First and foremost, I believe each and every single individual
is entitled to their own opinions, regardless whether they are
reasonable or not.
I think there has been a lot of generalizing and stereotyping in
this thread. Then again, stereotypical behavior has always been
prevailent in our society today. It is really quite narrow-minded
and it puts forward alot of negativity.
Undoubtedly, there are a fraction of army chaps who, no
doubt eager to book out, rush home on public transports without
considering whether their sweat and stink will affect the general
public. However, there are also army boys who take a shower and put
on a clean st of uniform before booking out. Have we overlooked
these bunch of people?
I don't know about you people, but I sweat a lot myself.
Singapore has a very humid climate and people are bound to sweat
when standing under the sun or sometimes just by walking around.
Moreever, these army boys are wearing their No. 4, which is not the
most comfortable or thinnest piece of clothing. I personally did
not have the chance to wear the new pixellated uniform as I was not
issued but the old one is thick and hot as heck! Add on a field
pack filled with stuff collected over the week and you get 1
miserable suffering army boy who is just eager to go home, take a
nice shower, and ejoy his weekend.
Of course I do agree that ALL soldiers have the responsibility
to uphold their image as defenders of this country, whether they
like it or not. It tells a alot about their discipline and
responsibility, which I strongly believe should be instilled in
them.
With regards to the post by 'Parn', I feel that it is unfair to
compare. I cite a few examples: The United States Army is
arguably the most elite amongst the world's military. Yet,
there is much to be said about their professionalism and conduct.
I'm sure you would have heard of the rape case in Japan, where
the accused is a US soldier stationed there. I'm sure
you would have heard of the Guantanamo Bay tortures carried
out by United States soldiers. All these examples are very
well-publicised and with a few simple clicks over the internet, you
will surely find more examples of unprofessional conduct of
first-world soldiers.
Yet, the most infamous and publicised public misconduct of
a SAF soldier is none other than CPL Dave Teo.
Does BO and stink really affects the SAF's image as DEFENDERS of
our country? Do we really want each and every one of our soldiers
to book out in long-sleeved shirts, pants, and ties? The SAF has 1
motto and 1 motto only - and that is to DETER. The SAF is not
in the business of training men to be prim and proper. The SAF
is not in the business of teaching men how not to sweat
when dressed in their No. 4 and carrying their
fieldpacks.
Perhaps we all need to sit back and reflect. What is truly the
intent of serving national service? Do the general public
understand and acknowledge the intent of the government drafting
young men to serve national service? Have you ever stepped
into the shoes of these young men and try to understand what
they're going through?
I understand that the bros here that have or are doing
their national service will get defensive when issues like
these appear. It is not something we like, nor is it something
that we can control at times. If the weather is hot, we are bound
to sweat. Our uniforms are not Nike or Adidas sports tees with
Dri-Fit technology or whatsoever. Our uniforms are designed
primarily to save our own asses in times of war. Our uniforms are
designed to enable us to hide from enemy's eyes so that we can
execute our tasks without having to dodge
enemy fire. Our uniform is what that is stopped
us from getting an early ticket to the grave.
It is always easier to complain about this and that and those.
It is always easier to view things from our own perspective instead
of others. I would be irritated as hell as I were to squeeze
in a MRT cabin with a bunch of stinky, sweaty recruits
who have just booked out after a 6 days field camp from
Tekong. I would be irritated as hell if I were to sit beside a
commando who has just completed his 72km route march. However,
inside me, I know that these young men are just doing their
job, doing what country asks of them, tired as hell,
and just looing forward to go home and see their loved ones
after a tough week in camp.
I urge all of you to take a step back and think about both sides
of the story. Either you do it or not, it's your personal
choice. It is also your personal judgment whether to condemn these
army boys or understand what they're going through.
I am open to criticism if any of you has any against this post
:)
The public does not need excuses, so answer this then
1) Do you admit that army boys stink and spread their BO on
public transport without any form of consideration for public
opinions?
2) Do you agree that this problem can be avoided or
resolved easily if the army boys regards public opinions
considerably to contain and reduce their stink and BO before they
hop onto public transport?
3) Do you agree that army boys wearing their uniform
should do their best to uphold their image as protector of this
country and take considerate amount of personal responsibility to
ensure they present/project only their best appearance/odour to the
public and especially when they are in the public?
4) Do you agree that Singapore army boys has much to learn from
overseas army boys in other non-third world countries regarding
public behaviour and image?
5) Do you agree that it is also unacceptable for Singaporean
guys who has been in the army or currently in the army, to discuss
about personal/group slayings using army equipments to
threaten and terrorise anonymous forumers in an online forum?
