Introduction to Uniform Etiquette

About the Uniform

The National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) is the largest youth uniformed group in Singapore. As with any other uniformed group, discipline, etiquette and proper wearing of the uniform is of utmost importance.

This is especially true for NPCC, which is associated with the Singapore Police Force (SPF), who pride themselves in their high standards of uniform discipline. When in uniform, all cadets are expected to uphold utmost discipline and adhere to the rules of the corps.

Types of NPCC Uniforms

Ceremonial Uniform (No. 1)

This is the most formal and prestigious uniform an NPCC cadet may get to wear in their NPCC journey. Thus, it is only worn for parades and for important events, such as the Cadet Inspectors' Investiture. It is characterised by the white, long-sleeved tunic, the shoulder board ranks and the collar lapels. White gloves are also an essential part of this uniform. For cadets, an embroidered NPCC crest will be fitted to the beret while male and female officers will wear their peak caps and bowler hats respectively. As a cadet, the only time you may get to wear this uniform is if you are chosen to become part of the Guard-of-Honour Contingent or the Flag Party for NPAP. This uniform can only be obtained by loaning from HQ and subsequently returning it. After usage, you must get it washed and pressed at a laundry before submitting the receipt together with the uniform to HQ.

Working Uniform (No. 3)

The working uniform is the uniform which NPCC Land Units are issued. This is still quite a formal attire and is typically worn when practising drills, participating in parades or attending events. It is characterised by the dark blue shirt and trousers for male cadets and the dark blue blouse and skirt for female cadets. Cadets will wear a beret and for Station Inspectors, their berets will wear a yellow flash on their beret. Male and female officers will wear peak caps and bowler hats respectively. By the end of Secondary 1, all NPCC Land Cadets should have been given their uniform already.

Combat Uniform (No. 4)

The combat uniform is the uniform which NPCC Sea Units are issued. Similar to the working uniform, this is still quite a formal attire and is typically worn when practising drills, participating in parades or attending events. It is characterised by the dark blue long-sleeved shirt and trousers, as well as their unique belt. On land, cadets in combat uniform have to don a beret but when on board, they are to don a jockey cap. By the end of Secondary 1, all NPCC Sea Cadets should have been given their uniform already.

Special Functions Uniform (No. 5)

The special functions uniform is commonly worn by officers, i.e. Honourary Inspectors and above during ceremonies such as the Cadet Inspectors', Honourary Inspectors' and Officers' Investiture. It is characterised by the white, long-sleeved shirt, dark blue trousers for males and dark blue skirts for females, as well as the NPCC tie.

Basic Uniform Etiquette

In general, as a form of respect to the NPCC uniform, it should be kept under pristine conditions when worn. As such, we are not allowed to let any uniform part touch the ground (Other than your boots obviously) unless given permission by officers. Also, it should not be worn in public unless on official duties in order to minimise the confusion discerning NPCC cadets and SPF officers. Only the half uniform is allowed to be worn in public. Changing into or out of your uniform is strictly only allowed in toilets; that also means that you need to be in proper full uniform when you leave the toilet. If you are missing any uniform part, for instance your belt loop or your nametag, you cannot leave the toilet in your full uniform because the uniform is considered incomplete. This is crucial in maintaining a professional image of an NPCC cadet. On the topic of maintaining a professional image, do not fold any of your uniform parts as much as possible to prevent the formation of creases because it is unsightly.

During training hours, while the full or half uniform is donned, the beret must be kept on at all times, except during water breaks, physical punishments, or if permitted by officers. Be that as it may, while in the full or half uniform, the beret must nonetheless be worn at all times when not under shelter, even during water breaks or outside of training hours, unless the cadet is in pumping position or if he is not feeling well and has been granted permission by officers to take off his beret. The only time the beret is allowed to touch the ground is in pumping position whereby cadets have to fold and place their berets beside their hands while they receive their punishment.

The uniform itself should be placed in a dark, opaque uniform cover (Preferably black) when being transported around in order to prevent creasing of the uniform which when worn would be unsightly and unprofessional. When in full uniform, the ranks should never be obscured. In other words, nothing must ever be slung over the ranks because the rank is a symbol of your identity and must never be covered when in full uniform. As a result, you are advised to carry your bags by hand or sling your bag straps under your rank when transporting your bags around.

Also, your bootlaces should always be tucked neatly into your boots. Should the bootlace come out, bend down like how you would when doing lunges and quickly tuck in your bootlaces. One way to ensure your bootlaces don't come out during training hours is to wrap the bootlace around your leg when you tuck it in.

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