Do you believe that veterans (i.e. SMs who have left the service) have some responsibility to those serving to pass on knowledge?

2018-09-02T14:34:40-04:00

RallyPoint's existence is kind of predicated on the existence of veterans and SMs willing to take time out of their day to answer questions - some rather small but some rather in-depth and career/life altering. Is there an inherent responsibility of those of us who have "been there and done that" to provide that knowledge and experience to those who are currently serving or is it something that, if all of us chose tomorrow to cut all ties with the actively serving force that they would be just fine, if not better off? Whichever way that you answer, can you please explain your view.

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Sep 2 at 2018 2:46 PM

2018-09-02T14:46:46-04:00

Interesting question....not sure of the answer......if any...maybe an individual thing.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Sep 2 at 2018 2:49 PM

2018-09-02T14:49:40-04:00

Only to the extent that they wish to do so, SGT Joseph Gunderson. I think that they should want to do so, but many feel bound for one reason or another to not pass experience and knowledge to others (even if for no other reason than “I don’t want to”) and that’s for each individual person to decide.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Sep 2 at 2018 2:53 PM

2018-09-02T14:53:14-04:00

Given the importance of an effective military, if one can share knowledge learned that can be beneficial to another it is incumbent on them to do so. All knowledge gained is passed on throughout life and the military should be no different. That is just another form if service. A life without service is a life insufficiently fulfilled.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 2:54 PM

2018-09-02T14:54:01-04:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson I personally like to mentor whether it is third graders, co-workers, veterans, or active duty personnel. That is my choice, but it is also a choice for other veterans whether they want to take on this role.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 2 at 2018 3:44 PM

2018-09-02T15:44:21-04:00

To use a hyperbolic metaphor

In the same way that a bystander has when seeing someone about to be hit by a bus, but too far away to push them out of the way.

There's a lot of things "I can do" but all of it relies on "them" actually doing it, and there's the distinct possibility that I could have made the situation worse because my knowledge is outdated.

Knowledge is useless if it is not used. Some of it is EXTREMELY contextual. I can't fault someone from not sharing a piece of info for fear of making a situation even worse, especially as we are only getting a very small piece of the picture at any given time.

If you look at some of the debates that pop up, you'll see some VERY different opinions pop up on SIMPLE issues. Stupid things like when to start wearing new uniforms, or jumping out of an airplane with a fish.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-09-02T17:59:03-04:00

Not at all. Once a person is out they have no more obligation to the military.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 2 at 2018 8:53 PM

2018-09-02T20:53:58-04:00

I felt it was worthwhile as a retired O-6 but still senior GS to hold office hours for officers who were transitioning out to the business world. Part of the problem with current SMs is they tend to think retired types are more irrelevant than relevant. That is a consideration given we tend to go stale faster than we think. That said, Steve has it right. You need to have a desire to give back in that manner AND then make the time for it. The latter part is usually the killer. BTW, helping the MIL institution isn't the goal. It's helping one human being at a time. Over time, the institution does get the benefit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 8:59 PM

2018-09-02T20:59:26-04:00

I wouldn't say "responsibility," but if you believe you hold knowledge uncommonly known by the average Service Member, you should consider sharing it with others for the greater good. That's why I blog about resources such as JKO, Syracuse VCTP, RP, etc.. I know I have at least 3 blogs that help those currently serving - because they told me here.
https://jtspratley.com/blog/tag_military

Jt Spratley Blog — Posts tagged "military"

JtSpratley.com is the hub for music, videos, podcasts, and Go Live Lively blogs by Jacqueem Jt Spratley. Read about IT, cybersecurity, and free open source software (FOSS).

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Sep 2 at 2018 9:45 PM

2018-09-02T21:45:06-04:00

I don't think anyone has a responsibility to pass on knowledge. Honestly, there are some people I would not want to pass on "knowledge" because of how they were while serving. You also have to be careful about what you are sharing. Some things have changed so much over the years that past experience is no longer relevant. Next, this must be a 2-way process. Sharing things with people who are not interested will not do any good. However, there can be a lot gained from sharing life and leadership lessons as something never change. Veterans do not have an obligation share but it can be a great way to stay connected to the brotherhood of arms.

Response by SGT Blaise Ashton made Sep 3 at 2018 6:05 AM

2018-09-03T06:05:56-04:00

no/ I was in the club and now I am not. Treat me as I would treat you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2018 12:24 PM

2018-09-03T12:24:43-04:00

If they find an officer or NCO smart enough to take their advice, of course! The questions need not be overly broad (at least in my case) or the answers can be very disjointed.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 4 at 2018 8:18 AM

2018-09-04T08:18:10-04:00

None whatsoever. We have no obligation or responsibility to pass on that information. It is a choice to do so. The military was here long before RP and will be here long after. When I was in, we had nothing like it and we fumbled through just fine. I choose to help where i can, but if I don't want to, then I wont.