Why is the "military only" aspect on RallyPoint so important to you?

No matter what differences we may have, there is most always certain commonalities in experiences, language, & points of view than can be shared. There is a bond shared in few other places as there is in the military.

I've also found that a brother or sister I may have known only a short time in service has been more willing to come to aid or act like family than some very long-time civilian friends I have.

The reason the military aspect is near and dear to me is for a couple of reasons. The first is because I belong to this unique demographic. The second is because I feel we have a better understanding of what it means to be a citizen of a nation, to herald that call of duty and have a strong desire to better our community. I enjoy having a forum and community to participate in with like-minded people.

"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion." — Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army

I am obviously biased in this aspect, but I whole heartedly believe that something similar could be said of all of our services. Through my interactions with other service members at work and through rally point, I get some semblance of an understanding of the ins and outs and way of life of the other services. But I feel like those individuals who have not signed the same dotted line as us can't understand us and the way we think. And frankly, I feel like this is the one portal online where I can express an opinion and not worry about pissing someone off with the Political Correctness BS. Yes I've had debates and differences of opinion here, but no one has ever said to me "You can't say that because it offends me". That mentality doesn't exist in the military, we have no room and no need for it. And even if it ever rears it's ugly head at work, we have enough salty old vets here to ensure it doesn't hit RPs shores for many years to come.

If I wanted to hear the opinions of civilians on things, I'd go to Facebook or any other social media platform. I have a lot of military members on my Facebook page but inevitably when we start talking about war, some civilian comes waltzing in -- as is their right on my page -- and chimes in with their probably well-meaning opinion.

Rallypoint presents a "home" where veterans and service members can talk about topics, most of them seemingly military-centric, without having to stop and explain every single little acronym or bit of jargon. It presents a place where I can say "Jodie got your girl/guy" and everyone automatically knows what I mean, I don't have to add a paragraph of explanations.

idiom

The shared experiences and camaraderie

Part of what I do is working with Veterans who have PTSD/TBI. This forum allows me to keep abreast of what's current in the military and helps me in relating to the Veterans we are helping and it's also nice to hangout here. Reminds me of the comradery back when I was in.

Trust. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Other SMS are the only ones that understand the B/S. Every day " the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, the sad, funny!

I enjoy congregating with other military members. There are some things that civilians do not understand about military members and veterans. Sometimes they misjudge and adopt misconceptions without asking or investigating however, some military members do the same also.