GASP Air!!!

there's this new guy amongst 3 others that has been attached to my sub-unit as a storeman for Ranger Course. In preparation for it, they have been placed under me to start the store preparations for the biggest course in the SAF. This new guy (to whom i would from now onwards refer to as Mr. BO) has, as the name suggests, seriously very very bad body odour.

I walked into the office today and nearly collapsed from the smell. I don't know how all the rest put up with it... but it was really ridiculous. I had a talk with my sergeant major and he realised the problem as well and suggested that we make him bathe 3 times a day. Once at every meal. So eventually, i got Mr. BO to step outside the office and had a serious (though breathless) talk with him and his problem. He's aware that he has it and he credits it to the fact that he sweats a lot. But everyone sweats a lot too (it's Singapore for goodness sakes, little red dot near the EQUATOR!) and no one smells a tenth as bad as he does! He doesnt even smell like sweat. It's indescribable what he really smells like.

Anyways, i had to be the bad guy and tell him that he needed to do something about it. Go to a doctor and ask for advice... Bathe 3 times a day... and use soap when he bathes... (goodness i'm worried that i might actually need to take sandpaper and scrub him down with acid myself)... and that he was not allowed in the office until he got his problem sorted out... (or i'll have to irrigate my whole breathing system, lungs and all, everyday). I can't remember the last time i stepped out of the office and really really appreciated the air around me.

Yes, ok some of you may think i'm being a real mean arsehole to this guy and the way he smells. But for goodness sakes, it's for his own good... who on earth would employ him in future when he leaves the army?? Pepe Lepeu? Last i checked, he wasnt a real person.

Hence my grouse right now... everyone in the office knows how bad he smells and have complained about it... but they dont say anything to him about it, and then when i play mr badguy and confront him, they say that i was damn mean to him. Yeah sure, keeping quiet and holding your breath in the office the whole day will magically sprout daisies and roses in the office and all will smell better. (if you ask me, the roses and daisies would wilt 1st)

Anyway, was thinking that perhaps 2 years ago, i wouldnt have done what i just did. I'd be like the rest and be "nice" to his feelings. worse come to worse, i'd move and work elsewhere. Looks like i've changed somewhat over time. I don't give so much of a rat's ass anymore in some sense... I'd like to say this makes me a stronger person somewhat... but it does come with its cons too i think.


Gosu Guitar Playing! Enjoy...