Is RallyPoint useful or just another downgraded version of Facebook forums for ppl to "gossip" on?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:33:40 -0500

As I randomly check RP from time to time, I get a notion that its just like any other forum. Its sorta built like Facebook forums now but doesn't work nearly as good. Other than getting advice or TTPs, is there really a need for another Social Media page or is RP truely useful for you? Chime in!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 3 at 2014 9:40 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:40:52 -0500

I think RallyPoint is useful, as it allows people of like minds/similar backgrounds to discuss issues specific to a segment of the population, unlike Facebook, which is wide open to all.

I have not seen too much "gossip" on RallyPoint. I would characterize it as more of a "discussion".

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 9:44 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:44:31 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, it's useful. Look at all the questions being asked by SMs who need advice for situations they're dealing with now. And look at the vast amount of experience they can tap into for that advice and guidance.

Further, there have been some very touching offers (some very tangible) of support to veterans who are "hurting."

You bet it's useful, and then some!

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Nov 3 at 2014 9:45 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:45:14 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member For myself I agree with COL Jean (John) F. B. the main thing for me being Retired is allowing me to keep in touch with other Military Members. It's the one thing I miss the most since retirement.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 3 at 2014 9:51 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:51:17 -0500

I believe that RallyPoint is absolutely useful SFC Private RallyPoint Member. Personally I have connected with numerous folks who I have reached out to for assistance with for issues relating to PCS, sponsorship for Soldiers, and even logistic support from an Embassy. There is also a wealth of knowledge throughout the forum questions and answers. Service members are getting questions answered, meeting and talking to potential mentors, etc.

Response by PO1 John Pokrzywa made Nov 7 at 2014 10:36 AM

PO1 John Pokrzywa — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 10:36:11 -0500

I think the application and site need a good bit of work, but it's nice to at least know the majority of membership have some things in common that those on Facebook generally do not.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 7 at 2014 11:38 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:38:36 -0500

It's been discussed on several other threads in multiple ways. To take a narrow view and believe that the only useful function is a "gossip" page seems a bit terse and inaccurate to me. RallyPoint serves many purposes for different people. The things that stick to me would be a consistent learning environment. I would tend to state that it is as valuable as you make it to be. There is plenty of discussion threads that contain a wealth of information should you have a question about the subject. This venue also gives you the opportunity to seek advice if you choose to, read others opinions regarding current topics of military importance, interact with military personnel all across the board in rank and branch. There are many who frequent these halls who can contribute good information over an abundance of topics.

The question becomes how do you (or any other member) use the information given here and what value do you place on it. The site is free & the knowledge is available. As a veteran I look to do several things here, continue the camaraderie I developed with many of my friends while in the military complex, give knowledge I know will enhance or help fellow SM's along their career path, enlighten where I am able, and learn from those who have experiences I am lacking.

RallyPoint translates across military and civilian vocations with knowledge that can be understood in a familiar way.
Respectfully, it's value lies in what you make of it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 11:57 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:57:10 -0500

When I first started on RP it was less Facebook like and more military minded. What I mean is that there were more questions in regards to regulations, advice on specific military situations, and discussion on deployments, etc. Over time I log in less because it has become bogged down in religious and political discussion. If that was the intent of RP, that is fine, just not something I am not interested in discussing or what I thought was the intention of the site. There are also more silly posts now than there was when I first started posting here. I don't have a problem with these per se but it seems they are more and more common. The thing about RP is that different people come to RP for different reasons and as long as you can find enough here to warrant visiting the site then it is successful.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 12:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:15:38 -0500

I don't feel that RallyPoint is getting to the gossip and such levels of FaceBook. However, the level of intellectual, fact based answers is lowering. But, that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Emotions and passion fuel conversation, but they need to be backed up with facts and truth, not just the traditional "Nuh-uh!"

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 13 at 2014 9:10 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:10:36 -0500

Sure some of us BS and share jokes and war stories, but we're among friends here. You can't find this kind of camaraderie out there on FB w/o some Joe Bagadonuts disrespectfully adding their 2 cents. Here, as far as I've seen, even in some heated discussions decorum and respect is maintained for the most part. No one on FB cares if a 2LT should salute a 1LT, but then again if not for the laugh factor not many here on RP do either, but at least we get the joke :-)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 9:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:27:11 -0500

I hope that it won’t turn out to be a downgraded version of FB. I like the conversation that goes on within the forums. It’s a place where the Military can come and talk about issues we face. Meet new people that you have things in common, and can relate to, either way. I heard also...it’s a great place to network. So let keep it real, like the professionals we are.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 13 at 2014 9:41 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:41:54 -0500

As someone who left the service in 1993, I appreciate feeling welcome here. I choose to avoid topics that I consider disrespectful or religion based. This is my choice, but I was able to regain contact with a Marine I worked with and had no idea what happened to him. I was greatful for the opportunity to get in touch with him after 21 years. If I never take another thing away from this site, that is enough for me. Thanks RP for allowing veterans as well as current service members to participate.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 9:42 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:42:48 -0500

I have only been on this site for couple weeks and have already picked up some tips to use in my career in regards to personnel and my view the view of the military. I think it's a great place to share your views and do some fun/entertaining reading.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 7:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 07:38:26 -0400

Unfettered access to CSMs, SGMs, COLs, 1SGs, junior enlisted and all the veterans cannot be a bad thing. Their insight, knowledge, or untainted ideas provide a great repository of information / ideas. While there may be topics that seem unnecessary, there is still a huge amount of worth in the responses.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 23:52:35 -0400

Rally point is very good. The questions being asked are very good; it a great source of networking for both social and military/civilian career reasons, and its educational. It promotes camaraderie. (Admittedly electronic camaraderie not a good as personal contact but I would have no contact if it wasn't for this and it can lead into gaining new friends.) I admit I'm becoming a RallyPoint junkie! I enjoy it more than Facebook.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 29 at 2015 7:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 19:37:17 -0400

I am quite astonished.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 8:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 20:50:11 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I disagree with you. I think RP is a useful tool for sharing information, making connections, asking for help/information/advice/support... Members here are uniquely attuned to the needs of other members in a way that FB and other media sights cannot even come close to. Functionally it is much better than FB with controls to allow a high level of user control, a help desk where you do not get stuck in a automated loop, admins that care about the members and do their best to police threads, founders who make themselves accessible and responsive to members, (When was the last time you received a message from Mark Zuckerberg or that he responded to a message you sent him?) Ralllypoint is not "like any other forum" I've experienced. SFC Private RallyPoint Member I hope you have a great evening and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 25 at 2015 8:52 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 20:52:07 -0500

Little bit of Both I'm Sure. Good place for Professional Advice and Good Place for Old Salts and Old Soldiers go Gossip too.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 25 at 2015 9:07 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 21:07:43 -0500

As with all social media sites. RP is what you make it. Every person is free to pose new questions and discussion topics for the benefit of all. It is this exchange of ideas, facts and opinions that helps build greater understanding and sense of community.

I believe it provides a useful place for service members and veterans to exchange ideas, express opinions, formulate positions and gain insight on various topics. No site is perfect as that is the human condition. From my experience RP offers a unique space for military affiliated individuals to interact and gain perspectives form a much larger segment then would be available at the unit or installation level. These connections and insights offer a perspective most would not be able to obtain in any other fashion.

Response by SFC Jason Babb made Nov 25 at 2015 10:43 PM

SFC Jason Babb — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 22:43:18 -0500

kinda allows folks to wax nostalgic on the past while weighing in on today's mess. i like it.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Nov 26 at 2015 7:51 AM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 07:51:33 -0500

Unfortunately, I. do not have facebook. That being said in my short time on this site I have been numerous connections. with all services active and veteran alike. I enjoy all perspectives and different ways to share information. RP has also allowed me to share, advise and help others with all things both military and other subjects. I am happy to part of this growing community.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2015 7:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 19:01:30 -0500

I like RP. It's good to hear opinions of past and current members. I believe some people are out of touch with today's military and it keeps them informed. I have not used RP to directly impact my military career but it's cool to see where some people stand with my views on certain topics. Far cry from Facebook

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2015 11:35 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 23:35:16 -0500

It depends on what parts of the site you go to and how you utilize the resources on the site. The tools can really help you if you use them.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2015 2:23 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 14:23:22 -0500

Sometimes, I "hold back" or "temper" my responses or posts because I believe RP was conceived as a military version of "LinkedIn" more than "Facebook".

That said, I cannot tell you how much it truly helps to get the real opinions of those who served during, before, and after "my time". It's made me less concerned in many ways...and highlighted issues I'd otherwise be severely lacking in information upon.

I do hate that our discussions occasionally become "rants", or political debates...Still, I think it's best that we "hash it out" among ourselves...owing to the fact that there's (should be) a line of respect unparalleled in any other community.

Occasionally, I learn things...I'd like to think that sometimes, people learn from me.

I will admit that not all that many years ago, I was seriously concerned that things had "changed" so much, that the service I loved may have been evolving into something unrecognizable...I no longer fear that as much. Sailors, Soliders, Airmen and Marines are still the same,hard working, "not happy unless complaining", foul mouthed, ill-tempered, good -intentioned, courageous, idealistic, wonderful bastards that have been keeping us strong and free since the beginning, and I'm just grateful to keep in touch with all of you.