Why We Do The Things We Do?

Contrary to popular belief, a lot of things we do in NPCC have good reasons behind them.

Why are logos disallowed on track pants?

Why do you find ourselves polishing your boots hard in front of the television the night before every parade? (I had my time)

Why are you forced to sing songs during runs when you are already so tired out? (Done that too.)

Some NCOs might remember the “Filter” analogy I told once told them about. How knowledge, culture and practices get eroded through the time as the NCO-ship is passed down from one batch to another.
Some of you may find the things we do in the Corps incredulous. Maybe your seniors or even some of your NCOs are also unable to give you a satisfactory answer today. This is the result of that erosion I was talking about.

But do you know the good reason behind the “no-logos” rule with the track pants?

In a squad, there would definitely be some cadets who come from more well-to-do families than the others. It was not uncommon for the parents of these “rich” cadets to lavish their children with luxury goods and branded belongings – think Nike and Adidas track pants; think Swatch and Police watches. What if within your squad, there are cadets whose family even struggle to put food on the table? How would such a cadet feel, if his/her squadmates are dorned in branded track pants and shiny watches?

That is one reason why in NPCC, we preach standardization. Of course, the above example of “struggling to put food on the table” may be a little far-fetched, but nonetheless, I hope you get my point.

At the end of the day, we all realize that your current generation is very much different from ours. Cadets nowadays do not readily accept instructions at whim – you guys will question. Of course, there is nothing wrong with it. In fact it is good, just that it will be harder on your NCOs. (haha.good luck NCOs!)

What I want to say is this: If there is anything we practice in the corps that you cannot understand, or some heart-burning issues you have that are preventing you from sleeping at night; please pose them to your NCOs.
Good if they can help you out, but otherwise if they cannot, please exploit us: the old people that have spent nearly 10 years in NPCC but people cannot figure out why we are still here.
Yes! Ask any CIs or HOs. Emails, blogs, SMSs, facebook etc. I’m sure most of your NCOs/CIs/HO are available.
Once again, contrary to popular belief, we (or rather I) don’t bite.

Ming Liang