Suggestion : Military Veteran Sub-Forum

[Lukens]

I second the read only part, its a great idea. That way people can still read whats going on and gain some understanding, but cant post stupid and/or misniformed shit.

[Ivan Daylovich™]

I think they mentioned that if the vets are talking about gear or whatnot those topics would go in the appropriate forums.
I am not military so I don't care what you do, though it sounds to me like it would be better to would be to make it like all the other private forums.

[Orwell]

Another option is to have a sub-forum be "read only" for non sub-forum members.

Agreed. Regarding the idea of gear discussions going in the appropriate forums: There's more to be learned than just what gear tastes good to soldiers. Even the most minuscule perspective into the life or mind of a soldier can shut a lot of people up. It's, for lack of a better word, interesting.

[Junto]

Implying AP is like 4chan is like saying Facebook is like Reddit just because you get Meme crossover. People get too annoyed and butthurt over nothing on the boards.

That aside, I think it's an alright idea, though it'll only cut out so much of AP's collection of walking asinine opinions.

[Jerm_G]

Personally, I look at it as a private area where current/prior military can discuss military issues, life, re-adjustment to civilian life, and other bullshit without having to be concerned about offending anyone, feeling lurked over by the rest of the community, or getting useless imput from those who dont have a clue about what the issue is. Frankly the whole community doesn't need to know about Gi-bill issues, VA bennifits, and so on. There is more than a few of us here and having an area where we can pass relivant info back and forth would rock.

I would like to see it treated much like the "real steel" (I friggin hate that term!) area. I dont mind the idea of an "ask a vet" forum but most of the questions we get, honestly have been asked a thousand times. Stuff like "which service should I join?" All of us will end up saying the same thing as always. "do your own research, look at all the branches, and pick the one that best fits you."

[Matt]

Jerm_G, that's pretty much exactly what I was thinking. I'm pretty sure that's what Snake_Eyes intended too.

[Icepick]

Sounds like a great idea. IMO there is no reason not to have that sub-forum. Just like any other group with a common interest (although it might not be considered an interest), you should have a place to go to express it without any criticism.

Also, do you think we could add a Ginger Sub-Forum too?

[Snake_Eyes]

I'm glad this started a good discussion and reading all the posts and different suggestions is what this is about. Now here are the two types of new sub forums I would like to see. The Military/LE forum will be moderated by people with ideally an equal representation from LE and Military. All members of that forum should be vetted either by PM of DD214 or by recommendation of another Vet Mil/LE. The other forum would be for AP community who are interested in finding a mentor and get advice from Active/Reserve/ARNG/Police/Firefighting community and to ask questions on how to prepare etc. As always the more we bounce this around and hash it out, the better it will become. I really feel that the Military/LE forum should have some restrictions as to who can read it as some of us Vets live private lives and don't want the entire internet to know what we are venting about. Creates a more condusive environment for discussions.

Edit: Matt and Jerm_G you nailed it.
Edit: As for the gear and kit sections there is not need to re-invent the wheel here and I expect all Mil/LE Vets would share their advice on the respective forums already in place. Obviously different deployments require different equipment, like what creature comforts are amazing where. An example is having a bathroom mat so my feet aren't cold getting out of my rack or having one of those hangable shelving things for your locker.

1) Military and LE only forum;
A) Create an environment for real world issues Vets face (IE: Vet friendly workplaces, job referals, pre-deployment/post deployment advice A'la Family Readiness Groups, pointers for adjustment etc)
B) A place to vent Veteran issues and build rapport between us
c) Organize events and BBQs for Vets to connect and build a commraderie that is sometimes lost when leaving AD
D) Brainstorm on how we can contribute as a group of airsofters to the community

2)Forum for AP members interested in joining the LE or Military and ask questions and get advice from Vets prior to enlisting, going over MEP contracts, which Recruiters to Avoid/Recommend, Workout programs, Possible Mentorship program

[Steve]

+1 to the private subforum.

[Snake_Eyes]

I think a good mod would be Steve and a few other veterans. As I am currently deployed I feel I would not be able to devote the necessary time to effectively moderate until I return CONUS. Any others that feel they are qualified are welcome to put their input. Also we should as a group determine what vetting process should be in place to weed out fakes. Its my belief that all branches be equally represented as Mods.

[Jerm_G]

I don't mind stepping up as a mod. I'm lurking on here just about daily anyways.