Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post in this thread.
This is how we can discuss Army.ca, its faults and how to fix them. Everyone has been civil in delivering and accepting criticism, and I think our community will improve as a result. There have certainly been a lot of valid points made from all quarters.
If we are driving vets away, we are doing them - and ourselves - a terrible disservice. Ironically, PNP, it could be very easy to interpret your post as an indicator that we have gone too soft at times. I don't believe that was your point though, I think it was more to point out an attitude shift, but correct me if I'm wrong.
I think - as has been pointed out - that we're all learning how to cope with the victories and the tragedies associated with Afghanistan, and while we're finding our way, we have made some mis-steps as we go.
I believe we defer to those in the know as much as we are able. Sometimes it's not evident who is in the know and who is not - as a result some armchair generals may have their comments stand as gospel while vets may have theirs questioned. I'm sure that's terribly frustrating, but we do the best we can with the information at hand.
I know it's beating a dead horse, but a "Report to moderator" with a simple "this guy is in the know" or "sorry, facts are wrong here" is a great indicator for us.
In addition the the 15 year old cadets and the 20 year retirees (only been 10 for me
) we have a number of Staff who have played/are playing an active role in Afghanistan. We lean heavily on their expertise to guide us, just as we do with our other SMEs.
Again, I appreciate all the feedback and commentary, I think it's a positive thing for us as a community. If anyone has additional feedback, or examples of a problem, please don't hesitate to post them here for public discussion, or PM me with them if you feel a private chat is more appropriate.
Thanks
Mike