. As RP has evolved, I think it is getting better, not away from any track.

Thanks for posting this thought provoking question. I do have to ask (tongue in cheek) which "questions about uniforms / boots / Soldier issues" are we addressing here? :-)

Response by MSG Phil Herndon made Jul 7 at 2014 3:42 PM

2014-07-07T15:42:38-04:00

So for a clarification to all who have responded in both a positive and negative manner:
I don't want RallyPoint to be dull place to where we argue about uniforms. I want it to be a place of professional development. A place people can ask about screening records for boards, asking about NCOERs and counseling. A place where I can post something and it can be taken at face value and a place where Soldiers can look for guidance. There is no professional development in the Hobby Lobby decision. There is only discord in asking if females passing jungle warfare school is "The right direction". And if you don't like the Commander in Chief then rock the vote.
To the veterans, you know we have given up our free speech regarding certain topics and should not participate in opinion questions about policy. A Soldier's first question should be how to enforce policy not a statement on how stupid it is.
Proper professional development will develop Soldiers into leaders that make smarter decisions than we leaders have and that is by and large what this site should be about. If you want to discuss and implement then RallyPoint. If you want to incite or instigate, then keep it on Facebook. This is just my opinion though. And thumbing it down is fine if you feel otherwise. Judging by my up votes, I think I'm on target.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 9 at 2014 12:39 PM

2014-07-09T12:39:38-04:00

I think RP is a place where military, people far and wide, can discuss just about anything and I like how RP will separate the discussion areas to address your point. If you are only interested in particular topics, you can easily read about what interests you.

What I think would help KEEP RP on track is for members to have more respect for eachother and present their opinions without name calling and in a very professional way. It astounds me sometimes how some of the RP community - all with a military background - can be so disrespectful at times!

Response by SSG Daniel Rosploch made Jul 10 at 2014 10:57 AM

2014-07-10T10:57:35-04:00

I have to disagree with you on this one, MSG. RallyPoint is a networking site for current, former and sometimes future members of the military. Not everyone here is active and wants to discuss regulations or Soldier issues as it may not pertain to them. To those who are no longer in the military, they need something else to discuss.

On another point, this site has bridged a gap that you regularly see in the work place. No where else can a PV2 or SGT engage a MSG or LTC in a discussion about a topic and not risk instant death and dismemberment. This forum has allowed military members of all ranks and jobs come together and openly discuss issues, ideas and anything else that comes to mind without fear of repercussions.

The "off-topic" discussions are more beneficial than you think, as well. If you take the time to see what the troops are talking about, and more importantly HOW they are talking, you can get a great sense of their morale and overall opinion of their quality of life, both in the military and personally. It pays to pay attention to the BS "water cooler" chats. You can learn a lot more than you think, and sometimes more than you even want to.... ;)

Response by SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham made Jul 10 at 2014 11:55 AM

2014-07-10T11:55:40-04:00

If the questions do not "concern" you as a soldier, then charge on... However, some of us are a bit more broad-minded (no disrespect to those more focused) and feel a need to voice an opinion as citizens of the country we all serve(d). The US has never wanted a robot military that is not concerned about the welfare of those we are sworn to protect. RP is a social forum that allows us to learn and share, not a lecture hall.
If you see another unit's soldier that needs a haircut to meet regulation or in a movie with a noisy neighbor, do you not "step away from your track" to address the situation in a professional manner? Our "track", as with our various duties, cover MANY subjects and sharing here makes us all better informed.
"Iron sharpens iron". (Proverbs 27:17)