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

I believe Rally Point just brings us closer as brothers and sisters. It also brings us closer learning about the experiences of each branch. And how the cohesiveness works to bring the military together as a whole. The military affects you as an individual, that civilians just do not understand. In the civilian culture when you talk about the military those that haven't served get bored. They always say "is that all you can talk about". And some times yes it is, because we need to talk about it. Many who are retired or have reached their EAS and not reenlisted really start to miss that connection. Rally Point fills that void.

It is also great to see the interaction of the younger junior troops. To get their opinions, ideas and knowledge on subjects and conversations. For many I believe it in powers them that they do matter in the whole scheme of things. That they do have something to contribute and that maybe an old dog can learn something.

Somebody said in a past post that Rally Point is very therapeutic and it is to many of us. Rally Point can sometimes help heal a mind just a little. And in some instances maybe even safe a life of a brother or sister.

So I for one am very thankful for the team here on Rally Point and what you have created. I am also very thankful for the family I have amassed here. So thank you to everyone for making this a great experience. My cover is off to all of you! God Bless!

Sharing knowledge with like minded (for the most part) individuals. Reading all of the varying points of view, stories, ideas etc..

Best of all, the professionalism that exudes from this site is impressive. Much Respect!

RallyPoint Team SGT (Join to see) SSG V. Michelle Woods Capt Brandon Charters

First, it is important as I know everyone here has served. There is a trust between service members that we share and others haven't earned.

Second, the sharing of ideas between Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve, Retired from all branches of the armed forces lends so many different perspectives. This allows for growth, change, and increase in intelligence.

Third, the knowledge that someone on here has experienced a smiliar event, emotion, response, and or outcome.

Finally, staying connected to the military which has been a part of my life for over 30 years.

Thank you all.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

For me I find the military only aspect the most important aspect of rally point because it gives you a sense of security. There are things that I've only shared on here that I would never share on any other site and things that I haven't even shared with my family. So much easier to talk to somebody about your military experiences without having to explain to them the military.

To have someone to relate to

I spend my days surrounded by people who don't, "get it", have not served and can't relate. RP is like a home away from home where I can reconnect and make friends with fellow SMs who've, "been there and done that".

I was recently honorably discharged from the active duty Army and am currently in my transition phase. Since my ETS I started going to GCU to pursue my bachelors degree in psychology. I belong to numerous veterans organizations, because being around my fellow vets (brother and sisters) I realize, we are all we have. In the civilian world everyone is out for themselves, there is no camaraderie. This is a network for us. No matter what branch of service or grade we are all brothers and sisters. We are the 1% of our nation that answered the call to defend our nation no matter what our job description is. So brothers and sisters let's keep this network for just us service members both retired and still serving. God bless America and those who have and are serving.

It's easier to talk to people who have mostly similar experiences. While we have not all experienced the same things in our military careers, we have a mutual understanding of what everything that the others have gone through. When I am speaking with my college friends they have no idea what I'm talking about, if I start using acronyms, that seem to me that they should be used in everyday conversation. As others have said, it is much easier to be myself here, and to tell things that have affected me in the military and my personal life, without being judged. Also getting advice from people who have been there and done it, is something that you wouldn't be able to get on the other side.

There is an invaluable amount of knowledge and breadth of experience from seniors and retirees that I as a young leader can learn from.

I will probably echo many of the responses so far, but RallyPoint provides a sense of ease when you ask or respond to questions or "talk" to folks. This is a military environment and for those us who have spent the vast majority of our lives serving our country, this platform provides me/us with a great place to share thoughts, provide guidance and support, and most importantly, open up to folks who possess shared experiences.