Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) are the personal aides of the President. The President has three full-time ADCs. A corps of 100 Honorary ADCs assists the three full-time ADCs at major ceremonies. These Honorary ADCs are drawn from the three services of the Singapore Armed Forces, Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
The Evolution of the ADC's Roles and Functions
The term "Aide-de-Camp" is of French origin meaning 'camp or field assistant'. It is difficult to determine when and where the term was actually introduced, owing to the lack of comprehensive historical military records on the European armies of the 19th Century or earlier.
In any case, the ADC was originally a military assistant in the field to a Sovereign, Chief of State, or General. They transmitted orders and supervised operations in the name of their commander, and even exercised delegated authority on occasions. On Napoleon's staff for example, ADCs were frequently of high military qualifications and acted both as his "eyes and ears", and as interpreters of his mind to subordinate commanders.
Apart from escorting the President at all official functions, the full-time ADCs to the President also plan and co-ordinate all event proceedings where the President is host. Such events include state receptions/dinners for state guests, investitures and presentation of credential ceremonies. An important part of their job is to observe the local and internationally accepted protocol practices.
The corps of Honorary ADCs comprises Military, Police and Civil Defence Officers who assist the full-time ADC in the discharge of his duties to the President. Their duties range from ushering guests, accompanying and interacting with VIPs, managing members of the press, socialising, co-ordinating events at large functions, welcoming and introducing Cabinet Ministers, etc.
Each full-time ADC serves a tour of duty of two years. An Honorary ADC is appointed on a year to year basis but is generally expected to serve three years.
This job of honour is given to selected young men and women of good bearing, intelligence and commitment. Social skills are an important asset.
Internationally, Aides-de-Camp may be identified by the thick distinctive cords across the right shoulder called aiguillettes. The aiguillettes are plaited cords ending at two points called aglets. Historically, the aglets were used by knights to fasten the plates of their armour together. Aiguillettes are worn on the right shoulder by officers of certain appointments only. They include:
- Chief of Defence Force in the Singapore Armed Forces
- Commissioner of Police in the Singapore Police Force
- Commissioner in the Singapore Civil Defence Force
- Aides-de-Camp to the President
- Honorary Aides-de-Camp to the President
In Singapore, ADCs from the Singapore Armed Forces and the Singapore Civil Defence Force wear gold aiguillettes and Police officers wear silver aiguillettes.