Do you conduct yourself differently on RallyPoint as opposed to places like Facebook?

2014-05-12T07:56:45-04:00

How comfortable are you with the vetting process here on RP? In other words, how differently do you conduct yourself here as opposed to say FB? Do you say things here that you would not say there? Would you show your current location as (such and such) AFB in Afghanistan on FB, or would you be a bit more vague? For me, I am just as careful about what I say on here as I am with FB. I personally see that I really do need to change a couple of things up on my profile. I look forward to hearing what the community has to say on this one.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 8:00 AM

2014-05-12T08:00:15-04:00

The main difference between here and facebook for me is that I try to avoid politics a bit more here (basically like I would at work). I only have personal friends on facebook, so we talk a lot more politics.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 8:27 AM

2014-05-12T08:27:48-04:00

SFC Perry,

I don't mention anything OPSEC or technically sensitive in nature anywhere on the internet.

I'm much more polite and reserved on RP.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made May 12 at 2014 9:20 AM

2014-05-12T09:20:41-04:00

Just remember if you place it on line any where it like peeing in the pool it can not be undone. I have found articles I wrote and then deleted over 8 years ago still on line. I am the same all over the web Grumpy old VETERAN that smokes cigars and enjoys it!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 12 at 2014 10:44 AM

2014-05-12T10:44:13-04:00

I am a tad more reserved on here because I am speaking with others in the profession of arms. There are times when certain questions and/or responses cause my blood pressure to increase and I want to respond like I was still a 24-year old SGT that was extremely gruff in my speech, but I calm myself and try to respond professionally. On FB, I let my alter-ego take over more than I would like, especially when it comes to politics, I feel freer to express myself more in lines with the 1st Amendment lol.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 11:10 AM

2014-05-12T11:10:06-04:00

I have purposely left most of my profile blank. No one needs to know everything there is to know about me, where I went to school, what units I have been in etc. I'm a SSG, I'm an MP. I'm stationed at Fort Drum. Nothing more really needs to be said.

I conduct myself differently because well we have people of different ranks, from PV2 all the way up to COL, And I even seen a one star post here while going thru old posts.

as for OPSEC, i've seen more then one person on here who was no longer in the army. One case comes to mind is the person who asked the question about "am I a veteran?" This person did 4-5 months back in 1996, and never graduated AIT because he was chaptered (for a reason we never found out). While this person had no ill will to anyone on the forum. Was he vetted? I was vetted because I used a .mil email. How easy is it for someone else to log on here, put up a generic picture label themselves a LTC or COL, and start sending out private messages to other field grades "fishing" Or to senior NCOs "fishing" also? We tend to put our guard down, and maybe someone would say something more then they should because they belive that the other person has some rank and can be trusted.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 12 at 2014 2:29 PM

2014-05-12T14:29:06-04:00

I am fairly comfortable with RP's vetting...especially considering what other sites do, which almost nothing...but I do feel open to express my opinion? I do try to be respectful...to a point...but that doesn't stop me from pointing out the truth, as I see it.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 12 at 2014 5:08 PM

2014-05-12T17:08:25-04:00

As a veteran I say more on Facebook than I do on here because there is a wider array of topics. On RallyPoint, I speak my mind within a certain framework because of the feeling that I am becoming the guy no one takes seriously. Recently it seems that what I have to say is doing nothing more than pissing people off, which is not my intent. I feel freer to post things on Facebook because I don't have to denote myself as a veteran whereas on here I have done so. I don't mind getting voted down, as a matter of fact I feel that if I aggravate someone then I am doing something right by getting them to think.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 12 at 2014 6:07 PM

2014-05-12T18:07:51-04:00

I grew up cold war....so I tend to think that way in many cases, however, I also have lots of old dusty boxes of info to share with the FNG! I tend to be conservitive in my postings both on FB and here....allowing people that read it to see exactly what I want them to see. for those that have been in long enough, sometimes, there is a possiblity to read between the lines and fill in some gaps, but not everyone and not always.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 12 at 2014 6:19 PM

2014-05-12T18:19:27-04:00

Comfortable with vetting
I tend to think things through because if the professionalism and mix of retirees, active,guard and veterans. But overall I will speak my thoughts

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made May 12 at 2014 7:07 PM

2014-05-12T19:07:33-04:00

I do understand maintaining some degree of modesty regardless of the site because after all, we are Soldiers 24/7.

With that said, I TRY to be more professional on RP because it's a community of my military peers.

Facebook is where I talk about boys and post pictures of my dog.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 12 at 2014 10:14 PM

2014-05-12T22:14:20-04:00

Always good to think about OPSEC. I'm retired 14 years now. Most of my tricks are very old and lots of books have been written about them, so I'm not terribly concerned about that. 2 Projects are still operating best I can tell and I don't talk about those but 90 percent of what I did, I am more than willing to talk about on any forum. Also being retired military I'm not bound by an requirement to "Play Nice with Others". I run several Liberal Forums on FB and I'm not known for playing nice there either. I am glad to hear though that you are trying to follow the rules and regs. Goes with the Uniform.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made May 13 at 2014 1:58 PM

2014-05-13T13:58:16-04:00

With me, my Facebook is strictly friends and family back home along with fellow service members I have served with. On Facebook, my page is more relaxed, more grooved towards me as a person and my interests. I don't go crazy and post statuses every hour on the hour (like a lot of people do!). Instead I just post pictures about my dogs :-p I created RP to network, and to get advice from other service members especially since I am sadly leaving the Army this year on a medical discharge. I created my RP on my cellphone while on staff duty, but I plan on reinventing the page into a more professional profile. As for conduct, I still have yet to get engaged with these discussion boards, but my conduct with any networking site stays neutral. Don't get me wrong though, I love a good debate!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 1:59 PM

2014-05-13T13:59:44-04:00

I try and keep it classy on RP. I use Facebook to look at memes, and to talk to family. Also to keep track of when my friends go to the gym, and what they're eating. That last sentence was sarcasm.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 6:00 PM

2014-05-13T18:00:39-04:00

RP is where I mainly discuss military related topics, leadership issues, development advice, etc. I use Facebook to keep up with family and to see what local bands are playing! There tends to be too much drama on FB for me...so I actually prefer to troll RP.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made May 13 at 2014 6:18 PM

2014-05-13T18:18:12-04:00

FB and RP are two different planets, I can't use curse words, and drop "N" bombs on here without getting kicked out. On FB I have as much freedom as I want because if you don't like what I say on my page, I can kick you off my wall and keep on posting.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made May 15 at 2014 12:01 PM

2014-05-15T12:01:14-04:00

My facebook page only has people on it that I actually have known or know presently in real life and the security on it is racheted down as tight as I can get it. As everyone has posted, it's mainly to keep tabs with my three kids and old Army buddies.
I am definitely more polished on RP. Less profanity, but all in all pretty much the same person.
I have filled my profile in on RP more than I have on FB, mostly because I wanted the blue ribbon whatchamacallit. But, professionally, I am out of anything that remotely resembles a job that needs OPSEC so I don't mind putting up what clearance I used to hold or what I have done.
I was never a top secret Delta SEAL Ranger qualed space shuttle door gunner either, just a regular ol Joe. So that might be the reason.
I do think that I spend more time on RP than I do in facebook. The conversations are more interesting.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 20 at 2014 9:34 AM

2014-05-20T09:34:53-04:00

I'm far more subdued here than I am on Facebook.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made May 20 at 2014 1:24 PM

2014-05-20T13:24:27-04:00

I'm pretty wide open on FB and RP. The biggest difference to me is that on FB I expect to run into uninformed "jerks" while on RP we seem to be more respectful.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 1:07 PM

2014-05-21T13:07:02-04:00

I conduct myself on RallyPoint the same way I conduct myself on Facebook. Respectful and courteous.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 21 at 2014 1:40 PM

2014-05-21T13:40:55-04:00

I was going to respond with "well I don't cite as many regulations on Facebook", but I don't know how true that is =)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 5:26 PM

2014-05-21T17:26:40-04:00

I deactivated my facebook account years ago. I do have twitter and Instagram. I use those for my daily life activities such as sports, family, and hobbies.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 22 at 2014 7:39 PM

2014-05-22T19:39:57-04:00

We're all professionals here as well as brothers and sisters of the camo cloth regardless of branch or rank. I like to think I take more time to be respectful in my responses and try not to be as argumentative as I would on FB. I believe the intention here at RP is to learn from & support each other through our knowledge and opinions as opposed to berating and battling each other over petty issues & differences. Just MHO and 1/50th of a dollar

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made May 22 at 2014 10:08 PM

2014-05-22T22:08:17-04:00

No way. I am at the age where it is what it is. Take it or leave it.

I've been around the block a few times and even down some alleys. I'm now about sharing some of that 'wisdom' to help others find the shorter path.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 11:45 PM

2014-05-22T23:45:33-04:00

I'm a joker all round. I'm only serious 1/4 of the time. I don't want to grow up because I'm a toys r us kid.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jun 15 at 2014 12:16 PM

2014-06-15T12:16:12-04:00

I utilize FB more for my business than anything else. It has turned out to be a good way to keep my clients informed & pass along timely information they can use. I do have a personal sub-account that reaches family and friends, which I maybe check a few times a week at best. The personal side is more a way for my kids to let me know what is going on with them.
I see RallyPoint as more of a LinkedIn type of account than a FaceBook. RP has its focus and function. Since RP's founding function was to help make military life better by providing stellar tools for success, I really think it has less similarities to FB & more parallels to LinkedIn.

Response by SGT Anthony Norfolk made Aug 5 at 2014 7:31 PM

2014-08-05T19:31:19-04:00

I am new to Rally Point, although I'm hoping that I get to talk with professional soldiers about their issues as well as share mine without prejudice. I will conduct myself as I was taught in the service. I'm looking forward for senior members here in RP to share need to know VA issues and more. I use FB to communicate with my kids and old childhood friends so there would be an use of discretion so I wouldn't disrespect their views, beliefs and families.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Aug 5 at 2014 8:53 PM

2014-08-05T20:53:11-04:00

My personal info is not on Facebook. I use more humor on FB. I do not restrict my comments on either (I'm don't write much on FB). As one of the "older" Vets on this site, I do not feel obligated to shade or infer most of my comments. My opinions and experience come straight at you. The exception to that statement is when referring to the current political climate that seems to have permeated the upper echelons of the Military. I am certain that the NSA is all around me..... NOT and DON"T CARE! I stick to the discussion topics more here.

I like the way that we express our thoughts and opinions here. No name calling; No profanity (sort of); Agree to Disagree; Good references to topics; Lots of different experiences; I wish something like this was around in the old days..... then I wouldn't have spent so much time at the Benning Airborne Officers Club catching up on Fridays.......LOL

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Aug 6 at 2014 5:20 AM

2014-08-06T05:20:28-04:00

I think everyone should conduct themselves in a manner true to themselves (I hate fake people)... However different circumstances allow for a change in behavior. Facebook is for fun, sharing daily life, keeping in touch, marketing.... LinkedIn is a professional network site, for more serious connections and such. Where as this site is set-up for Military professionals, regardless branch of service or status... besides our mentality is a bit different... Our conduct here should reflect accordingly... However as I said at the beginning, just be yourself...

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2014 1:44 PM

2014-08-06T13:44:27-04:00

I conduct myself, and represent myself the same on ALL social media. I am a advocate for VETS, and their families, past, present, and future. I am NOT a doc., but have been in the medical community for over 20 years. It, for me, comes down to trust, and Honor.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 12:01 PM

2014-12-08T12:01:13-05:00

I'm the same, everywhere. I may be less formal in a group on Facebook than here, but my personality is still the same.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 29 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-10-29T13:07:05-04:00

They generally don't care about veterans' issues on FB. Instead they want to talk about their pets, drinking, and stupid sayings that someone published. I would be dumber than a bag of rocks if I read every FB post.