Posted on Mar 13, 2015
Who Thinks It's Time For A RallyPoint Virtual Town Hall Meeting?
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Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a considerable amount of turbulence over precisely what RallyPoint is, vs what it was envisioned to be, vs what it may or may not be morphing into. We have cracked down on "meme madness", wrestling with the eternal questions of the propriety of females in Ranger School, 2LTs saluting 1LTs, SGMS standing at parade-rest for CSMs, and dogs and cats sleeping together. In between, we have managed to have some outstanding conversations about a wide range of interesting topics.
That being said, there still seems to be some considerable and mounting resentments over matters like who can decide to delete or merge discussion threads, what are the consequences for inappropriate/unprofessional behavior on the threads, and really, what is it that the founders intended RallyPoint to be, and where are we headed?
I am not an internet tech guru, but I reckon there are a few in the RP S6 shop. I am confident we can pull this off, and I think it is imperative for us all as RP clients to hear from leadership, and equally important for leadership to hear from us. What say you all?
That being said, there still seems to be some considerable and mounting resentments over matters like who can decide to delete or merge discussion threads, what are the consequences for inappropriate/unprofessional behavior on the threads, and really, what is it that the founders intended RallyPoint to be, and where are we headed?
I am not an internet tech guru, but I reckon there are a few in the RP S6 shop. I am confident we can pull this off, and I think it is imperative for us all as RP clients to hear from leadership, and equally important for leadership to hear from us. What say you all?
Posted in these groups: 
RallyPoint
RallyPoint
RallyPoint RallyPoint
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 18
Fellow RallyPoint members,
As CEO of RallyPoint, I am always excited and motivated to see so many of our members take an active role and interest in the growth of our platform. RallyPoint's mission is to improve the lives of our service members and veterans, and to provide them one network for a lifetime of service.
The above means very different things to different people, as some want to focus on items related to their immediate professional task, some use it as an outlet to stay connected with the broader community, while others use it to stay in touch with past colleagues or to find new ones. At RallyPoint, we continuously evaluate how we can structure the platform to provide the best experience for our members, who are united by our service, yet have distinct personal goals. I think we have come a long way since launching a little over two years ago, and continue to make great progress. It is easy to forget what Facebook had to offer in 2005 or what Apple computers were like in 1977; the point is that great companies continue to learn, iterate, and improve. For this reason I am extremely excited by the incredible things that we have planned for the RallyPoint community. The entire RallyPoint Answers feature was only introduced 18 months ago from a standing start, so just imagine where it will be in another 18 months!
Last summer we held our inaugural RallyPoint conference, called RPx. We intend to have our second conference later this year. In the meanwhile, the RallyPoint management continues to read each and every piece of member feedback, and take incredible care in prioritizing the scarce resources we have on our still small team to achieve maximum positive impact for our members.
To be most successful, RallyPoint needs our members to continue to engage, challenge, and develop the community. We also need our members to have faith in RallyPoint and our mission, and to be patient as we continue to build and develop a platform which will have far reaching benefit to all those who serve or have served.
There are a lot of exciting features and ideas that are in the works and many others we have not yet thought of. Not all will be realistic, so I don't want to over promise... but the more you engage with RallyPoint the more you will see our passion for continuous improvement. I'm grateful for having such strong supporters along this journey as we build the network that our military members and veterans so greatly deserve.
As CEO of RallyPoint, I am always excited and motivated to see so many of our members take an active role and interest in the growth of our platform. RallyPoint's mission is to improve the lives of our service members and veterans, and to provide them one network for a lifetime of service.
The above means very different things to different people, as some want to focus on items related to their immediate professional task, some use it as an outlet to stay connected with the broader community, while others use it to stay in touch with past colleagues or to find new ones. At RallyPoint, we continuously evaluate how we can structure the platform to provide the best experience for our members, who are united by our service, yet have distinct personal goals. I think we have come a long way since launching a little over two years ago, and continue to make great progress. It is easy to forget what Facebook had to offer in 2005 or what Apple computers were like in 1977; the point is that great companies continue to learn, iterate, and improve. For this reason I am extremely excited by the incredible things that we have planned for the RallyPoint community. The entire RallyPoint Answers feature was only introduced 18 months ago from a standing start, so just imagine where it will be in another 18 months!
Last summer we held our inaugural RallyPoint conference, called RPx. We intend to have our second conference later this year. In the meanwhile, the RallyPoint management continues to read each and every piece of member feedback, and take incredible care in prioritizing the scarce resources we have on our still small team to achieve maximum positive impact for our members.
To be most successful, RallyPoint needs our members to continue to engage, challenge, and develop the community. We also need our members to have faith in RallyPoint and our mission, and to be patient as we continue to build and develop a platform which will have far reaching benefit to all those who serve or have served.
There are a lot of exciting features and ideas that are in the works and many others we have not yet thought of. Not all will be realistic, so I don't want to over promise... but the more you engage with RallyPoint the more you will see our passion for continuous improvement. I'm grateful for having such strong supporters along this journey as we build the network that our military members and veterans so greatly deserve.
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CAPT Stu Merrill
The growing brand recognition of Rally Point as a trusted and valuable tool for all associated with the military combined with the flexibility of the (electronic) features which enable each individual to focus in on the details that matter most to them right now in their pursuits is a recipe for success.
Only approximately 8% of our Nation has ever served in one of the Armed Services. Clearly, there are unique insights, perspectives, and support that we can provide to each other. Rally Point provides that platform for us - much appreciated!
Only approximately 8% of our Nation has ever served in one of the Armed Services. Clearly, there are unique insights, perspectives, and support that we can provide to each other. Rally Point provides that platform for us - much appreciated!
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SGM Eric Lobsinger
Hi everyone, Very interesting reading the feedback here. To begin with, I truly enjoy reading all of the input from our fellow veterans. Regardless of how many years a veteran served, what rank they may have had obtained prior to leaving the service, all have valued opinion. I am troubled, at times, when it appears some personally attack others for their opinions. This is a great resource to share opinions, knowledge, and experience. I am a fairly recent member here and am still making my way through the process. I was fortunate enough to serve our nation for a little more than 30 years and am enjoying sharing time with my fellow vets. Always remember: Respect is a two-way street.
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SP5 Michael Rathbun
SGM Eric Lobsinger: Hey, Smaj, you have my complete respect. From my perspective you have insights that I am interested in, and I am really looking forward to your contributions.
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You asked for opinions, so that is what I am giving, my opinion. Which I know will be stomped on pretty hard, because that is what I see happens here.
When I first encountered RP I found a community of like minded (most opened, some closed) individuals who had a desire to connect/reconnect and share their thoughts, memories, skills, stories and what have you.
As I engaged more and more, I perceived that many used rank to influence opinions in the threads. The influence often times devolved to veiled threats. And sometimes those veils were dropped completely.
As has been debated and hopefully clarified, this is a social networking site. For all its intents and purposes the social aspect is that we are all part of the same social group; which just happens to be the military. The military as we have all been indoctrinated to understand is built with hierarchy and dependent levels of authority.
When you couple these factors with the blurred lines between professional and personal conduct on the site, you have recipe for explosive and catalytic situations.
The founders can choose a direction if they wish, the admins can manipulate the path as they will; however the strength of the body comes from the membership who will shape how the social engagement is conducted.
That being said, if you discount the social group and how they are arranged you will not fix the problem. The root is in the membership. Fix the root to change the perception.
When I first encountered RP I found a community of like minded (most opened, some closed) individuals who had a desire to connect/reconnect and share their thoughts, memories, skills, stories and what have you.
As I engaged more and more, I perceived that many used rank to influence opinions in the threads. The influence often times devolved to veiled threats. And sometimes those veils were dropped completely.
As has been debated and hopefully clarified, this is a social networking site. For all its intents and purposes the social aspect is that we are all part of the same social group; which just happens to be the military. The military as we have all been indoctrinated to understand is built with hierarchy and dependent levels of authority.
When you couple these factors with the blurred lines between professional and personal conduct on the site, you have recipe for explosive and catalytic situations.
The founders can choose a direction if they wish, the admins can manipulate the path as they will; however the strength of the body comes from the membership who will shape how the social engagement is conducted.
That being said, if you discount the social group and how they are arranged you will not fix the problem. The root is in the membership. Fix the root to change the perception.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Cpl (Join to see) , I see no reason why your opinion here should be stomped on at all. I am out of up-votes for the day, but will hit you with one tomorrow.
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Cpl Christopher Bishop
If you are a Veteran you have earned your own rights about your opinions and speech after service. Or another way to look at it would be that "those before you earned yours, and you earned it for those who follow you."
Either way, upon discharge one is no longer subject to the rank structure. And if you are indeed pulling rank here while still in uniform, you probably need a reminder lesson about Earning Respect such that you never HAVE TO pull rank.
Military is about Service. You cannot lead unless you have first followed. And since we're talking about senior rank, which may go right with the career-minded in our Service(s), remember this...you chose your career, and that's fine. Those of us who didn't stick with the uniform for the 20 just might have been those who weren't afraid to get out on our own and not cling so desperately to the job security the military may offer. Again, its about perspective. I have not personally been on the receiving end of any of this here on RP...I have to wonder how much of that is due to setting a reputation that I'm just not taking it, OR if when I an informed that General So-And-So has "viewed my profile" its because they were considering the rank-pull and then verified Oh, he is Out, so I can't do that.
If any of you are reading this and just thought Yeah I've done that...shame on ya.
Semper Fi --- from the "Small Unit Leadership".
Either way, upon discharge one is no longer subject to the rank structure. And if you are indeed pulling rank here while still in uniform, you probably need a reminder lesson about Earning Respect such that you never HAVE TO pull rank.
Military is about Service. You cannot lead unless you have first followed. And since we're talking about senior rank, which may go right with the career-minded in our Service(s), remember this...you chose your career, and that's fine. Those of us who didn't stick with the uniform for the 20 just might have been those who weren't afraid to get out on our own and not cling so desperately to the job security the military may offer. Again, its about perspective. I have not personally been on the receiving end of any of this here on RP...I have to wonder how much of that is due to setting a reputation that I'm just not taking it, OR if when I an informed that General So-And-So has "viewed my profile" its because they were considering the rank-pull and then verified Oh, he is Out, so I can't do that.
If any of you are reading this and just thought Yeah I've done that...shame on ya.
Semper Fi --- from the "Small Unit Leadership".
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Please make sure we consider adding this outside the six week training cycle so we can get it on the training schedule MAJ (Join to see).
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I'm with SSG James J. Palmer IV and MAJ (Join to see) . I don't like all the personal attacks I've been seeing and I'd rather it be a more professional forum. If there is a way to help I will. I would like to hear from the founding fathers.
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The old comment "it ain't broke, don't fix it" is not quite accurate here, yet neither is 'throw the baby out with the bath water'. Individuals are free to debate any specific attribute of RallyPoint they choose to pretty much without restriction.
My perception of a part of this problem seems to be that so many tend to take things personally and therefore are quick to offend or be offended. Very little here on this site - or any other for that matter - effects my personal life. I accept it for what it is, enjoy the time I spend, comment where I choose to, vote my conscience, and go from there.
I have renewed some friendships and made many more here. For me, the site revolves around the ability to get valuable resources to those who need it. I leave it at that and move on.
My perception of a part of this problem seems to be that so many tend to take things personally and therefore are quick to offend or be offended. Very little here on this site - or any other for that matter - effects my personal life. I accept it for what it is, enjoy the time I spend, comment where I choose to, vote my conscience, and go from there.
I have renewed some friendships and made many more here. For me, the site revolves around the ability to get valuable resources to those who need it. I leave it at that and move on.
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Cpl Christopher Bishop
I think I'm going to agree with CPT Richard Riley above, but I'm going to put it a bit more directly about something he touched on.
The bit about "...perception of a part of this problem seems to be that so many tend to take things personally and therefore are quick to offend or be offended."
You (to whom it may be applicable)...are a military individual and might be one whom is so easily offended? Really? Well boo-friggin-hoo. Thank you for at least identifying yourself as one who only joined for the Benefits, the College money, the Healthcare, and whatever else that was in the bucket of "What's In It For You" ... God forbid you ever considered joining because you actually believed in something about our Nation being worth preserving, or any real "cause" whatsoever.
The bit about "...perception of a part of this problem seems to be that so many tend to take things personally and therefore are quick to offend or be offended."
You (to whom it may be applicable)...are a military individual and might be one whom is so easily offended? Really? Well boo-friggin-hoo. Thank you for at least identifying yourself as one who only joined for the Benefits, the College money, the Healthcare, and whatever else that was in the bucket of "What's In It For You" ... God forbid you ever considered joining because you actually believed in something about our Nation being worth preserving, or any real "cause" whatsoever.
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MAJ (Join to see)
As an MP, I can assure you CSM (Join to see) , that it's only the guilty who bring a lawyer to what would otherwise be just a friendly chat between professionals.
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CSM (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see)
Sir - I have nothing but respect for you however, I plead the fifth :)
Sir - I have nothing but respect for you however, I plead the fifth :)
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CSM (Join to see)
TSgt Hunter Logan
I don't know if you have/had them in the Air Force but they are called barracks lawyers and they are free, you just have to screen them really good. lol!
I don't know if you have/had them in the Air Force but they are called barracks lawyers and they are free, you just have to screen them really good. lol!
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
CSM Mike Oldsen, I presume you are taking the 5th because this is a civilian forum? What happened to UCMJ Article 31 saving SMs butts?
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I think this is a good idea. I would also propose a discussion on the consequences-both positive and negative-to unit morale, professional, and career development while using RallyPoint. As many others have stated, I've been shocked to read what some have posted.
Negative, derogatory comments in a unit can erode morale. Expand that to the digital space of RallyPoint and a negative person has the potential to infect the service far beyond what used to be a small scope of influence.
The scenario I keep running in my head is what happens when a name pops up on the incoming gains roster during a command & staff and that SM is searched on RallyPoint by a future supervisor? I'm sure it already happens to an extent. It would unfortunate to see an SM's opportunities within a new unit dwindle because of an inappropriate overshare or some heated argument. It's important for everyone to remember that once you put something out into the digital world, it never disappears completely.
Negative, derogatory comments in a unit can erode morale. Expand that to the digital space of RallyPoint and a negative person has the potential to infect the service far beyond what used to be a small scope of influence.
The scenario I keep running in my head is what happens when a name pops up on the incoming gains roster during a command & staff and that SM is searched on RallyPoint by a future supervisor? I'm sure it already happens to an extent. It would unfortunate to see an SM's opportunities within a new unit dwindle because of an inappropriate overshare or some heated argument. It's important for everyone to remember that once you put something out into the digital world, it never disappears completely.
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MAJ (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see) , I am fresh out of thumbs up today, but you are definitely deserving. Tomorrow, I shall return and give you your due; outstanding points here!
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I'm a big fan of "Azimuth Checks."
Sometimes it's just a good idea to find out if everyone is on the same map, and going the same direction.
That doesn't mean anything is wrong, or everything is right, just testing the waters.
Much like the town hall meeting the SGM Army had and Tattoos came up. Is the policy going to change? Who knows? But he can gauge reaction and provide feedback, both up and down the chain much like Maj Weiss has done for us.
I'm sure there are features we would like to see, adjustments we would like made, etc. And sometimes the best way for that to happen is to get as many folks in one place at one time.
Sometimes it's just a good idea to find out if everyone is on the same map, and going the same direction.
That doesn't mean anything is wrong, or everything is right, just testing the waters.
Much like the town hall meeting the SGM Army had and Tattoos came up. Is the policy going to change? Who knows? But he can gauge reaction and provide feedback, both up and down the chain much like Maj Weiss has done for us.
I'm sure there are features we would like to see, adjustments we would like made, etc. And sometimes the best way for that to happen is to get as many folks in one place at one time.
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I would like to know what RP was intended to be rather than what I see it as now.
In general, unmoderated or loosely-moderated online venues tend to degenerate towards the lowest common denominator unless 1) the community self-polices, 2) the admins conduct directed and progressive moderation techniques, or 3) both.
In general, unmoderated or loosely-moderated online venues tend to degenerate towards the lowest common denominator unless 1) the community self-polices, 2) the admins conduct directed and progressive moderation techniques, or 3) both.
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