Is it possible to make RallyPoint more appealing to enlisted soldiers?

2015-06-24T12:22:10-04:00

I asked in two more forums I belong to what the members (mostly enlisted) thought of Rallypoint and if they had heard of it. I expected to receive positive responses in return but what I received was that they had the opinion that Rallypoint is weighted with Officers and higher ranking NCOs and they didn't believe it would be of a benefit for them. I was disappointed to receive this response especially since this was the theme of the majority of responses.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jun 24 at 2015 12:26 PM

2015-06-24T12:26:57-04:00

Just FYI - RallyPoint membership is currently 87% enlisted. Anybody can see the breakdown, including by pay grade, by using the People Search page on the desktop site, if you're curious: https://www.rallypoint.com/search

RallyPoint | Military Community Search

Find active Service Members and Veterans on RallyPoint through our Advanced Search

Response by Nick Petros made Jun 24 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-06-24T12:27:28-04:00

Acknowledging that there are always things we can do to improve (and we work pretty hard to tackle them as quickly and effectively as possible), I was hoping to learn a bit more about these other forums. Are they enlisted only (i saw you said 'mostly' - just asking if there is any officer activity)?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 24 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-06-24T12:30:01-04:00

You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink...unless you force a hose down it's throat, and that is not something I am recommending we try with the enlisted soldiers...yet.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-06-24T12:31:10-04:00

I personally like that fact that most of the time I am seeing responses from officers and NCO's because it shows that what I was taught about the senior enlisted and Officer ranks was true. That they do care about what does happen down here at the E-1-4 level.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-06-24T12:38:43-04:00

Why not create a subject forum for E-4 and below? They might feel a strength in numbers and cohesion on this matter.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 24 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-06-24T12:39:49-04:00

I have a lot of lower enlisted that I've connected with on purpose to show them that at the Colonel Level we are human, make mistakes, have opinions, do really care, are available to help them, and we can be very respectful of the fact that (rank shouldn't) matter as we discuss and post our opinions. I've had personal messages from some and I've even spoke with a few on the phone to help, coach, mentor, or provide "free" advice. I think it is the senior leadership (Officers and NCOs) that should be reaching out to the enlisted and encouraging them to participate on a regular basis. Just my two cents for today - great topic to bring up by the way CPT Private RallyPoint Member

I really liked the data that LTC Yinon Weiss provided as well. Thanks for your continuous involvement in RallyPoint!

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Jun 24 at 2015 12:42 PM

2015-06-24T12:42:40-04:00

This is a great question, and there's probably a lot we can do both on the product side and as a community to lower the barrier for participation from more junior members. I look forward to reading everyone's insight on this!

We've had similar discussions before, not about what we can do, but why it is that they may not participate as much. There are some great comments in this one in particular: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-does-it-seem-like-junior-enlisted-do-not-participate-on-rp-discussions

Why does it seem like Junior Enlisted do not participate on RP discussions? | RallyPoint

Updated at 825 a.m. 16 May 15 The results show it is fear of influence from the senior military. So now my question is what is the issue her? Updated at 210 p.m. 14 May 15 Believe it or not the polls are pretty even. We have so many good comments and participation that all levels can learn something from. Take the time to read the comments and then give your input. Updated at 1040 a.m. 14 May 15 This is all great feedback so far keep it coming...

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 24 at 2015 12:42 PM

2015-06-24T12:42:54-04:00

1.) There is a huge age/maturity/experience gap within the RP audience.
2.) RP is competing for attention from the "younger" members. There's an awful lot of other social media out there --I've been told that FB has already been ear-marked for "parents!"
3.) Most commands are encouraging vigilance when posting on social media.

To this, I would predict that many RP members prefer to passively participate.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-06-24T12:44:04-04:00

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't that the point? That we as O's and SNCOs are accessible to lend a hand and some pearls of wisdom when they hit a brick wall. Or are just curious about something that they do not want to run up their CoC?

Or want to kvetch about having CQ duty on Valentine's Day/2LT saluting a 1LT? ;)

--Kidding aside, as a HUGE proponent of mentoring, I am delighted being part of the RP community. I welcome all ranks and their questions. What I do not want to see is an overrun of FB-esque postings and the like.

Response by SFC Jeff Stevenson made Jun 24 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-06-24T13:06:23-04:00

Capt Cannonie, This might be, after an award was passed to a senior NCO who was also blogging and did not agree with what was being said.
I believe it was sexual in nature and she identified herself and it went from there. She then did her due diligence and contacted the member's CoC and they were reprimanded while she received an award. That had a big ripple effect when dealing with active duty whether on line or other media outlets. When it becomes apparent that a disagreement results in an award and punishment, it tends to be highlighted and the waning away. I agree this is a great forum to voice and learn, from many aspects and experiences, but while I was a high speed E-4, I would also stay away from higher ranks as RHIP, and it seems its now PC to enforce this. I very much enjoy the "Blue ID Card" and after 26+ years, can still agree to disagree and still have a great debate/conversation.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-06-24T13:06:28-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Ma'am, even though I'm a PFC, I'm 32 years old and my interest are way different than most of the Junior Enlisted. I would like to see more discussions where we could participate but, either lack of knowledge, experience or interest, there's too many discussions that our input wouldn't be of too much help. 1SG Private RallyPoint Member have tried to get us more involved here, thing that I appreciate, but the response hasn't been as big as it could be. MAJ Ken Landgren has also made his part but, I guess discussions related to the Junior Enlisted are not that appealing. Also, I've seen so many discussions lately that are more just looking for attention than for actual healthy discussions that I haven't been that active this month. To wrap up my response, check the "Trending Discussions" and just one is appealing to us, the rest...

P.S. There are more than 34K E-3, why the top influencers are always the same?

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jun 24 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-06-24T13:13:20-04:00

On a personal note - I am only on RP because i am retired. If i was still active I would not be on any social media site if I knew my leadership was there as well.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 24 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-06-24T13:16:09-04:00

I'm here on RP to help to the junior enlisted and junior enlisted veterans on career opportunities and help for commonly asked junior enlisted questions. I have had experience in and out of the military so I can provide insight on both ends.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jun 24 at 2015 1:21 PM

2015-06-24T13:21:30-04:00

Lower enlisted tend to be younger, focused on shiny new freedom and adulthood, and have a rather healthy fear of senior leadership. There are obviously exceptions, but I'm not sure you'll see a ton of junior enlisted participation until they've matured or found their footing. There are exceptions, of course, but generally, 19 year olds haven't grasped the whole mentorship/career development thing yet.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-06-24T13:40:01-04:00

Honestly responses like this are silly. They just haven't given RallyPoint a chance. It truly comes down to what their looking for. RallyPoint is a great site for folks that have been in for awhile to network and catch up with old friends. If someone's using it for a job, it's all based off of experience and their ability to sell themselves to the HR Rep/Recruiter.
I have learned long ago, you just can't make everyone happy! Life is truly what you make of it!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-06-24T13:48:55-04:00

I joined RP to hear more from the higher ranks and to get better insight on the "big Picture" of the branches as a whole. Going from Active Duty to Reserves I do not get the day to day conversations with the higher ranks and unofficial mentoring I was fortunate enough to receive while on active duty, so this has taken the place of that for now. I'm on here several times a week generally just to listen to the seasoned members of the site. I try to inject my points from time to time. But, 9 times out of 10 someone has already said exactly what I was thinking. I think RP is kind of like going to a consolidated club versus an E-Club. The junior enlisted will go to the consolidated club if its required or they'll go if its a large group, as the thoughts of "I might do something wrong" or "I can't really enjoy myself" plague them. Definitely a maturity/comfortable in "their own uniform". I mean O's and SNCO's don't put their pants on one leg at a time like the junior enlisted right?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 24 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-06-24T14:26:36-04:00

I want more Coast Guard members! Everything I know about the Coast Guard comes from the two awesome members who are very active on here. I'm going recruiting.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-06-24T14:30:47-04:00

My question to them would then have been.."Have you tried connecting with those higher ranking people and asking for advice, tips, and anything else that will benefit you? Because, always remember, even a CSM was a PVT at one point. And a COL was a 2LT at one point as well."

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 24 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-06-24T14:45:30-04:00

Give it time. RallyPoint is relatively new. I predict we will be listed as military education and then they will earn 1 promotion point for every 10,000 influence points.....lol?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 6:01 PM

2015-06-24T18:01:21-04:00

The reason lower enlisted don't want to be here is because they cannot ask a question without someone running to their chain of command. I've seen this too many times on here. Instead of helping them, they get scolded for their questioning of their "leaders" or what not.

Response by SFC John La Voie made Jun 24 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-06-24T18:06:19-04:00

I'll answer this yes, but then qualify my answer - you see a lot of senior ranking officers and NCO's here for a lot of reasons, the primary reason in my case, and I like to think it is true for many of the others, is really simple - a lot of us have retired from the Service and want to try to pass our knowledge, what we learned, on to the next generation - if you cannot learn from the past you are doomed to repeat it.

Response by PFC Bruce Lawrence made Jun 24 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-06-24T18:46:02-04:00

I think if you really dig in to the data, you will find that there are several lower enlisted members that log in and check on posts daily, but are simply leery to post their opinions for fear of pissing off the wrong person. I have been out for over 20 years now, but back when I was in if there was a site like this at that time in the 90's I would not have said much either. You're too young and if you get really passionate about something it could be to your own detriment. It does not mean they are not listening and learning, they are just doing it the way Basic taught them to do it, with their eyes open and ears tuned in, mouth shut. Just my 2 cents.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 16 at 2021 8:08 PM

2021-12-16T20:08:58-05:00

I wonder if the younger SMs are reticent to speak or inquire about things due to these reasons:

- They lack a lot of experience in the military. They don't know what they don't know and their knowledge can be truncated due to their youth.

- Many of us discuss matters that are a function of age like retirement, VA benefits, personal challenges.

- Some of us have specific knowledge. I am not trying to brag, but I understand tactics and strategic aspects of war; and I know a lot about military history although I am not a historian.

- Their lives and understanding of it or the military can be nebulous due to their youth. Perhaps they feel like RP is a lions' den.

- Maybe they take heed of all the assholes in RP.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Aug 8 at 2022 12:01 PM

2022-08-08T12:01:44-04:00

It's funny this particular survey came up. I have noticed that a lot of officers are the main contributors. Not a bad thing but some troops were always drilled to be intimidated by officers and higher ranking NCO's

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Jan 28 at 2023 6:03 PM

2023-01-28T18:03:23-05:00

I don't see the issue. As in life you make of it what can. Full Bird Private or Full Bird Colonel. We are all Veterans. I can BS with the best of them:-)