Can we get RallyPoint back on track?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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? :-)

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.