Originally affiliated to British Armed Forces units stationed in the island and later on the Malaysian Armed Forces, the current tri-service character of the Corps dates from 1969, when the NCC was formalized as the country's sole military cadet organization when the then separate cadet forces affiliated to the young SAF were merged into one singular national organization.

On 30 May 2001, the NCC HQ was opened at Amoy Quee Camp in an effort to move Headquarters NCC and its Land District Headquarters from Haig Road, Springleaf and Jalan Teck Whye Camps as part of the Corps Centennial.

The Basic Trainfire Package includes stripping and assembly, marksmanship fundamentals, stoppages and remedies, and weapon reloading.

Cadets first train on a computerised simulation before progressing on to shoot at live firing ranges.

NCC cadets are also able to attend courses such as the Basic Diving Course conducted by the RSN Naval Diving Unit, as well as the Basic Airborne Course conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation Every year selected cadets are given the opportunity to participate in various international exchanges with cadets from countries such as Australia, Brunei, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Hong Kong, India and China.

The Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band is the musical unit of the NCC and a premier CCA in Swiss Cottage Secondary School.

Serving the Corps since 1999, the Command Band's mission is to provide musical support for HQ NCC's military occasions such as the Teacher Officer Course Graduation Parade, Cadet Officer Course Graduation Parade, and Affirmation Ceremonies.

Other military-related ceremonies which the Command Band is also involved in would include the Remembrance Day and War Memorial Services organised by the SAF Veterans League and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.