SGT Private RallyPoint Member 45727 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>...still respect others rank, right?&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I have noticed that on many occasions SM no longer serving are extremely disrespectful to those senior in rank, on social media.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;While they are not bound anymore by UCMJ, do you believe that respect should be given to seniors still serving even after your military service is finished?&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Do you feel if a member of rally point can not conduct themselves in a professional manner in regards to rank structure or any other form of disrespect, even as retired or veteran, they should be barred from the site?&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt; 2014-01-28T10:00:36-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 45727

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>...still respect others rank, right?&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I have noticed that on many occasions SM no longer serving are extremely disrespectful to those senior in rank, on social media.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;While they are not bound anymore by UCMJ, do you believe that respect should be given to seniors still serving even after your military service is finished?&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Do you feel if a member of rally point can not conduct themselves in a professional manner in regards to rank structure or any other form of disrespect, even as retired or veteran, they should be barred from the site?&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

2014-01-28T10:00:36-05:00 2014-01-28T10:00:36-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 45731

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I couldn't agree with you more. One of the first principles we are taught is respect and regardless of someones status (active, reserves, or retired) respect is something that should be given to all especially on a professional social media site such as this.

2014-01-28T10:06:18-05:00 2014-01-28T10:06:18-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 45742

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;ve noticed a few posts that have made me scratch my head and wonder &quot;What were they thinking when they wrote that, in that manner?&quot;.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;While no longer bound by UCMJ - one would think that since they are on a professional forum…they would remain, well…professional. &amp;nbsp;Disagreement is not disrespect…however, stating outright that &quot;I&#39;m not in anymore, so I can say what I want and you can&#39;t do a thing about it&quot; leads me to believe that the individual had a bad experience in the military…or are disgruntled, with a chip on their shoulder.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;No reason in the world to get personal, behave in an unprofessional manner, become hostile or anything else on here. &amp;nbsp;Some folks don&#39;t take constructive criticism well and automatically become defensive. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

2014-01-28T10:32:50-05:00 2014-01-28T10:32:50-05:00 PO3 Private RallyPoint Member 45787

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Respect goes both ways though. I too have thought, "why did that person say that thing in that manner?" and they are supposed to be of higher rank, and show professionalism and leadership. If you're of higher rank than me, and you're being a dick, for lack of a professional term, shame on you. That doesn't mean that I should come back and be a brat about it, but it's incredibly frustrating to see many military members who don't offer respect too.

2014-01-28T13:03:35-05:00 2014-01-28T13:03:35-05:00 SFC James Baber 45805

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I have been the brunt of it firsthand and I will leave it at that.</p><p><br></p><p>What I have noticed though is that many of the veterans are ones who seem to have an issue with anyone of senior rank trying to explain something to them to assist or guide, but because they are senior it has to be an attack on the juniors rank or a personal attack when it is quite the contrary. I have had it happen on here as I have also witnessed it happen to others as well, now to play devils advocate, as the PO3 mentioned it does go both ways, but on the majority level I think that I could count on one hand the number of times a senior NCO/Officer has gotten over the top with a junior veteran/retiree, but it has been mostly the junior veteran/retiree that has gone above and beyond to straddling that disrespect line towards the senior whether active/veteran/retired.</p><p><br></p><p>Many times the one that is the issue either had an issue with a NCO/Officer while in, one of the reasons they are now a veteran and not either still AD or an retiree, or had a bad experience with someone and is making it personal with everyone of higher rank who questions or disagrees with them. I don't think they should be banned as they are entitled to be a part of the RP family, but there could be some sanctions that could be rendered if they continue in the manner that could be determined to be disrespectful not just to members senior to them but to anyone on RP that they are abusive/rude/disrespectful too.</p><p><br></p><p>Give me feedback if you think I am wrong and school me on the way to change my thinking on this. </p>

2014-01-28T13:37:30-05:00 2014-01-28T13:37:30-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 45820

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;I&#39;ll phrase my response this way; those who&amp;nbsp;are deserving of&amp;nbsp;respect should always be afforded it, regardless of rank or status.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Read that how you will...&lt;/p&gt;

2014-01-28T14:19:54-05:00 2014-01-28T14:19:54-05:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 45861

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SGT Blackburn, <div><br></div><div>I am on exactly the same page with you.  I could not agree more.  </div><div><br></div><div>But, after reading a great many questions and comments from some of RP's highest ranked contributors, I cannot help but feel that most of the unprofessional remarks on the RP website started with either explicit or implicit baiting of less experienced contributors by more experienced contributors.  </div><div><br></div><div>I have mentioned these concerns to RP management and asked them to review the pattern of behavior RP is rewarding with the highest point scores for influence; and asked whether minimal moderation or a change in the reward system may be appropriate for the sake of their users, potential clients, and investors.</div><div><br></div><div>So far, their best advice is for anyone who is the victim of this kind of baiting to simply delete their own photos and words, leaving only the word deleted, edited, or perhaps just the "." (period) punctuation mark.  But, they will remove any content that does not conform to the website rules or hurts any individuals.  </div><div><br></div><div>All that said, I would counsel everyone to keep in mind showing the utmost respect and preserve chivalrous gentlemanly conduct toward everyone regardless of status &amp; rank.</div><div><br></div><div>There is no good reason to bait, demean, insult, or otherwise degrade anyone here.  </div><div><br></div><div>Warm Regards, Sandy </div>

2014-01-28T15:43:50-05:00 2014-01-28T15:43:50-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 45870

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Sometimes people can be petty or have a bad day or two but that is no excuse to be rude.   No one here is as elite as they fancy themselves to be,   and respect is a two-way street.</p><p><br></p><p>There are a few senior posters here who go out of their way to follow the golden rule and that should be the norm.</p><p><br></p><p>As an aside we have Veterans passing every day and I will try  to list as many as I can.  This is just another way we can remember those who went before us.  These reports come from the Patriot Guard.   The thing to remember it will be us one day that will pass.</p>

2014-01-28T16:14:30-05:00 2014-01-28T16:14:30-05:00 SGT Thomas Sullivan 45881

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Maintaining professionalism is the only way to keep a wonderful tool such as RallyPoint alive and thriving. I respect those of higher rank and higher position and though I am a civilian now, I still call them sir and maam and mister and miss, unless they ask me to call them something different.  I afford respect to those who not only respect me in return but to those who have earned it by their actions to me.

2014-01-28T16:31:49-05:00 2014-01-28T16:31:49-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 45902

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>SGT Blackburn,</p><p><br></p><p>I don't want to get too philosophical, but acting professional (AKA respecting the rank) because of UCMJ is not the same as respecting the individual (which I believe is more important). I respect soldiers for their commitment to serve. I respect NCOs/CW because I realize that they are more experienced than myself. I respect commanders because I understand their level of responsibility. I respect Veterans for their time in service. I respect civilians for their support. Personally, I have respect for myself and therefore hold myself accountable to certain standards. However, I have a much higher level of respect (regardless of rank or military status) for individuals that not only have a similar level of self-respect, but also respect myself and others because of the relationship. So to answer your question, I believe disrespect should not be tolerated not because of rank/status, but because it is wrong.</p>

2014-01-28T16:48:55-05:00 2014-01-28T16:48:55-05:00 SGT Tyler H. 45905

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is not just a military problem. This is a global problem. The Internet as a whole, which includes all social media websites and various other sites that allow users to comment offer a false veil, in that there are no repercussions for 'foaming at the finger tips'.<div><br></div><div>Here's the thought process, "You can't do anything about it, so I am going to completely obliterate you and your position on 'X' because to me you are just a picture on a screen." Sound familiar? In fact, it is the way most who are using this medium are thinking. There are many blue chip companies and communities that are seeing increased amounts of cyber-bullying and have elected to turn off the comments to their pages and articles. We live in a world where our technology has surpassed our humanity and we, as a society, are now conditioned to sending and receiving messages in 140 characters or less. <div><br></div><br /><div>Here's my take on the Golden Rule: I believe that if you would not have the intestinal fortitude to say it to my face, then you should not say it at all. Respect!</div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>~The End</div><br /></div>

2014-01-28T16:50:04-05:00 2014-01-28T16:50:04-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 45925

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I find it hilarious that I'm reading this forum post.  This is the exact reason why I have limited my activity on RallyPoint for the past few weeks.  Yes, I absolutely, 100 percent agree that all personnel with an account on this site should still respect others who have surpassed them in rank regardless if they're still serving.  I have actually ran into this issue a few weeks back in which a SM completely disrespected me in which the sad part is, she wasn't even an NCO.  Wow!  I get that many military members have separated and still maintain ill feelings towards those of higher ranks post-separation but coming on a site with nothing but service members is NOT the forum to vent or direct your frustrations to other members.  It's extremely uncalled for and honestly should be restricted from having an account.  Not once have I ever disrespected someone intentionally or not without consequence.  It should be the same for these individuals.  I'm pretty sure that every military branch has "respect" in their respective core values in which you should still live by regardless if you are currently serving.  Anyway, just my opinion.....everyone has one 

2014-01-28T17:14:12-05:00 2014-01-28T17:14:12-05:00 PV2 Jason Bewley 45926

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Sgt, </p><p>I can tell you that I personally do still give the same respect that I did when I was in. I even refer to the SM in question in the same manner that I would have when I was in. Those that don't are disrespecting the uniform AND turning there back on the discipline and military bearing that many have cultivated over their time while serving. To do any less, as a veteran, is a disgrace to their OWN service. As well as the service of those that have served, or are currently serving. I don't personally expect veterans to address someone by their rank (though in a place such as this, it's just good manners), but at least show the respect due the rank. This is not Facebook, it just looks like it.</p>

2014-01-28T17:15:54-05:00 2014-01-28T17:15:54-05:00 SFC Stephen P. 45932

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Say we have a veteran who separated as a specialist back in `95. Now he is the CEO of a small company that employs 1000 people. Something tells me that he isn&#39;t going to be all that impressed with my E7ness. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Perhaps we could instead remove rank from veterans altogether? &lt;br&gt;

2014-01-28T17:23:44-05:00 2014-01-28T17:23:44-05:00 1SG Johnny Carter 45940

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don&#39;t feel they should be banned, I mean this is a social media and yes there are former Soldiers who for whatever reason chose not to serve anymore or retired ( by retired I mean with 20 plus years. ) act a fool on here because they fear no reprisal. I do feel that respect is something earned not given. If these so called former Soldiers are disrespectful then just plain ignore then or just plain hit that DELETE button. Becasue regardless we as professionals should alwasy travel the higher ground. Some of the people get their kicks off being disrespectful because that&#39;s all they know in life. At the end of the day some snot nosed former SPC is not worth the time or effort. My momma always said to me &quot; BOY IF YOU HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT OR ELSE!!! &quot; Love my momma!

2014-01-28T17:34:39-05:00 2014-01-28T17:34:39-05:00 SPC Adam W. 45947

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Some people will always have attitude/respect problems.  That goes for currently serving, vets, and everyone else.  But being banned for disregarding rank structure on this webpage is pretty ludicrous though.  I'm all for it if it comes down to a violation of RP's rules, obscenity, etc.  But I did not sign up for RP to "rejoin."  But don't misunderstand my lack of enthusiasm of strictly maintaining rank structure for disrespect.  I would afford anyone here the same respect and professionalism as I would expect to receive, until shown otherwise.

2014-01-28T17:55:13-05:00 2014-01-28T17:55:13-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 45963

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>SGT Blackburn,</p><p>A little unrelated to your post (but not completely off topic).</p><p>As far as the Terms and Conditions are concerned, this is a specific section:</p><p><br></p><p>"7.2       You shall not submit, post, upload to, distribute through or otherwise use in connection with the Services any User Content that:</p><p> (a)        Is libelous, vulgar, defamatory, threatening, abusive, scandalous, obscene, pornographic or unlawful or that encourages a criminal offense;"</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Some of this can obviously be very subjective.</p>

2014-01-28T18:16:34-05:00 2014-01-28T18:16:34-05:00 SSG Laureano Pabon 46052

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>SGT B. thumbs up for your thread.</p><p>When I was a young man in intermediate school, (NYC IS 117) we had an Air Force Tech SGT come to the school to talk to us about the Air Force. A few students were rather disrespectful to what he had to say (Racially). What happened was the SGT stopped Standing in front of the auditorium and said : "If you don't have any respect for someone's nationality or race, then you have no respect for your self". </p><p>Personally I took that for myself and made it a part of me personally. While the racial topic is not part of this thread, I still feel its the same when some one disrespects a SM whom is active duty serving and a Veteran. I do find that if a member is disrespectful to any member in RP, well they are just disrespectful. How RP elects to handle that is really up to RP. But personally I have found such actions in threads that I might have posted, but I made no big deal over it, because while a thread is not me, I personally don't allow such actions to phase me as a veteran. Now as a Veteran, I can still have UCMJ actions applied to me. I can still get court martial even though I'm not in the military. Which is why my I don't talk about my MOS much or what I did in the military. </p><p>This is a briefing that I was given when I was discharge. perhaps not in article 86 but yes I can still qualify for a court-martial. </p><p>Social media I only have about 3 or 4 Veterans and 1 SM, respect is very high there.</p>

2014-01-28T20:37:26-05:00 2014-01-28T20:37:26-05:00 SGT Mitch McKinley 46446

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I agree. I have been out for 9 years, but I still address active and other retired service members by their rank. Once it has been obtained, it speaks to the character of the individual and what they accomplished during their career.<div><br></div><div>That being said, the respect still must go both ways. I won't be talked down to or condescended/patronized because I was "only a SGT" and I will tactfully respond to those who do so. I am proud of my career and what I accomplished, and won't be disrespected by those who advances farther than I was able to.</div>

2014-01-29T13:14:39-05:00 2014-01-29T13:14:39-05:00 MSgt Timothy Bridgham 47789

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Interesting Topic,  As a Retiree that spent almost 10 years in a Joint environment and Held his tongue when those that outranked him said some of the stupidist things every said, some of us feel that now that we are no longer in uniform and have done our time we have earned the right to say whatever we want.  Not saying that being disrespectful is good, but the are times that you feel the need to slap the stupid out and now we can.  Now that being said, I dont condone just being disrespectful because you have a chip on your shoulder.  Senior NCO and Senior Officer on this forum that have retired should act like mentors to those that are still serving and proved only the truth, no politics.  So if we insult you by the way we speak, then sorry, but I know I am not changing for anyone every again. 

2014-01-31T09:34:49-05:00 2014-01-31T09:34:49-05:00 MAJ Joseph Parker 49989

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Interesting discussion on this thread! Would like to add a couple of cents here.</p><p><br></p><p>(1) Firstly, all RETIRED military personnel are subject to UCMJ. This is a fact. All of us "R" RPers are still in the service, but just on the retired rolls. When we are buried, our ranks will be on our tombstones. Until then, the President of the United States, the Congress, The Secretary of Defense, and the people of this nation who reposed special trust in our valor, fidelity, etc. expect us to conduct ourselves as leaders, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and professionals. I expect every active duty SM on this site below my grade to treat me and others appropriately, and I treat them as if they were in my unit and give them the respect, loyalty, and leadership required of me by my superiors and the President, just like it says on my DD1 and the UCMJ and just like I swore to do for the very first time on June 4, 1971. Doing this from the retired roles isn't a big burden, so there is absolutely no excuse for not doing with full measure. </p><p><br></p><p>(2) Veterans who are not on the retired roles generally have little jurisdiction under the UCMJ. How they conduct themselves as Honorably Discharged Veterans is really up to them. Actually, most veterans are quite honorable, including the ones on this site. They offer respect to rank, and receive it back 98% of the time. </p><p><br></p><p>(3) This site does have Terms of Use. We as military personnel (Active, retired, and veteran) have professional ethos. Finally, as Americans and human beings, we all have common courtesy and human failings. </p><p><br></p><p>(4) It's easy to forget rank on this site. People get a little heated or sloppy on posts. Most of the time a gentle nudge in the way of friendly counseling response will fix it. No need to get ugly among professionals. When friendly, professional messages don't get through, a nudge to the site owners will usually fix the problem. It is, after all, their turf.</p><p><br></p><p>(5) Lastly; Yes, there are some rather bizarre comments and downright insolent posts that occur. That is going to happen with 100,000 plus members. We all learn from those, too! Respect is not only legislated, badged (like on RP), but also earned. Who gets more respect from you: A General or an E-4 with the MOH? Who does a General respect more: the SecDef or the E-4 with the MOH? </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

2014-02-03T03:10:24-05:00 2014-02-03T03:10:24-05:00 SGT Richard H. 223412

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I agree as long as you aren't saying that it's disrespectful to disagree with someone who holds a higher rank. It wouldn't be much of a forum then, would it?<br /><br />With regard to maintaining proper decorum, yes, absolutely. It's a Military Forum and should be treated as such. Barring from the site would be a little much, except in the most extreme and repeated circumstances....for the most part, if someone is crossing lines, I think having some peer pressure applied would do the trick....after all, if we were all active duty, calling out a peer who was toeing the line with a senior would work (generally).

2014-08-31T16:06:59-04:00 2014-08-31T16:06:59-04:00 PFC Zanie Young 223580

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Respect begets respect. That's the law on the street, and it should apply here. I joined Rally Point because I often have something to contribute, funny or not. I no more right to disrespect anyone than you do, regardless of the rank we are holding or have held (veterans and retirees). This is a professional site and we should act accordingly. We are all brothers/sisters-in-arms and there is no reason at all to show animosity towards one another, in any form.

2014-08-31T19:31:20-04:00 2014-08-31T19:31:20-04:00 LTC Paul Heinlein 223588

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is a social media site, not a Military Event. If someone is no longer a service member (retired or veteran), then they should not/ are no longer bound by titles of Active Duty Service Members.<br /><br /> That said, I normally include rank (it is something they have earned) as a sign of respect until they demand/ beg for me to use their name.<br /><br /> For me, part of the transition to civilian life is that my title no longer goes with me (yes, technically it does...with Retired Status...but I'm referring to a mental state of mind).<br /><br /> From my point of view, when you enter social media sites like this, and engage in conversations, you have to let go of your ridged military mindset (cause you are asking for peoples opinions and views), if you can't then you should seriously consider cancelling your account.<br /><br /> Now if someone is just blatantly disrespectful (extreme unnecessary insulting foul language), threatening, etc.. Then absolutely the Administrators should ban them from the site.

2014-08-31T19:41:20-04:00 2014-08-31T19:41:20-04:00 1SG David Niles 4501785

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nope don’t agree unless they are still active

2019-03-31T17:45:46-04:00 2019-03-31T17:45:46-04:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 4512625

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A veteran is someone who has honorably served and is a civilian. A retiree is still serving, albeit with a change in status

2019-04-04T07:03:21-04:00 2019-04-04T07:03:21-04:00 Sgt Michael Reyes 5333016

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Once you are a veteran, I think the appropriate term, rather than rank, might be “Brother.” <br /><br />When in the service, it was required to acquiesce and defer to a rank structure; hence the “rank structure.” <br /><br />Once someone retired or is out of the service, the deference to rank no longer applies and equality then becomes the norm. Now, old titles of affection like “Skipper” or “Top” are exceptions, it is my opinion, that the appropriate term after service would be “Brother.” <br /><br />As an afterthought, you never know what someone has worked hard to become since your days together in the military. I am a Combat Marine Sergeant of Artillery. Now, I certainly do not mind being addressed as sergeant, but I like the title I earned after the Corps and I described me today rather than who I was 30 years ago: Doctor

2019-12-11T15:37:28-05:00 2019-12-11T15:37:28-05:00 CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member 5408346

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, but social media gives some a forum to air their grievances about their time in service. There are ways to state one opinions while still being respectful. Golden Rule applies.

2020-01-03T10:37:48-05:00 2020-01-03T10:37:48-05:00 2014-01-28T10:00:36-05:00