Why Service Members (Past, Present, and Future) Should Use RallyPoint

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 12:55:18 -0400

RallyPoint is a great online resource for active service members and veterans. Even if you’re just thinking about joining the U.S. Armed Forces, RallyPoint has a massive amount of information and experience to gain knowledge from. Between the hundreds of thousands of members from all ranks, specialties, and branches, and the active forums covering all types of topics which affect the small percentage of the U.S. population who have served, there is lots to be learned. There is no shortage of lessons amongst discussions like worst Airborne jumps, transition help, politics, and even the infamous “Should a 2LT salute a 1LT?” discussion. Here are my five key points to consider:

Professional Development

There are veterans who have done amazing things, and they are valuable sources of information regarding work environments, leadership, and almost any career field you can imagine. I’ve used RP many times to gain a better grasp on various IT solutions including my blog (jtspratley.com/blog) and Linux. If you’re looking into a specific job field, you can easily search for discussions and professionals within that field, network with individuals, ask questions, and grow your professional network. If you’re seeking mentorship for developing your leadership or organizational behavioral skills, the RP community will welcome your drive to improve by doing their best to assist.

Find a Job

Continuing on professional development, many organizations head hunt for veterans with specific skillsets via Rallypoint. You’ll also have access to a database of civilian jobs which you can filter based on your skills, location, and more. Active service members can use the “Military Assignments” section to try and choose their next position (along with the help of your branch manager) by gathering a listing of current members with specified rank and other important factors who will PCS around the same time, similar to MOBCOP Tour of Duty.

Personal Development

RallyPoint is not a community of angry veterans discussing what’s wrong with everything in the world. (It’s ludicrous to mock those of you who generalize veterans as people who just rant all of the time.) Whatever your hobbies and interests are – art, traveling, preparing for the zombie apocalypse – there is someone who shares that interest whom you can connect with. Making friends isn’t taboo – it’s encouraged. RP members sometimes even organize get-togethers in differing states just to hang out and strengthen bonds.

People Who Share Your Experiences and Mindset

In life, there are certain topics you’d only discuss with certain people. You have to be careful when you talk big ideas with small-minded people. You have to do the same with military-focused topics such as military relationships, PTSD, and transitioning out of the military. Get advice from those, especially those senior in rank or time in service, who have actually dealt with those issues and want to help you do the same.

Stay In Tune With the Military

Whether you’re currently in or you’ve left the military, topics such as the VA and other veteran-focused organizations are good to keep up with. Many veterans have also reconnected with past battle buddies thanks to RallyPoint. The ability to search for past members of military units is very useful for this!

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Apr 8 at 2016 12:56 PM

SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 12:56:45 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member ,
Spot on post! As I love this platform!!

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Apr 8 at 2016 1:06 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:06:38 -0400

Its a great way to Network! But also to Encourage! Inspire and Uplift your fellow brothers in Sisters in Uniform! The Suicide rate is high among Veterans! If you can brighten up someone's day! Provide help for Mental and Emotional Health! Provide Opportunities of Employment through Referrals and Dissemination of Information! RallyPoint is the Place you need to be! Lets RALLY UP!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 1:12 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:12:04 -0400

I was only on LinkedIn before I joined RallyPoint. I love RallyPoint because I feel comfortable sharing information and learning from fellow brothers and sisters. It is great to communicate with friends that have shared experiences and hardships.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 8 at 2016 1:22 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:22:18 -0400

It would be a great promotion if at TAPs, websites such as these would be promoted to help with transitioning veterans connect.

Response by SrA Leah Murchie made Apr 8 at 2016 3:09 PM

SrA Leah Murchie — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 15:09:33 -0400

Networking, Learning from one another, and seeing things from many points of view are a great way to grow!

https://www.change.org/p/issue-trusted-afghan-interpreter-an-immigrant-visa?recruiter=518281586&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Issue trusted Afghan interpreter an immigrant visa

In 2011, I was deployed to Afghanistan in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. My job was to help protect the perimeter of our base. We encountered many dangerous situations, and, at each turn, I was profoundly grateful to our dedicated Afghan interpreter, Jamie, for seeing us through. Now Jamie needs...

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 8 at 2016 9:41 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 21:41:42 -0400

It's not the best thing since sliced bread.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 8 at 2016 10:28 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:28:44 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member simply outstanding for my lifestyle!!!!!

Response by SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds made Apr 9 at 2016 7:30 AM

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 07:30:30 -0400

Although I am still new to this site and currently serving almost 5 years in the Army which, by standards, can still be considered new, I believe that Rally Point helps connect all Military personnel and keep us up to date on what is actually happening in our Military.
It also allows Military members alike to connect with others and even help on another, whether it be from questions/answer or from actually communicating back and forth.

This is one of the better sites I have seen, especially for Military.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Apr 10 at 2016 12:00 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 12:00:26 -0400

Rallypoint is truly useful. I have suggested to my staff that they get on this website, so that they can ask the true questions that are burning in their minds, without fear of retribution. It makes sense, and this is a real true game changer in the military.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 14 at 2016 10:48 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 10:48:49 -0400

I want to always stay connected to the military community and offer my support to everyone giving back is very important to me.

Response by SSG Steven E. made Apr 27 at 2016 4:12 AM

SSG Steven E. — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 04:12:15 -0400

Great post SGT Private RallyPoint Member It, along with everyone's comments completely hit the nail on the head. All I can add is that when I initially came across RP, I was somewhat hesitant, as I am with most other forms of social medial. However, it didn't take long at all for me to realize the legitimacy of this site, and to become quickly hooked on the vast wealth of interesting subject matter found in the posts and discussions, and the intriguing insight and experiences shared from a category of people whom I hold in the highest regard and have the upmost respect for, my fellow military members/veterans. Well done RP!

Response by SSG William Jones made Sep 24 at 2017 10:54 PM

SSG William Jones — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 22:54:59 -0400

This is good. I'd like to use it, if you don't mind.

Response by SSG William Jones made Sep 24 at 2017 11:00 PM

SSG William Jones — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 23:00:25 -0400

...but it's close!!! ;-)

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 14 at 2018 8:07 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 08:07:34 -0400

I've learned a lot from what's been posted here.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 7 at 2018 11:38 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 11:38:04 -0400

NETWORKING is the KEY to your or our success.