Posted on Jan 27, 2016
Why aren't there more Flag Officer members on RallyPoint?
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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).
(Not sure what to tag this one, Staff. Feel free, thanks).
Posted in these groups: 
RallyPoint
RallyPoint
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 7
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".
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SN Greg Wright
LTC Yinon Weiss We get so many glimpses into the minutiae of modern military service, through members asking questions, telling stories, sharing anecdotes, and that's fantastic. But it's also compelling and interesting to get the macro picture that FO's can provide. Good point on the currently-serving ones, though.
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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.
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.
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LTC Paul Labrador
Bingo. Most retired flag officers are older. They are not necessarily in the generation that routinely does social media.
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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."
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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.
There are exceptions, though. A couple of members comment from time to time. None are terribly active, though.
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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.
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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!!!
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