Should military courtesy be required in RallyPoint?

SPC,

Personally I think that it is always good manners to use a bit I courtesy in any situation. So, whether you are still serving or a veteran I will likely still address you by the rank displayed in your profile (after all I don't personally know you and you earned that title at some point). This helps to avoid any misinterpretation and offers respect that opens mutual discourse on even grounds. Should discussion move to a more friendly and less formal direction then ranks can usually be dispensed with, but of course respect should still be given by all parties.

It's my opinion that military courtesy is not wrong. However, once you're no longer serving (active) then it's a moot point of whether it's required any longer.

In this particular forum - I believe it's appropriate. We have many members that are Serving Members and thus required to utilize the proper courtesies. I believe that while the veterans are no longer required to observe the military courtesies it's important we set the tone for this forum. As a group / forum we can "let our hair down" and meet/greet a host of military personnel and gather intell, update friendships, start new ones. Yet it is important for all of us to realize there are civilians within our ranks - both vets and non-vets. The military is the 'other 1 percent' and we should take the time and effort to be self policing (Pvt "bang bang" comes to mind) and recognize that we set the standards for all to see.

No. I think it's respectful but not something that should be required. That's what official channels are for (if you're still in) . Especially when speaking of veterans. The need to show deference to preserve military discipline no longer applies on the outside. All veterans served. Some were cooks, some were admirals; once you're out we're all supposedly equal again, and we are Americans.
I think courtesy should always be encouraged, but if this is to remain a free forum for people to express opinions, it shouldn't be mandatory.
Personally, it's hit or miss now that I'm out. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, and has nothing to do with whether I respect the person at all.

I believe, yes. I make it my personal policy to not say anything on RP that I could not say in person. I'm still in the military, if a superior chose to look me up, he or she could.
My profile contains my name, rank, and unit. Though I may reside in a different state than most, I could still be subjected to UCMJ due to online activities.
Additionally, I feel that even though someone is serving in a different branch, for instance, a PO2 in the Navy still outranks me and I will try and respect his or her position, regardless of time in service.
I'm of the opinion that a service-member EARNS his or her rank ( I know, I know...we all know of some exceptions), and can always learn from each other.
Having said that, if I manage to get myself into a RP public mud-slinging contest (which I will definitely lose) with a Major, someone PLEASE intervene, because I have lost my mind!

I think enlisted personnel and veterans should address higher ranking officers as "sir" or by their rank. You know the saying, "once a Marine, always a Marine"! I feel the same about the Air Force.

Military courtesies were great when we were all in the military. Once a person is out, the military courtesy stops. No one carries that courtesy outside of the military environment and it is not required in this forum and it is not required that I address anyone in the military with their rank since I no longer serve. If it was, I'd pack up and leave.

Personally, I think professionalism is one of the great incentives to join and network on this site. I do think veterans and retirees are exempt from the whole necessity of following rank protocol, but we who serve currently are held to that standard, closed site or not. Unless we are on a first name basis, with said person, we should treat them with the respect they've earned, whether we're talking to a current, or former member.

I think courtesies should be extend. People see and remember when you aren't being courteous. Everyone has different experiences from everyone else. There is always the opportunity to learn from other people, but when you are perceived as rude because of lack of courtesies, then no one is going to want to help you.

I think they should be required everywhere. Your a soldier with in uniform and out. Obviously no answer is 100% and there are greys areas. But if you see your Battalion Commander at the shopette and he says hello are you going to say "Hi Frank." Or "Morning Sir." I think most people would go with the second option. Also the more you stick to the professional demeanor of a soldier the more people notice and remember you in a positive light.

Observed, yes; required, no. I would not suggest kicking someone out of RP over a violation. I would suggest a kind reminder if the offense was blatant. RP should continue to be a relaxed environment that encourages candid discussion (keepin' it real).