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

I love the fact that there is a place to contact with other people that "understand". It does not mean that we all agree on everything, but we have all "been there and done that". It is nice to have a place to ask questions and get information and get honest answers. It nice that we have a place where we can speak our minds about those things military without a civilian mis-construing what is being said. It is great to get all the different points of views of the members of the various services.

i have to say the professionalism and just the fact that we as SM and veterans all have one common thing
we are all brothers

its nice to have a spot where we all can go and state whats wrong and maybe get some anwsers that know one else can give us

We are part of special group that others do not understand, even our family members who have not served do not understand our culture. Here AT RP veterans, officers, NCO's and enlisted can chime in on topics or just BS. That is awful hard to do in garrison with out loosing you military bearing.

The only time when I was on active duty that I talked to a senior leader in an informal manner was when the CSM would come to the Air Items ware house to get away from the brass, he did it several times a month. He was about ready to retire and would talk about what he was going to do.

So we don't have to put up with idiots like "CSM Howard Loomis"...

Some level of Security, Understanding, Empathy, Similarities, and Family.

The military only aspect give people with similar background and mindset a place to discuss a multitude of topics pertaining to the military,national security and events that directly effect our forces.It also keeps out people and/or persons that hold animosity toward the armed forces for whatever reason and would have no other intention here other than be vitriolic and unobjective.

RallyPoint is an effortless way of connecting with many who embrace the same thought processes, have endured the same trials and tribulations, have touched the same fear and foreboding, and worked through all of that to end up where you are today. None of us take the same path to get here yet every one of us have traveled those difficult roads in the process.

Staying connected with the military community can be a life line to someone who no longer actively serves and is living their 'veteran' life outside the military wire far away from the hustle and bustle of military interaction. A few have mentioned "therapy" as a kind embrace of what RallyPoint can be. When you scan the discussion threads you can oftentimes find several where fellow members reach out to an individual asking for help or guidance about a problem or issue they cannot solve. This community has shown the ability to not only meet that challenge but overcome it time and time again. Any member (vetted) is willing to step up and offer assistance to one who needs it. That character virtue is contained in every sailor, soldier, and marine who put on the uniform.

RallyPoint has created a space for that assistance to happen. It is unique, it is military, and those who have not served their country have a difficult time understanding what makes us that 'band of brothers.....'

There are civilian supporters on RP, it isn't just military.

My military experience spans almost 3 decades and 18 years of service...so far. I am a part of the military caste system.

I have often feel like an outcast in the civilian world...I do not belong. I have had some difficulty transitioning from active duty...enlisting in the Army Guard aided me in my transition.

I took a 6 year hiatus, to finish my education....however, I will be a life-long learner.

My own wife has told me I am 'too military', not as in Drill Instructor kind of way, but the fascination with militaria, tattoos, etc, etc...to a point that she has deleted me from her FB account.

This is my military social networking site. Since I have arrived, I have contributed and feel part of the family.

This is my military family.

Rally Point has helped with my transition. This is my therapy. This is family in so many more ways than my biological family.

The military life changes you...sometimes and hopefully for the better. With that comes experiences and demons that no one else will ever have to experience, other than your brother or sister in uniform. We at Rally Point have an inextricable bond.