Why are you on RallyPoint?

2014-05-12T15:23:18-04:00

I found that this is a great tool to connect with others to find friends you served with, network, and look for opportunities. Just wondering what the majority is

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 20 at 2013 4:50 PM

2013-09-20T16:50:30-04:00

Many people have told me that they joined RallyPoint to benefit professionally from having much more transparency into their career options within the military.

For example, when you go to the Career Corner --> Military Assignments page, you can see all the PCS options that would theoretically be available to you at any Month/Year in the future.

My guess is that much of the enthusiasm for this specific feature results from individuals' frustrations in dealing with assignment managers. Don't get me wrong -- they are terrific people, I'm sure -- but the assignment processes themselves are too hamstrung.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 7:04 PM

2013-09-20T19:04:45-04:00

I joined to find other's in the services who may be looking for someone of my strengths. I have had little to no success in finding help within my own unit at the company or battalion level for retention. So I figured I have about a year left to make connections to stay or be out the door. Better to be proactive than reactive in my opinion.

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Nov 13 at 2013 8:21 AM

2013-11-13T08:21:52-05:00

I saw RallyPoint as a way to keep in touch with the people I've worked with, but don't necessarily want to have access to my more personal day-to-day information on Facebook

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2013 9:01 AM

2013-11-13T09:01:03-05:00

It all comes down to Networking. I am also on Linked in. I like this type of forum for networking over Social sites like Facebook. If you want to stay connected professionally and have the ability to create opportunities or find opportunities out there you need a strong network and this type of site is great for it.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Nov 13 at 2013 6:03 PM

2013-11-13T18:03:47-05:00

I have an international corporation in growth mode and I am really, really tired of having to work with civilian businessmen and associates who have absolutely no sense of honor, dignity, or ethics. There are hundreds of thousands of my brothers and sisters in arms out there who have more ethics, dignity, and honor in their toe nail clippings than some of these civilian businessmen; and I'm nearly positive we can find a few thousand to meet our needs and theirs, including disabled vets, over the next 2 years. RP is a good place to gather data, take the pulse of the community, and "troll" for some bios to hand to HR.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2013 6:20 PM

2013-11-13T18:20:37-05:00

I've been out for a long time but had we had this.. it would have been a lot more fun now. I enjoy hearing the live of troops, realizing what we did, we did right (for the most part) and I enjoy sharing my life and times as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2013 6:46 PM

2013-11-13T18:46:57-05:00

I joined to gain a network of mentorship, insights, and answers to questions I may ask, or those my counterparts ask.  This has become a great tool for me to reach forward and gain an abundance of information about future job assignments and duty stations.   I love the  Q&A from everyone, but especially our young Soldiers.  It shows they're connecting here for a purpose and are growing in their career objectives and working on transition goals.  Great job future Leaders/NCOs.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 13 at 2013 6:52 PM

2013-11-13T18:52:15-05:00

I was in Facebook when I learned about RP.

It was the IPOD advertisement that entail me here. I totally new to all this, so for what every reason the advertisement drove me into this area, I find it more enjoyable then Facebook, I here far more then Facebook, Perhaps because I can connect with all members of the service. I find it pleasing and knowable, worth my time.

Brings back old memories of my time in Active Duty and I can see how so much things have changed. Perhaps I may not care who won the IPOD, I know I didn't but I won something else that's better. I won connection, something I was missing for years was to be connected with soldiers and veterans. After serving a long time, the military is something that is not easy to forget, as a matter of fact it is something that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for accepting me.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 13 at 2013 7:02 PM

2013-11-13T19:02:11-05:00

For promotion points.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Nov 13 at 2013 8:42 PM

2013-11-13T20:42:32-05:00

I joined in hopes to learn as much as I can and also share my knowledge. Also to expand my network in the transportation/logistics field so I know who I can contact if I am having an issue with something

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Nov 14 at 2013 12:27 AM

2013-11-14T00:27:37-05:00

Networking. Everyone has something to share or add and everyone can learn from others.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 1:18 AM

2013-11-14T01:18:08-05:00

I joined because its useful to network; at the same time is like Facebook but just for military personnel. In my opinion I really like it.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 2:50 PM

2013-11-14T14:50:16-05:00

Any opportunity to share stories and improve networking is great. It's only an added benefit to expand my exposure to the other services out there. It's been great to read the comments & viewpoints, finding some are very similar, and some are quite different.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 12 at 2013 10:26 AM

2013-12-12T10:26:10-05:00

I had two main reasons for joining, one to locate and possibly find some old brothers and sisters that I have lost touch with over the years, and two for networking possibilities, I am much more in the belief that I can find reliable resources to help further and jump start my second career after 27 years of military service. Most of the employers in the country at the current time are not overly keen on hiring military retirees or veterans even though they claim otherwise for the federal bonuses/perks. I have seen to many of my brethren such as myself who have either retired or departed the military in the last few years that are still unemployed or underemployed.

Response by SFC Dennis Leber made Dec 12 at 2013 12:42 PM

2013-12-12T12:42:40-05:00

I despise Facebook, 100% disable service connected Vet, still IRR, but love to keep my military connections and family. I spend a portion of my time helping fellow vets develop resumes and find jobs. This site seems like a good place to combine all of my passions.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 12 at 2013 12:44 PM

2013-12-12T12:44:01-05:00

I initially joined because I knew that this would be another avenue to expand my list of "POCs" across the Army and even across the Services. Knowing that "guy or gal" at a specific location is very beneficial in my line of work and also with regards to providing assistance to other Soldiers when it comes time to PCS, re-enlist, etc.

Once I joined and became an active member, I realized that there is so much more going on here. I am part of a very small unit right now and we do not have very many junior enlisted Soldiers. This site affords me an opportunity to interact with not only seniors and peers, but also junior Soldiers from all over. While I do not know the answer to everyone's questions, I do have a careers worth of knowledge and a pool of resources to find and provide guidance and assistance. I thoroughly enjoy that.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 4:18 PM

2014-01-11T16:18:10-05:00

I myself join Rallypoint as a way to keep in touch with my soldier during their career and help them as need and also to learn from Senior Leadershp that is here. I just hope that this does not become the Facebook for the military.Oh wait to late.....

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 11 at 2014 4:41 PM

2014-01-11T16:41:28-05:00

I joined because I like being a "First Mover", I like seeing the process of development and change. I also think there is a lot of potential with the website, if the right people with enough pull join and listen.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 4:56 PM

2014-01-11T16:56:35-05:00

Sir, I joined because I saw a pop-up ad for RP that said I could find out which duty stations have openings for my MOS. I never figured out how I could use this site to change units, but I continue to visit RP to read and learn from the discussions.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 5:20 PM

2014-01-11T17:20:05-05:00

I joined to network and keep up with friends from old units;
I stayed because I enjoy the conversations and the level of experience on this
site. The no drama, relevant
topics reflect what true Soldiers on the ground have to deal with and
provide real solutions to those problems.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 5:31 PM

2014-01-11T17:31:21-05:00

Well Aaron needed a janitor and I graciously accepted. The rest is history! :)

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 12:03 PM

2014-01-24T12:03:33-05:00

I joined this site primarily because I like the fact that this is like "LinkedIn on steroids." I like that it is strictly for the military community where you can build a vast network with other veterans and military. For me, it's about vets helping vets and military move forward with their lives and linking up with other military folks can help with that.

Response by SFC Andrew Kretz made Jan 24 at 2014 12:12 PM

2014-01-24T12:12:00-05:00

I joined this site not only to network with like minded people, I also joined to see what others from the past are up to andyou cant beat the comradery that the military possess. It is truely different than that on the civilian side of the house.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 9:40 PM

2014-01-24T21:40:09-05:00

Sir I kind of just ran into RP not really understanding what it was initially about but after peeking around I immediately enjoyed the professionalism and great administrators.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 24 at 2014 9:44 PM

2014-01-24T21:44:21-05:00

Invited by a friend as a way to connect with former teammates, but have made far more new friends and connections. It's been a great opportunity to engage with true military professionals on a broad range of topics.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 25 at 2014 9:31 PM

2014-01-25T21:31:33-05:00

LTJG; I joined RP a couple of months ago because I saw RP as a way to build a network with fellow SM, veterans and retirees. I see both RP and LinkedIn as valuable tools to learn from others on transitioning to civilian life. Additionally, it gives me the opportunity to help others if I can.

Response by SFC Brian Whisenant made Jan 25 at 2014 9:57 PM

2014-01-25T21:57:13-05:00

I joined for a couple of reasons. First being that I wanted to connect with those I served with over the years in a forum other than the garbage you get on Facebook. Second I hoped to make new contact in my field throughout all of the services and in the civilian sector. You can never have too many of those when you're getting close to retirement.

Response by SSG Keith Evans made Jan 25 at 2014 11:57 PM

2014-01-25T23:57:54-05:00

I joined for possible networking opportunities and to get a whole lot of different viewpoints on lots of military topics and issues. Getting different perspectives from those outside of my unit and MOS has already been helpful.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 31 at 2014 9:52 AM

2014-03-31T09:52:18-04:00

I joined RallyPoint when it first launched. I know the value behind something like this and so when I saw it, I jumped on the train.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 31 at 2014 10:14 AM

2014-03-31T10:14:50-04:00

I saw an ad on Facebook that said I could connect with people I had served with, so I followed the link. Joined up, but didn't do much with it until a few months ago. It was touted as the military version of LinkdIn, but its much more than that. In fact I think this is what LinkdIn wanted to be.

Haven't found anyone I know from the old days, but I have made a lot of new friends.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 11:39 AM

2014-03-31T11:39:07-04:00

I didn't immediately sign up because I wasn't too keen on yet another social networking site. What tipped the scales for me though was when I saw enough from my colleagues being pasted to facebook that I started to develop an interest. The topics they posted about or commented on were relevant to what we deal with as NCOs, so I finally took the plunge and signed up. I will say that this isn't what I expected, as I was thinking this was just another forum for people to post their 20 mandatory crossfit workout pics daily, or I would have to read through everyone's political rants/raves. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a professional outlet that allows service members of all ranks to connect with each other and discuss relevant issues. I think this is an invaluable tool as an NCO, because we are able to learn from the leadership experiences of everyone else on here.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Mar 31 at 2014 1:45 PM

2014-03-31T13:45:56-04:00

I was looking for a new place to discuss Army matters after ArmyStudyGuide.com finally succumbed to mismanagement and spam.

RallyPoint was recommended by trusted acquaintances (notably MSG (P) Quick) so here I am.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 4 at 2014 8:19 AM

2014-04-04T08:19:13-04:00

In my case, professional development/mentorship.

One thing I have noticed as a "traditional" Reserve officer (never on AD, except for deployment) is that Reserve component PD isn't where I think it should be, and mentorship is a very rare thing. What PD I see most people getting is pro-forma, after the fact, or check-the-block style. The weekend a month thing is a killer.

Occasionally, someone will have a mentor who takes the necessary time (I had a few). Occasionally, someone will hit on a good individual development plan - or the stars will align for the "official" training to be delivered in a timely & relevant manner.

With the drawdown, I see this getting worse, not better. Especially as deployments dry up and we start getting more of a population that has never had the AD experience, been there or done that. Over the last 2 years (with an active OPD program) - I have been stunned to find out that a lot of junior Os don't have what I consider to be foundational knowledge of the profession.

Specifically for Reservists, I see RP being able to serve as a "virtual mentor" and want to do everything in my power to see it succeed in that role. As someone below said, I see it being what Linkedin wanted to be. (Though, to be fair, Linkedin works a lot better if your USE it....)

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 4 at 2014 8:44 AM

2014-04-04T08:44:22-04:00

I was reading some of the posts and saw there was an immediate need for my presence. "You need me on that wall, you WANT me on that wall!"

Response by SGT Jason Doyle made Apr 4 at 2014 3:44 PM

2014-04-04T15:44:41-04:00

I loved the idea of a social media site that consists of only fellow service members. This is a great place to share thoughts and ideas with other like minded individuals.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 3:47 PM

2014-04-04T15:47:44-04:00

My ole friend MSG Quick spamming my Facebook account with RP advertisements...haha

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 4 at 2014 5:36 PM

2014-04-04T17:36:38-04:00

One of my Techs from Dodge, Victor Taylor, Sharp, Sharp Cookie and a Fun Guy.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 4 at 2014 5:47 PM

2014-04-04T17:47:34-04:00

The idea of fellow service members being connected with shared experiences

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 12:46 PM

2014-04-19T12:46:27-04:00

Spoke to MAJ Weiss through militarytobusiness.com and found out that he was the co-owner of RP and he invited me!

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Apr 29 at 2014 10:26 PM

2014-04-29T22:26:40-04:00

Quite honestly, I was curious to see what Rally Point was and had to offer. Once I understood what RP was all about, it provided me with great networking and a chance to share my thoughts and concerns. I may not put my two cents into many discussions however, I do read a lot of them to gain more knowledge and insight about the military. There are a lot of good questions/answers given on RP. I can't do this on FB because not too many people can relate or understand military jargon and our experiences. A lot of RP discussions are not met to be on FB too and RP is the perfect network for the military community. I'm glad I joined RP and hope it grows more each day.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made May 11 at 2014 8:26 AM

2014-05-11T08:26:50-04:00

Sir,
I use RallyPoint to offer and receive information from a wider audience than i have an opportunity to in my assignment, i also enjoy meeting others who have served.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 8:31 AM

2014-05-11T08:31:15-04:00

Being on the medical side, we can easily become insulated from "big army". I like reading the opinions/perspectives from those outside of my area.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 12 at 2014 3:24 PM

2014-05-12T15:24:56-04:00

How about all of the above? That's pretty much why I'm here!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 3:33 PM

2014-05-12T15:33:19-04:00

Hearing others opinions entertains and educates me!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 4:35 PM

2014-05-12T16:35:44-04:00

Learning, learning, making a few dumb comments, then learning some more.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made May 12 at 2014 4:40 PM

2014-05-12T16:40:41-04:00

Supporting VETERANS and helping where I can. ALso helping Active members where and when I can connect back with home and others.A resource for RP

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 12 at 2014 4:44 PM

2014-05-12T16:44:30-04:00

All of the above except A. I don't have a personal business. But I will say this, I have an AAS in Addictions Counseling and Treatment. So if any of my connections or friends here on RallyPoint need advice, or just someone to talk to I am available. If you want to connect with me for this reason feel free to do so.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 4:46 PM

2014-05-12T16:46:22-04:00

None of the above.

I enjoy talking about relevant (and sometimes not) issues with a body of peers across all services. If you care enough about your service to join RP, I'm interested in what you have to say.

Response by SFC Charles W. Robinson made May 12 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-05-12T18:21:58-04:00

Help fellow veterans and those that are transitioning

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 6:43 PM

2014-05-12T18:43:24-04:00

Reconnecting with former colleagues.
Updating my knowledge of new issues.
Helping others wherever it is possible.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 12 at 2014 7:30 PM

2014-05-12T19:30:38-04:00

Keep me away from Facebook.

I like learning more about the Army and the military from this social media site.

Response by 1SG David Niles made May 12 at 2014 7:48 PM

2014-05-12T19:48:06-04:00

I really don't have a "purpose" on Rallypoint. I actually like the discussions, I like the questions. I feel that my time and experience is relevant. and I like hearing from the younger generation on how they feel or think the military is going. I think it helps me keep relevant as well.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made May 12 at 2014 11:09 PM

2014-05-12T23:09:03-04:00

Rally Point is a great tool that when you have questions in your life, your career, whatever it may be that's important; you can come on here find me and ask me. ;-)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 12 at 2014 11:12 PM

2014-05-12T23:12:21-04:00

Just a great place to swap sea stories with folks of similar backgrounds. We all experienced a different kind of world from most folks. We tend to be citizens of the world which I think is very special.

Response by SSG Mark Ives made May 12 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-05-12T23:44:09-04:00

Searching for old friends & meeting new ones. Offering up old perspectives and learning new ones. I can definitely relate to other vets and SM's on a lot of things that people outside the military don't have any understanding.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 1:42 AM

2014-05-13T01:42:08-04:00

Pretty much all of the above (except I don't have a business...yet). I like the informal yet still professional feel of the site and members. I think we all say more of what's on our minds than we would say in person. The acceptance by others is great and even when we get some knucklehead moments, I haven't seen anyone get disrespectful.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 13 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-05-13T13:48:40-04:00

All the above actually. Its a great community to share with brothers and sisters who are "in the know".

Ever feel like your the odd person out because no one around you, even your close friends and family, can't relate to your military ways, stories, code, etc.? Here, you know people understand you because we're all cut from the camo cloth.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-05-13T14:48:21-04:00

Haha! Yeah it seems like it. I'm not sure, I thought it was a place to maybe do some networking, assignment hunting, and stuff like that. I guess we get to share insight and information with each other, so maybe that's worth it. Ultimately, I'd like to network with other senior leaders.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 3:27 AM

2014-05-16T03:27:27-04:00

I joined to connect with other service members around the US in or interested in the menswear business. Our business is growing and whenever possible, I add veterans to our affiliate program; no one has the work ethic and fortitude to succeed more!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 8:04 AM

2014-05-17T08:04:41-04:00

Why I joined here was to meet new people with different perspectives and ideas. To learn about other branches and other people hardships to better myself as a future NCO.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 10:05 AM

2014-05-17T10:05:54-04:00

Looking to connect with fellow vets, and looking for mentors in my own field.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made May 17 at 2014 10:22 AM

2014-05-17T10:22:19-04:00

I'm here to network. Be it with friends, acquaintances, peers, seniors, subordinates, I'm here because we are our biggest supporters.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 19 at 2014 11:36 AM

2014-05-19T11:36:06-04:00

Only problem with THIS survey is that I cannot choose more then one option..... Meet new friends, Mentoring, and looking for advice would be a start!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 3:22 PM

2014-06-29T15:22:43-04:00

I want to choose more than one.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jul 11 at 2014 4:11 PM

2014-07-11T16:11:35-04:00

Actually, I am here for multiple reasons. I like making new friends and connections. This site also allows me to keep current on thing related to my military family, and gives me a forum to ask questions of others who may have more information than I do. Looking for new chances and finding a few of my old battle buddies has been an added bonus.

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Jul 11 at 2014 8:25 PM

2014-07-11T20:25:00-04:00

I like participating in discussions with, for , and about. Service members, Veterans, and Retirees. While we have our rivalries we all share the unique bond of service to our country. It gives me a place to vent my frustrations about whats happening in this country. To people who understand where I am coming from. Also lets me know I am not alone in many of the concerns I have.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 12 at 2014 7:55 AM

2014-07-12T07:55:42-04:00

All of the above.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 12 at 2014 8:22 AM

2014-07-12T08:22:46-04:00

Where else would I be, Facebook?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 5:15 PM

2014-07-24T17:15:17-04:00

I joined to seek advice and information from veterans and current service members who have "been there, done that". The thought of being able to network with those at a future duty station is also appealing. "I liked my sponsor so much, I got 10 more!"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-04-26T21:19:36-04:00

I joined because I miss the camaraderie I had in the Army. I haven't seen anyone I served with, but I've made a ton of friends and I like that also.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 9 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-06-09T10:00:58-04:00

I'm here because this is the place where I can "let my hair down" and talk frankly about things that would scare the civilian population at large.

To "the civilians" I prefer they see the public persona of "Captain America" when they think of service members, but anyone who has traveled the world and been deployed knows that war isn't "Captain America" it's something entirely different.

Response by PO3 Jordan Davis made Jun 11 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-06-11T18:02:17-04:00

I wish I could stay better connected to the shipmates I served with.

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Jun 25 at 2015 7:16 PM

2015-06-25T19:16:06-04:00

I am here for the entertainment value mainly.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-06-29T11:07:37-04:00

I haven't found many peers on this website, I do like the discussions on here, reminds me of my time in Cpls and Sgts Course. People from different backgrounds getting together to learn from and teach each other. Wish the services would endorse this website to help spread the word

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-10-27T18:34:39-04:00

None of the above. Passing on my failures and success to the younger crowd so they don't have to learn the same painful lessons I learned.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 27 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-10-27T19:11:10-04:00

I enjoy military topics that I feel strongly about.