Why aren't there more Flag Officer members on RallyPoint?

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 23:11:12 -0500

The response to the 'xxxx flag officer is coming, what are your questions?' threads was phenomenal. They engendered a lot of knowledge, questions, wisdom, conversation, and interaction. Why aren't there more members of those ranks? Is RP still actively pursuing them as they used to? Active flag officers are probably pretty busy, but there is surely quite a few vets or retirees?

(Not sure what to tag this one, Staff. Feel free, thanks).

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 27 at 2016 11:16 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 23:16:36 -0500

Glad to hear you've enjoyed those. It's definitely an effort on our part to get them to participate. For some it's just being busy. For those still in the service, it may be a risk for them to do anything on social media. There are a few active flag officers on RallyPoint, and it's awesome to see them engaging with members of every rank. I'm sure there will be more over time. Don't forget that none of them are true social media "natives".

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 27 at 2016 11:31 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 23:31:37 -0500

I would think that OPSEC would be a concern.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 12:10 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 00:10:38 -0500

Honestly, I'd chalk it up to being busy. GO's don't have lots of time to spend on frivolities like social media. The senior leaders I know tend to use it as an information gathering tool.
There are exceptions, though. A couple of members comment from time to time. None are terribly active, though.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:33 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:33:04 -0500

Probably don't like the idea and use of Admins, or the fact they'd be lumped in with 360,000 retirees and veterans, regardless of rank. That's to begin with!!!

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 28 at 2016 7:52 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 07:52:03 -0500

I heard an old saying a couple of days ago. "When you lay with the pigs, you get dirty. The problem is the pigs like it."

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 28 at 2016 9:17 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:17:49 -0500

Limited population. Limited time. Aging population.

We've got to remember that although an enlisted career tops out at 30~ years (and we join at 18~), these GO/FOs can go deep into 40+ (and never really "retire"). I believe 64 is mandatory retirement age (excluding special circumstances).

That and we only have about 800~ of them (Active at any time). Once they do retire, they are Senior Executives, and I imagine they go on to other high level endeavors (like Sec Level Positions or heading Companies). I used to work with one who was a VP at Titan, and knew a few others who were "Senior Mentors" (Contractors) at my old Command.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 10:22 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 22:22:47 -0400

There are several Flag Officers on Rally Point. I found them when looking at members of the O7 and above ranks. I have never seen an active post from a Flag Officer, however.