Precision Drill Squad (PDS) is a form of Exhibition drill practised by the Singapore National Cadet Corps which involves the execution of rifle drills in complex series of movements with great co-ordination and precision. The natures of these drills exhibit a plethora of diversity; they may be sharp and quick, graceful and flowing, or include a wide variety of tossing and spinning techniques. During performances, cadets move in unison through choreographed patterns with the rifles moving under their control, always synchronised with the rhythm of the music. Drills are executed without command and the only sound that is heard is the snap and pop of the rifles on every step, in perfect synchronism and precision.
PDS is mainly performed by a few privileged National Cadet Corps units in Singapore, usually at school events, inter-unit competitions or open houses.
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PDS is derived from Exhibition Rifle drill, which originated from the United States of America and have since spread to many other countries such as Canada, Australia and Taiwan. PDS is practiced by a few NCC (National Cadet Corps) and NPCC (National Police Cadet Corps) units e.g. (YTSS NPCC PDS) . It is based on the Silent Precision Drill Squad (SPDS) Changing of Guard ceremony performed by the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command at the gates of the Istana on the first Sunday of every month. Due to its rarity and difficulty, the element of PDS in NCC units is considered a great privilege.
PDS is most commonly executed with either the 4 kg (8.8 lbs) Lee-Enfield Mk IV rifle, or the many variations of the Mk IV fiberglass replica rifles, which are 105.5 cm long, 3.2 cm thick at the muzzle, and weigh from 1.6 kg to 5.0 kg. Variations include the Performance rifle or the heavier Competition rifle. The dummy rifles are black by default, but come in various colours and designs to match the nature of the performance. Some versions include metal bases, tips or other additions to enhance the 'feel' of the performance. M-16 rifles are also sometimes used, and on occasion, with bayonets fixed.
The official attire for PDS, as stipulated by HQ NCC, is the Smart No. 4 uniform, while air or sea units can wear their respective No. 3 uniforms without badges. Since Land units only receive their No.3 uniform at the completion of the Cadet Officer Course, No. 3 uniforms are sometimes borrowed for the sake of performances. In this case, the No. 3 uniform is worn with white stable belts and combat boots with trousers tucked into garters, in imitation of the Military Police No. 3. Attire can be modified, such as Half No. 4 with Jockey Cap, Half No. 3 or No. 3 with precision drill Brassard. White gloves can be worn for performances.
These are the NCC units that are known to practice Precision drill:
| School | District | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) | West | |
| Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) | Sea | |
| Ang Mo Kio Secondary School | Central | |
| Ang Mo Kio Secondary School | Air | National 3rd (2011) |
| Anderson Secondary School | Central | |
| Anglican High School | East | |
| Beatty Secondary School | Central | |
| Bedok Green Secondary School | East | |
| Bedok View Secondary School | East | |
| Bukit Merah Secondary School | West | |
| Bukit Panjang Government High School | West | National 8th (2011) |
| Catholic High School | Air | |
| Chung Cheng High School | Air | |
| Clementi Town Secondary School | West | |
| Deyi Secondary School | Central | |
| Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) | West | |
| Henderson Secondary School | West | |
| Hwachong Institution | West | Centre of Excellence |
| Junyuan Secondary School | East | |
| Jurong West Secondary School | West | |
| Montfort Secondary School | Central | |
| Nanhua High School | West | |
| Naval base Secondary School | Central | |
| Nan Chiau High School | Central | |
| North View Secondary School | Air | |
| Pasir Ris Crest Secondary | East | |
| Pierce Secondary School | Central | |
| Regent Secondary School | West | |
| St. Joseph's Institution | Central | |
| Tanjong Katong Secondary School | East | |
| Temasek Secondary School | East | |
| Woodgrove Seconadry School | Central | |
| Yishun Town Secondary School | Central | National Champions 2011 (Centre of Excellence) |
As a Centre of Excellence, the unit's Centre of Excellence council is department is given the autonomous right to train key stakeholders of NCC units of other schools and issue them Basic PDS badges on their course completion.
Cadets from NCC PDS units will attend the Basic PDS certification, held at the NCC campus at Amoy Quee Camp. During the course cadets are tested in the basic PDS drills, more commonly referred to as the basic 19. Cadets are tested based on two categories, Drill Execution and Presentation. Upon passing of the test, cadets will attain the Basic PDS badge and a Certificate.
Outstanding cadets will have the privilege of attending the Enhanced PDS Auxiliary Instructor Course. The course will cover 7 advanced arm drills, basic choreography and train participants on the conduct of PDS as an instructor. Upon graduation from the course, these cadets are qualified to conduct PDS trainings in their respective school units. Currently, the Enhanced PDS Auxiliary Instructor Course is either held at Amoy Quee Camp (phase 1), or Mowbray Camp (phase 2), which is conducted by instructors from the SAF Military Police Command. Cadets who complete the course will attain the PDS AI badge and a Certificate.
PDS performances can be generally classified under two major types, Stage Performances and Field Performances.
PDS Stage performances are smaller-scaled performances, generally with 10-20 performers on stage. Unlike the larger-scaled Field Performances, stage performances usually include more spectacular, advanced PDS drills. Stage performances have also been known to include special lighting effects into its performances.
PDS Field performances are the largest-scaled performances, generally with 28-40 performers on a grass field or courtyard. Unlike the smaller-scaled Stage Performances, Field Performances can be displayed to a significantly much larger crowd of spectators. Pyrotechnic devices such as sparks or fireworks could be included in its performances.
PDS Drills can be classified into Marching Arm Drills, Salute Arm Drills, Dressing Arm Drills, Performance Arm Drills and Advanced Arm Drills. Amongst the Advanced Arm Drills, there are a number of drills which are taught during the PDS Auxiliary Instructor course, and are better known as AI Drills. The other Advanced Drills are usually performed only in stage performances and are done without timing or as a solo display. The list of Advanced drills is non-exhaustive, given the infinite possibility of drills that can be invented or modified for the purpose of performances, and some of these drills are exclusively performed by the units that invented them.
Many of the NCC units have filmed their exhilarating performances and are available for free viewing on YouTube, by searching "ncc pds".