Are dishonorably discharged personnel allowed on RallyPoint?

SPC David S. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:47:15 -0400

As I'm not sure as to the vetting process I was curious as to if dishonorable discharge service members are allowed on RP.
If so what do those who are not feel about this?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 6:54 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:54:16 -0400

I feel that RallyPoint is a place for Active Duty and Veterans to come together to collectively pool their knowledge for the better of all. What would be better than getting the point of view from veteran who has been dishonorably discharged. There is experience to be shared there, especially with the still active duty.

I say all Veterans regardless of status should be welcome, though I doubt a veteran of that status, would want to come here.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 3 at 2014 7:23 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 19:23:19 -0400

Wouldn't bother me. There are guys out there, after all, that served otherwise honorably and received an other than honorable discharge for one (really) dumb lapse in judgement. I knew one of them....the dummy thought it would be really cool to sneak an AK-47 home from Panama. The Army didn't think it was all that cool.

Response by MSgt Chris Adams made Oct 3 at 2014 7:29 PM

MSgt Chris Adams — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 19:29:29 -0400

I don't think I'd be bothered by it. Experiences good or bad can be training tools.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 7:28 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 19:28:52 -0400

Let me say this: I don't know what the rules are off the top of my head here on RP. However, there will be some individuals from the Viet Nam era who will very soon be eligible to upgrade their discharge status as a direct result of the SECDEF's direction recently. I don't know how many of these individuals that might be eligible to have their discharges upgraded - so I will pose the question: should we bar these individuals from a source of correct information sharing? Many Viet Nam era veterans share the same issues many of our current (Iraq and Afghanistan) veterans face - but they were unable to get anyone to recognize, much less treat them properly. These men/women have been dealing with PTS, drug, alcohol issues and temper and anger management just as we are today.

What say you RP?

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 3 at 2014 7:36 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 19:36:36 -0400

I have no problem with it as long as it didnt involve a sex crime or with a child,or treason...
i was no mister clean while i was in the military i was lucky just to retire cuz i was out there bad as a young marine hehehehehehe...

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 3 at 2014 7:50 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 19:50:56 -0400

I only asked as it can effect ones future opportunities. One mistake and your done. Seems harsh.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 8:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:37:12 -0400

This is from the FAQ page: Anyone currently serving (Active Duty, Active Reserve, National Guard, Pre-Commission) or formerly serving, is allowed to join RallyPoint, although those no longer serving have more limited access. Actively serving military members, by default, can only be viewed by others that are actively serving.

https://www.rallypoint.com/static_pages/internal_faq

What is RallyPoint? | RallyPoint FAQ

RallyPoint is the private, gated-access network for US military members. We empower military personnel and veterans to take greater control over their careers by making it easier to connect with the right people to pursue fulfilling career opportunities.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 3 at 2014 8:39 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:39:15 -0400

Glad to see most here are open minded to the idea. I find it hard to let one action define an individual, however repeated offenses is a different story.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Oct 3 at 2014 9:27 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:27:59 -0400

I left the service with an Other than honorable in lieu of Court Martial. A lapse in judgment does not eliminate the experiences and knowledge gained over the years. I understand that there may be some credibility issues, but as long as the advice provided is ethical, honest and above board, all should be allowed to pass on knowledge to the next generation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 10:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 22:13:00 -0400

If they're convicted felons, escapees or federal parolees who cannot be trusted around other members and veterans... probably not. Otherwise, I'd say that's affirmative.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 4 at 2014 7:32 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 07:32:29 -0400

RP is a place to share military experiences, bond and laugh as our esteemed colleagues have eluded to. I don't see an issue with it if, like all the rest of us, said individuals adhere to the RP rules. Though I would tend to think that folks in that category may not have a lot of positive attitude towards the military and RP may not be the first place they are looking to join. Could be wrong, just MHO.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Oct 5 at 2014 11:37 AM

1SG David Niles — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 11:37:30 -0400

I do not have an issue with it, I have seen good service members make mistakes and get booted. But they were good troops most of their service. It would be good to see and hear from them for the active duty set, get some of the feedback on how that discharge has affected them outside of the military, how did they overcome those obstacles. Those who served, served. There are many hundreds of thousands that have not even thought of serving and don't know the sacrifices of those who did. Even those discharged under other than honorable conditions.

Response by SGT William Wolfe made Oct 5 at 2014 6:29 PM

SGT William Wolfe — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 18:29:43 -0400

Making mistakes is part of the process of life. As long as you have learned from your mistakes. Remember whether you served 1yr or 40yrs. You still served and are counted as that 1% that did answer the nations call. Be proud of what you have accomplished and push yourself to even more greatness!!! And remember the army values are still instrumental in civilian success too.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 10:32 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:32:12 -0500

I don't remember Type of Discharge as one of the questions when setting up my profile...

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 11 at 2015 11:01 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 23:01:26 -0500

Civilians are on here so why not. I would request that he or she not hide the fact though. It's something I'd like to know when I deal with someone.

Response by SFC Timothy AllBee made Aug 21 at 2015 10:22 AM

SFC Timothy AllBee — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 10:22:26 -0400

You have to remember they still have freedoms, this is a free site not regulated by the military so yes they have the right to be here.