Why do so many military members come here to the internet to ask questions? Do NCOs no longer mentor their joes?

You don’t always get direct or 100% truthful Anvers from your chain of command! I had to do my own research when I was in due to a chain of command that was worried about the fallout if I knew what regs to reference!! This has become a checks and balances on improper leadership as well as a place where a soup sandwich gets put in their place!! Not all Higher ranking individuals are honest with their troops and there are bad ncos as well as officers! This has become the spot where they can get advice to deal with situations like that!!

Sometimes having thousands of NCOs to answer a question is faster than a few in your unit who hopefully have the answer.

That's in part the the designed function of RP -SM's are either working the problem on their own or are seeking advice in how to work the problem. As well NCO's in their CoC may be part of the problem and SM's are reluctant to confront and pull that pin. NCO's can have a rather large kill radius for junior enlisted.

Many possible answers; several already suggested. My "pet" theory is that some people believe if they obtain enough positive re-enforcement of their belief, they can overcome objective difficulties. Just my opinion...but I think this is endemic of a larger societal trait; the rejection of absolute truth. Another plausible reason? Some people like to stir the pot.

Opinion type questions, I understand, legal and process questions can easily be found on-line. Many times my two grandsons find the answer to their questions before I can answer. I’m sensing laziness.

My last year in, I had an Airman come to me for advice and support outside of her chain, bypassing her first line supervisor, a Staff Sergeant, and her Master Sergeant flight chief. As for her flight chief, he had just PCS'd into the squadron and, despite being a good guy and very capable NCO, had yet to build up a level of trust among his subordinates. Although he could have handle her questions just as professionally as I did, and in short time earned his flight's trust, for that moment she trusted me.

Rallypoint allows service members to solicit worthwhile advice or answers without the repercussions of unwarranted or failed trust.

Confirmation bias often.

I think that is no place like Rallypoint where someone can find so many mentors and answers.

Should/could the SM go to their leaders, absolutely. However as stated below, they could be blown off, or trying to be proactive in their search. There is also the negative aspect of they do'nt like an answer they were told so they come onto here to attempt to dispute x, y, and z, but i'd like to think that isn't the case ha.

I like RP because where i am at now i am not in charge of a single Army pax, just the other branches, so this keeps me spun up on Army questions/answers. I love helping out SM's regardless of the branch, but can more easily and better answer Army questions so i enjoy when i come across questions on here to give guidance on.

sign of the time : so much less personal inter-action, no need to involve feelings (fear, shame, insecurity ...) when dealing with digital communication, and lack of personal communication skills, from both sides .