In what ways do you see RallyPoint better serving you and your social network needs than other more common civilian oriented networks?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 03:14:50 -0500

How is RallyPoint different in your mind from Facebook, LinkedIn, MilConnect, or other social networking sites?

Personally, I appreciate the closed network of current and former military professionals. Does this limit connections for future employment or enhance better connections?

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 14 at 2014 3:49 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 03:49:43 -0500

Sir, I maintain a LinkedIn account and find it very helpful with regard to networking outside the military world; however, I find that the support I receive from the military world (RP included) is far more substantial. The military mindset is much more engaged than the civilian world. Our "No one left behind" and "Can do" attitudes make RP a much more robust support mechanism.

My personal observation is that regardless of forum, military members work harder for other military members because we share common ground, heritage, sacrifice, and mentality. I'm fortunate in that several members of my inner circle on RP are also professional connections on LinkedIn.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 16 at 2014 2:54 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 14:54:25 -0500

Other than people I already know in person on Facebook, there's none I'd care to do more that chat a few words with. Here on the other hand, there's not one person I'm connected with that I wouldn't want to meet in person and have in depth discussions with face to face or here virtually.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 17 at 2014 8:32 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:32:27 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Sir, Recently, I deactivated my Facebook accounts and while I use LinkedIn for employment social media, I do not utilize it the way I do RallyPoint (RP). My finding on RP is we have discussions with others who have similar backgrounds, values, and yet sometimes very different opinions. However, mostly, I see respectful discussions between RP members even if they disagree.

I also very much agree with the closed nature of RP and enjoy that I know I am speaking with verified military professionals.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 17 at 2014 8:37 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:37:56 -0500

Sites like linkedin are great for networking, staying current and professional skills development. Caveat is that I am an IT guy so my "military job" transitions directly to my civilian side counterpart. RP give a forum to discuss the various military-isms, give and receive mentorship from/to other military members.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Dec 18 at 2014 7:53 AM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 07:53:19 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Sir, I know I'm in the minority here but I have never had a facebook page and don't think I will ever have one. So I can't speak to the differences, but I do agree with all the reasons that others have stated as to what we like about RP. I do have a LinkedIn account but that isn't very updated.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 7:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 07:53:28 -0500

Sir,
Good question.

I like RP becuse it give me an opertunity to learn, ability to ask question, find out new information about the military.

If RP would be a bad idea, it wouldn't had so many members.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 9:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 09:16:22 -0500

Sir, I believe that it gives us as service members and veterans a more personalized experience. We are able to hear from other service members and veterans that have already done what a lot of us are looking to do, and what they believe, from their personal experiences, is the best way to go about it.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 18 at 2014 11:23 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 11:23:30 -0500

I see it as an addition, not better or worse. I may be older, but I see social media as un-intimidating, positive if you use it right. So to me that means... use it.... All of it. FB, Linkin, RP, what ever is out there that may put me in contact with someone I want to know, or expose me to someone that wants to know me.

You cant take advantage of an opportunity if you don't know it's there.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 4:45 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:45:30 -0500

Sir,

Perhaps the most obvious and most simple draw to RallyPoint is the ability to connect and share experiences with the 1% of the population that knows what it means to serve and sacrifice in uniform.

Who better to network with than folks that have walked the same or similar walk as you?