Where's the Army Chief of Staff/SMA on RP?

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:37:36 -0400

What better place to start for our top leaders to get a pulse of what's going on in the ranks and the minds of Soldiers than here?

Shouldn't they be here?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 21 at 2014 12:41 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:41:46 -0400

This would be interesting to see. Help the top leadership get a look at what the soldiers think, as long as honest opinions could be expressed.

This would also allow the top brass to field questions about new regulations or changes such as the controversial 670-1.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 12:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:58:03 -0400

I doubt at their level they would appreciate the dissention on some of their policies, i.e. tattoo changes.

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Apr 21 at 2014 1:12 PM

MSG Cameron Davis — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 13:12:34 -0400

Well, for all we know they could already be here. There are a few PVT Unknowns in here!

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Apr 21 at 2014 1:38 PM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 13:38:22 -0400

I think the tone of the questions and answers could possibly change on Rallypoint. Wondering if big brother is watching is different than knowing.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 1:57 PM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 13:57:09 -0400

I think their presence would present a more honest, well rounded response on their end if they did so anonymously. I know if there was a possibility of top brass reading comments on here, the honesty in the comments would become curbed and politically correct. Also I imagine that if they did appear on here, they would be viewed more as celebrities or cohorts rather than leaders.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 21 at 2014 2:05 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:05:19 -0400

Lord can you just picture how crazy it would be?? The amounts of "F-bombs" alone might bring this site down. Let's give PV2 Joe Murphy a direct line to the SMA office. The next day at PT formation, PV2 Murphy would walk up late to formation and say SMA told him it was okay and when asked when the Private talked to the SMA he would say "On RallyPoint". Yeah, let that sink in for a minute....Did you mind blow yet? ;)

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Apr 21 at 2014 2:10 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:10:00 -0400

I'd love to be within ear shot of the SMA and CoS. I doubt they'd be on personally, but it would be a fun idea to have them around. Although I think people would get a little up tight about them being present.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 2:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:28:33 -0400

I see no reason why the Army's top leadership is not on here. It took them a while to get their own pages on Facebook, so I am sure they will be on here soon too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 2:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:44:28 -0400

I think they should be on Rally Point. They'll be able to see whats going on within the ranks. The common sense factor would play in on if the discussion is just a rant or a discussion worth being apart of. To be honest thought they probably have there minions on here and watching the discussions.

Response by SGT Aaron Barbee made Apr 21 at 2014 2:45 PM

SGT Aaron Barbee — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:45:33 -0400

This is a great way for leadership to get a real feel of what's going on in their respective service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 2:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:49:32 -0400

Bad idea....they may already snoop around but as someone else pointed it out its different to wonder if they do versus knowing it. I think the free exchange of idea would come to a rapid end if the SMA were to jump in a discussion or they may dig into hypothetical situations. Sorry but I think it's better to assume they check out RP then to know they do

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 3:59 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:59:37 -0400

With the caveat that they don’t take to many thing very seriously (should a 2nd LT salute a 1st LT) This would truly be a great forum for them to gage a heartbeat of the force

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 21 at 2014 4:34 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 16:34:14 -0400

I think that they should be on, but I also think that they would get better feedback if they used a dummy name/rank/position for their responses. maybe 2 login profiles...one is them (so that everyone knows they COULD be on) and a second one so they could participate without intimedation, therefore gaining better pulse on the situations.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 6:15 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 18:15:06 -0400

I think that it would be good for them to be here, but not a 'requirement'...after all, don't they have FaceBook pages? If FB is good enough for them, then I think RP should definitely be in their list of things to join. Who knows....maybe the next SMA/COS/etc is already on here.....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 7:07 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:07:56 -0400

I don't see a critical problem with them being on RP, howevee, they are already on other social media with what I would hope would be the intent of getting a good idea of what is going on at the lower levels and taking that into account. Unfortunately I think they are tied up in policy at echelons above creation that unless the information is received in a calculated, evaluated, and processed report from a DA or DoD survey that it will carry little weight.

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Apr 22 at 2014 2:27 AM

1SG Shane Hansen — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 02:27:06 -0400

I would like for them to be on Rally Point.  Maybe they could do a survey and get feedback on whether or not troops are really willing to accept reduced pay (raises) and benefits.  <div>They might be able to clear up a lot of issues that are talked about on here and provide valuable insight to us on active duty and retired/veterans.  </div><div>I don't think there has every been a SMA from the aviation CMF, but if I make it, then I promise to keep my RP account going.</div>

Response by SPC Christopher Seitler made Apr 22 at 2014 2:48 AM

SPC Christopher Seitler — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 02:48:48 -0400

I think they should, if not participate, at least monitor which popular topics are being discussed.

This would help the leadership to understand what the major body of the military is feeling about current practices.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 7:09 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 07:09:03 -0400

I agree. However, the problem is that then some of us wouldn't "speak" as freely as we do. Some would be worried what the Chief of Staff/SMA might think.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 22 at 2014 8:53 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:53:48 -0400

It's a good Idea give a pulse of the people.
As leaders we should always be willing to listen from our subordinates.

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Apr 22 at 2014 9:01 AM

1SG Mike Case — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 09:01:17 -0400

But who would be the first to give him a negative vote???? I wouldn't want them on here because then I think people wouldn't answer honestly thinking the SMA might see he answer. Sometimes the ugly truth is needed and I think other people need to see how military people see situations differently.

Response by SFC Toby Reid made Apr 22 at 2014 9:25 AM

SFC Toby Reid — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 09:25:28 -0400

The average Soldier feels the freedom to express themselves on social media today. They are able to ask questions in an open non-bias forum, and can trust that the answer they would receive. Not saying that they wouldn’t get that from their leaders, but we have all had leadership that did not look out for our best interest thus leaving us distrustful of the next. For this reason I believe that most questions posted on social media are more honest, and topics here are the things that are on soldier’s mind. Of course I do not speak for every post on social media, but I believe that our top officials could get a better understanding of Soldiers’ and assist them in leadership decisions. Take for example, the unveiling of the new 670-1 regulations. Without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on committees and surveys, I can say with a degree of certainty that there was a very small percentage of Soldiers that voiced concerns. But social media virtually blew up with rally cries and even professional groups got in the discussion. The same goes for the Marine CSM with the comments “lower enlisted supported lower pay raises for better equipment”.
I also believe that if our top officials did have an open account that membership participation would have a drastic decline. Instead, they should have an account that lets the poster remain anonymous; securing that the poster’s freedom from any perceived backlash. I will never say we don’t have good leadership. Every good leader not only looks to the bottom line of mission success, but they also ensure that his/her team is taken care of. In my option Rally Point offers a professional environment that enlisted and officers alike can freely discuss their issues, network, and get bias answers.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 22 at 2014 11:46 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:46:33 -0400

For the record, I did talk recently with SMA Preston about RallyPoint.  He seemed to like the concept a lot.  Would you like me to see if he'd like to join and get engaged?

Response by SFC Timothy Riser made Apr 22 at 2014 11:49 AM

SFC Timothy Riser — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:49:48 -0400

I believe they all should become members and participate in the discussions. I see that our Leaders can have updated twitter and facebook feeds. I believe this would be a better use for prefessional development by commenting on current issues and will increase their ability to see exactly how the Branches really fell and interpret the regulations, policies and even things we would like to see changed.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Apr 22 at 2014 2:15 PM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 14:15:32 -0400

I think a better question would be should the top enlisted and brass from each branch join RP?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 4:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 16:01:33 -0400

I don't believe it's a good idea for them to be on here. Just for the fact that any Joe in the ranks can communicate directly with them. Baaaaaad idea! That's kind of jumping the chain a smidge. There may be some NCO's way up the echelon that wouldn't mind talking to the Joes, but I'm sure they're busy with their own big picture.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 22 at 2014 7:07 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 19:07:40 -0400

Just don't see it as a good thing and would rather not have to worry about upsetting the current SMA, although I am retired now...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 4:26 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 04:26:28 -0400

It is called talking to and getting to know your Soldiers, thats where it should start.

Response by SSG Jim Handy made Apr 23 at 2014 8:35 AM

SSG Jim Handy — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 08:35:40 -0400

I think you left out an important option in your poll. They may not KNOW about RP. This is not an official site that everyone would know about and a lot of people at that level of leadership don't have the time to spend a lot of time online.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 23 at 2014 11:17 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:17:31 -0400

I'm being 100% serious...if I get [former] SMA Preston to join RP and start a thread, would you all enjoy engaging in that discussion?

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 23 at 2014 3:02 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:02:16 -0400

well thats kindaa a double edged sword. If SSG Burns gets to crying over somethings, I think the top Brass would get BUTT HURT! ANd I have from experience seen Sh#t roll down hill. And with that I don't want even close enough to get splattered let alone rolled up in it!

I can see it Now" 1SG do you know what your soldier is putting on this thingy called RP"! WOW what a Sh#t ball!

No offense SSG Burns!LOL

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2014 8:34 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 May 2014 08:34:44 -0400

I think it would be interesting to see how the dynamics would change if they announced that they had joined. To see if the topics would change, or to see how people would react if they joined a conversation. I think the dynamics would change, but would it enhance or hinder the open communication we have going on here on RP?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 1:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 13:31:24 -0400

as diverse a community that RP is, they should most definitely be getting some input from here. Besides, I bet this forum gets more utilization than AKO every day of the week.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 3:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 03:00:53 -0400

I always thought the good idea fairy was a Major...

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 24 at 2014 3:12 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 03:12:15 -0400

I really don't see them wanting to be on RP for the same reason you won't find many of them with a facebook account...

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 24 at 2014 12:41 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:41:54 -0400

My only issue is that with senior service leaders openly following discussions (particularly in an official capactiy), would AD SM still feel that they have the freedom to REALLY express their honest thoughts and opnions? I would love to have thoughts and opinions from senior leaders, but I want their PERSONAL thoughts and opnioins, not the party line. I also want to be able to respectfully disagree and freely debate controversial or thought provoking topics without fear of reprisal. Really can't do that when the JCS is monitoring threads in the role of JCS. There'd be too much fear of "Thought Policing."

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jul 24 at 2014 2:33 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 14:33:16 -0400

This would be a good avenue for them to gauge the status of the forces under their control as well as getting to know their/other service members.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 9:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 09:50:57 -0500

I think it would be a good idea to include the CSA and SMA here as it is a professional forum. However, I would like to see more senior officers and CSM's who are in nomative positions providing mentorship to those of us on RP regardless of whether we are active, reserve, retired, or veteran's who did one tour and ETS'd. After all this is what being a Soldier for life is all about as once a Soldier always a Soldier!

As for concern of whether or not folks would speak as freely as they normally would. I believe this venue would be one that they would be more apt to become involved in the descussions. Many times Soldiers are too intimidated in public to ask some very good question's.

To date we have been dealing with issues such as our combat uniform, evaluation system, NCOES, promotions, budget cuts and more. We have many very intelligent Soldiers that if listened to may change course on policy and truly help shape our future force!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 7:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 19:50:21 -0500

Who says they are not?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 8:49 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 08:49:30 -0500

Social media is a poor place for the top leaders and in about 15 minutes they'd receive a ton of AAMs for turning in troops.
Battlefield circulation is the right direction. If they want to hear from troops they should do it in person and nix the entourage and adjust VP protocol while doing it.
The CoC ensures a pristine picture each and every time during visits but RallyPoint is too free flowing, unemotional, impersonal, and frankly you have to see it to believe it when it comes to big Army issues.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 3 at 2015 9:55 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 09:55:09 -0500

I say they should be, but the question is will they want too?