Do service members attempt to research information before posting on this site?

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 13:09:06 -0500

While all questions are important, or the individual would not post, do you believe that people research on their own prior to posting a question.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2019 1:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 13:16:15 -0500

CSM, I believe that answer is a resounding NO!!!!. I guess this is their way of not having to have this discussion with their first line supervisors. Almost every question posed here should be addressed by those 1st line supervisors and ran up their respective NCO Channels. Its amazing that this isn't happening. I know my kids always one that instant answer, I guess this is the new way of doing things and getting those instant results. Why do research or talk to someone else that might have to do research when they can get an instant answer? Its frustrating to see, but this is the way things are being done now I guess.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2019 3:15 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 15:15:24 -0500

CSM Darieus ZaGara There seems to be a growing trend on RallyPoint for members to ask questions that they can easily research themselves. In many cases, their questions have been posted on this site already if they had taken the time to do a search. RallyPoint is receiving many questions about waivers that are best answered by a recruiter. Many military related questions should be directed to the respective military leadership. We also have members that have answers from their leadership and they are questioning the answers that they have received.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Nov 27 at 2019 3:46 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 15:46:57 -0500

I think the majority of posts I read have shown little to no research. When I can google something and find the answer in 25 seconds then I gotta speculate that they either haven't looked it up or they are looking for a different answer than what they read.
PS: I speculate so I don't make an ass out of you and me. I just make a spec out of u and some guy named late.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 27 at 2019 3:50 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 15:50:56 -0500

let me do some research and i'll get back to you

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 27 at 2019 6:44 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 18:44:47 -0500

No problem with the questions, but two things have come to mind over a lot of them: 1) Don't people realize why they have career planners and people senior to them in their unit. Many of the questions should normally be either common knowledge or be easily answered by personnel in their unit. 2) Don't the NCOs, SNCOs and officers make themselves available to the younger folks.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 27 at 2019 7:56 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 19:56:13 -0500

I believe that most do not. I also believe (as some have mentioned) that many of the questions can be answered by either a first line or second line leader.

That being said, I have no problem answering questions, if I feel I am qualified. (The ones I don't feel qualified, I skip, unless they seem urgent and I know someone qualified, then I'll tag them real quick.) Of the many responsibilities I had when I was still active, the one I took most to heart was teaching and mentoring Soldiers. Very rarely would I turn away a Soldier seeking answers, even if it wasn't "my Soldier." (Exceptions were made for CoC specific questions.) Sometimes my answer was a reference to where the Soldier could find the answer themselves, but I never wanted to pass up an opportunity to educate a Soldier.

I feel no less obligated now that I am retired.

P.S. After proofreading, this sounds a bit sanctimonious or like a dig at others who may feel differently about Soldier questions. I do not know how to word it better, but that is not at all my intent. Just trying to explain how I feel and why.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Nov 27 at 2019 9:31 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:31:33 -0500

It's laziness. As a teacher, I'll have kids in class using their smartphones for an activity and they'll look up at me to ask what a word means. What I've come to realize is that kids are not technologically savvy if it doesn't have to do with social media or an app.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Nov 28 at 2019 11:56 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:56:15 -0500

No.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 9:34 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 21:34:01 -0500

CSM, I have to say I don't believe so. I have seen dozens of questions that could be easily answered with the first google result listed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2019 2:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 02:15:21 -0500

If only the answer to that question was "yes"...I see questions here that can easily be answered by a TL