Posted on Feb 1, 2015
Officer/Enlisted Discussions (Arguments) on RallyPoint
32.2K
125
42
10
10
0
(additional comments added at end of this post)
I've been retired since '99, so I've gotten a bit undisciplined.
Having said that, I have to admit I've been a bit uncomfortable seeing some of the discussions on Rallypoint; particularly between officer and enlisted -- presumably by folks currently wearing the uniform (unfortunately, I've trended like most retirees and can't fit mine! LOL)
Are others feeling this discomfort? Is social media a place where folks can get in trouble?
Semper Fi team!
Pete Hoeft
Additional comments (repost of something I added below):
In response to everyone who responded, Thanks! I'm relatively new to Rallypoint. And if you haven't already figured out, I'm one of those folks who likes to share my opinion.
I agree that the majority of discourse has been appropriate and professional. And there are times some folks have danced around the edges.
Hehehee. As much as I like to think I keep up with times and that I'm not an old fart, I guess I grew up in a different time where we (SNCOs and Officers) had our conversations, but mostly in private.
Many of you represent a generation that has "grown up" with social media being part of your lives, with this just being part of it.
Something else to keep in mind, however, is that prospective employers (and maybe your current employer) will be checking backgrounds and public records prior to hiring and part of that is a check of social media. Many folks will benefit from intelligent conversation and the discourse will provide some good insights into how you think. As for those who choose to lay it all out there . . . . be careful to keep it professional. You might be persuading a hiring manager to pass you over. As a former Intel guy, I tend to assume HR types are reading anything I post, so I err on the side of caution.
I've been retired since '99, so I've gotten a bit undisciplined.
Having said that, I have to admit I've been a bit uncomfortable seeing some of the discussions on Rallypoint; particularly between officer and enlisted -- presumably by folks currently wearing the uniform (unfortunately, I've trended like most retirees and can't fit mine! LOL)
Are others feeling this discomfort? Is social media a place where folks can get in trouble?
Semper Fi team!
Pete Hoeft
Additional comments (repost of something I added below):
In response to everyone who responded, Thanks! I'm relatively new to Rallypoint. And if you haven't already figured out, I'm one of those folks who likes to share my opinion.
I agree that the majority of discourse has been appropriate and professional. And there are times some folks have danced around the edges.
Hehehee. As much as I like to think I keep up with times and that I'm not an old fart, I guess I grew up in a different time where we (SNCOs and Officers) had our conversations, but mostly in private.
Many of you represent a generation that has "grown up" with social media being part of your lives, with this just being part of it.
Something else to keep in mind, however, is that prospective employers (and maybe your current employer) will be checking backgrounds and public records prior to hiring and part of that is a check of social media. Many folks will benefit from intelligent conversation and the discourse will provide some good insights into how you think. As for those who choose to lay it all out there . . . . be careful to keep it professional. You might be persuading a hiring manager to pass you over. As a former Intel guy, I tend to assume HR types are reading anything I post, so I err on the side of caution.
Military bearing
Discipline
Respect
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 23
20
20
0
At times I just shake my head and scroll along....internet badassery is something I can live without.....
(20)
(0)
MAJ David Vermillion
Let us be respectful to each other and remember the power of good influence. That does a lot for me, trying to be disrespectful proves nothing in the end but resentment.
(4)
(0)
LTC Stephen Conway
I have my opinions and sometimes people disagree and I learn from them that the more I know or believe, I sometimes forget the context or I don't see the big picture as clearly and sometimes I am myopic and I have to reevaluate my stance. That is what I am learing from this forum is that with the collective ideas and respectful debate/disagreements from others we can be a better profession or be better people with better empathy of that with we disagree with or don't understand fully. I really like this forum!
(0)
(0)
I can say this pops it's head up a bit. We often see the LT, not me of course, that knows far too much for their lack of experience. Then we see the SGT that goes out of his to bash the LT on a topic. I lost count on how many times I have been called out as a LT. I recall one episode where the soldier called me out about being a dumb Newbie, or something that affect. The issue was that I was an NCO longer they have been in the Army. I wasn't using my current picture. I think my current picture reflects a bit more as I don't seem like that cherry Lt. But it is from both sides of the house. It is also from the RET vs SM. The back in my day vs. how it is done now. We should remain professional no matter what our status is.
(12)
(0)
10
10
0
9
9
0
Came in with a degree and years of experience in business and other areas. Recruiter screwed me so I'm not wearing bars, but that doesn't take way from the fact that I can give great insight into many issues brought up by most Officers.
(9)
(0)
SPC Christopher Smith
MAJ David Vermillion I'd be lying if I said I am not upset because Sallie Mae is still on my back. He didn't tell me about Student Loan Repayment, the extra money would be really nice right about now, but I'll do my time, and get what I can from the experience.
(2)
(0)
LTC Stephen Conway
I joined the ARNG and got bars at age 33 years 9 months from the CAARNG. It is never too late to get bars if you are under 35 in the Guard and 32 1/2 in the USAR (correct me if I am wrong on these guidelines) and I have seen NCOs get direct commission so you are an intellectual and if you want to get commissioned I am sure there is a way even in 2015's sequestered Reserve Component because people get promoted or leave and you have that opportunity.
(1)
(0)
8
8
0
If we keep discussions professional and courteous, then we can have the difficult conversations. Being active duty, I still need to be careful about which discussions I join, and what I say. If a discussion is (or becomes) unprofessional, then I advise staying out of that particular conversation. Don't be afraid of social media, just be respectful of it.
(8)
(0)
GySgt (Join to see)
Yes indeed. Suffice it that I save my heated arguments for private with friends I respect who know me and we can all duke it out pretty adamantly (and have fun too). Out here, given that anyone can see it and may not assume my "positive intent," I throttle myself. I represent myself and my company. Yep, civilian companies care about how their employees present themselves in public as well.
(1)
(0)
8
8
0
GySgt (Join to see)
I can definitely understand your concern.
A solid portion of our membership is Veterans & Retirees, so the traditional Officer/Enlisted dichotomy just no longer applies any more. We tend to forget that we are still examples for those that are still in, so when we speak our minds, this can create a very flawed "perception."
Upon exodus, we've essentially graduated from a Senior/Junior relationship to that of Peers. But "old habits die hard."
Now, I'm not trying to excuse unprofessional conduct. We, should always maintain a professional demeanor, even in heated discussion. Especially in a public venue. You never know who is watching, after all.
I can definitely understand your concern.
A solid portion of our membership is Veterans & Retirees, so the traditional Officer/Enlisted dichotomy just no longer applies any more. We tend to forget that we are still examples for those that are still in, so when we speak our minds, this can create a very flawed "perception."
Upon exodus, we've essentially graduated from a Senior/Junior relationship to that of Peers. But "old habits die hard."
Now, I'm not trying to excuse unprofessional conduct. We, should always maintain a professional demeanor, even in heated discussion. Especially in a public venue. You never know who is watching, after all.
(8)
(0)
SGT Richard H.
GySgt (Join to see) I can attest to the part about hiring managers. I just hired an admin assistant, and from my ad, I received around 50 resumes. At least 10% of those made it to the "no" pile solely based on what I saw on Facebook.
With that said, I'm pretty picky. Of 50 resumes, 5 got further discussion, only 3 ended up with an interview, and only one got a call-back for a second interview.
With that said, I'm pretty picky. Of 50 resumes, 5 got further discussion, only 3 ended up with an interview, and only one got a call-back for a second interview.
(4)
(0)
PO1 Justin Longacre
well said,SGT. After retirement it took a lot of re-training for me to address people that retired at higher rank than me by their first name and those still on AD......and every now and then the old ways sneak back in...I occasionally address the VFW post commander as sir when casually talking to him...lol, but in the customer service field..that sir/ma'am goes a long way
(1)
(0)
6
6
0
I've seen some discourse, but being retired, I would hope that it could remain professional and encourage intelligent thought. If I was still Active, there would probably be more concern for our Profession of Arms and I would jump into the foray :)
(6)
(0)
LTC Stephen Conway
Your USAF experience is invaluable and relevant to all services here. Keep us informed of what is on your mind or how to help me and others be enlightened by giving your feedback, to praise or correct others or make suggestions. That is what I am learing here lately. It is for the good of the Military Proffesion.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
i'd say that while still serving, it is not a good idea to get into heated debates b/w enlisted and commissioned. 1) military checks many social media platforms and could find grounds to NJP up your butt for one thing or another 2) perceived professionalism. As a crusty vet though? Carry on.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
In response to everyone who responded, Thanks! I'm relatively new to Rallypoint. And if you haven't already figured out, I'm one of those folks who likes to share my opinion.
I agree that the majority of discourse has been appropriate and professional. And there are times some folks have danced around the edges.
Hehehee. As much as I like to think I keep up with times and that I'm not an old fart, I guess I grew up in a different time where we (SNCOs and Officers) had our conversations, but mostly in private.
Many of you represent a generation that has "grown up" with social media being part of your lives, with this just being part of it.
Something else to keep in mind, however, is that prospective employers (and maybe your current employer) will be checking backgrounds and public records prior to hiring and part of that is a check of social media. Many folks will benefit from intelligent conversation and the discourse will provide some good insights into how you think. As for those who choose to lay it all out there . . . . be careful to keep it professional. You might be persuading a hiring manager to pass you over. As a former Intel guy, I tend to assume HR types are reading anything I post, so I err on the side of caution.
I agree that the majority of discourse has been appropriate and professional. And there are times some folks have danced around the edges.
Hehehee. As much as I like to think I keep up with times and that I'm not an old fart, I guess I grew up in a different time where we (SNCOs and Officers) had our conversations, but mostly in private.
Many of you represent a generation that has "grown up" with social media being part of your lives, with this just being part of it.
Something else to keep in mind, however, is that prospective employers (and maybe your current employer) will be checking backgrounds and public records prior to hiring and part of that is a check of social media. Many folks will benefit from intelligent conversation and the discourse will provide some good insights into how you think. As for those who choose to lay it all out there . . . . be careful to keep it professional. You might be persuading a hiring manager to pass you over. As a former Intel guy, I tend to assume HR types are reading anything I post, so I err on the side of caution.
(4)
(0)
LTC Yinon Weiss
Yes, and as far as hiring managers go, keep in mind it goes both ways. Those who contribute intelligently and professionally can be recognized for that just as easily as those who add unprofessional commentary. Just like any tool, social media can be used for good or for bad. By itself the tool carries no judgment. It's what you do with it that matters.
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
One of the things I like about Rally Point as opposed to many other venues, is that the conversations tend to be respectful. There are exceptions, of course, but it is the internet after all. On the whole, though, I think it's a good opportunity for young soldiers and us old farts to bounce opinions off one another in a fairly safe environment. You'll never completely rid the world of keyboard Rambos, but this site does better than most.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google