RallyPoint Media Survey

CPT Laurie H. — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:21:43 -0400

Thanks so much for all of you who helped with our survey. We've received over 10,000 responses so far, truly incredible! A few of you offered additional context back to us via email. If you'd like to farther discuss our topics, here's your chance:

What are you most concerned with today?

Do you feel the United States is doing enough to defeat ISIS?

Are you planning to vote in the election on November 4th?

How do you feel about job opportunities in the private sector now, compared to last year?

Would you say that you are more or less concerned with the morale of the military than you were last Veterans Day?

Do you feel more or less appreciated for your service compared to last Veterans Day?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 4:31 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:31:52 -0400

My #1 concern is the provision of health care and its erosion. There have been posts about "promises" made when we joined up. I feel that the Army is still sticking with what I counted as a promise of health care, almost 40 years ago when I entered active duty, but I see warning signs on the horizon ... things that could mean breaking that "promise."

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 31 at 2014 5:04 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 17:04:42 -0400

I am definitely going to vote on election day! Job search is still painful but I really live in the middle of no where. When my daughter graduates in May the stakes are coming up and see what God has in store for me elsewhere. ISIS....it isn't a new group, just one that is receiving much more media attention. There will always be individuals grasping for power when the government and it's people are unwilling to stomp out their existence. Once it takes root, the people become unable to defeat them. Veterans Day has been about me paying the tribute, not receiving it, I'm a "behind the scenes" "lurking in the shadows" kind of guy. As far as causes....post military efforts for our transitioning veterans. More case managers, more claims representatives, and a dedicated veterans employment assistance agency. USAjobs takes 3 months from posting a position to narrowing down the search and making a final decision. That system in in need of an overhaul and an enema.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Oct 31 at 2014 6:10 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 18:10:20 -0400

In contrast to my usual posts, this one is direct and concise:

What are you most concerned with today?
(Direction our country is moving, vis-a-vis away from self-reliance to entitlement.)

Do you feel the United States is doing enough to defeat ISIS?
(No. Please don't get me started.)

Are you planning to vote in the election on November 4th?
(Yes.)

How do you feel about job opportunities in the private sector now, compared to last year?
(Worse. Harder to find full-time work with an actual career path.)

Would you say that you are more or less concerned with the morale of the military than you were last Veterans Day?
(Don't personally know, but SM friends seem to be more cynical and pessimistic. 7:^P Could be my influence...)

Do you feel more or less appreciated for your service compared to last Veterans Day?
(About the same, although I personally don't feel I fall into the same category as those who've served since 1990.)

Good questions.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Oct 31 at 2014 10:42 PM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 22:42:15 -0400

I think that Veterans don't get appreciated enough because so many people are "claiming" that their military and doesn't have anything to back it up.