Lokey said:
"Like every1 else, some people have BO so dont. What is so
strange about this?
Do they bathe at all? YES. WE bathe."
Good points, all. Still, there's more to it.
The point isn't simply whether we can bathe or not. In
general,
1.) Before bookout, NSmen do try to smell good *if it's
feasible*. They may bathe, apply deodorant/powder, wear new
uniform, wear civies etc.
We *do make the effort wherever we *can.
2.) However, sprucing up isn't always possible. Sometimes
you don't want to shower because you don't want to sabo your mates
during area cleaning (by not being available to clean and by
leaving soap suds etc). Sometimes there are simply too few cubicles
for too many people. Sometimes the showers are down. Etc, etc,
etc.
The point is, smelling nice isn't always possible in the SAF. We
don't like it, but we *can't do much about it*.
3.) Often, sprucing up is futile. Even after showering, you
may still sweat quite a
bit. Sometimes/often (more so with
recruits/trainees), you'll kena corporal punishment. Often
you'll have to walk a long distance to the gate, and then to the
bus-stop/MRT station. If you're wearing civies, it's bad enough.
Imagine how sweaty you'll be in no. 4. Often you'll book out
when it's hot- it's just a question of *how hot.
In any case, you'll probably pick up at least a mildly
unpleasant odour.
We don't want wild applause for defending our country etc etc.
But we *do hope for some modicum of empathy and respect, if not
understanding. We want others to at least *try to put themselves in
our shoes and see where we're coming from, not least because
that's what we'd do for them.
**
I will admit that my stated intention to hammer the troll with
military equipment was inappropriate. Whether it was a *joke or
not, it was unacceptable.
However, my contempt still stands.
