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

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!