It is heartening to note that the unified rank system has eased the career progression for non-graduates in the police force (He will finally be an inspector, thanks to scheme; May 26).

The full implementation of such a scheme should also see the gradual axing of the "direct entry" scheme, where graduates are given the senior officer's rank based on paper qualifications, without any ground experience.

For essential services like the police, ground experience and capabilities in handling real situations should be listed as imperative and given more weight in promotions than paper qualifications.

As our society gradually shifts from the old mindset where success is defined by grades, it is high time our Home Team recalibrates its promotion system.

Seah Yam Meng