A former Defence Ministry's public affairs director, Colonel Desmond Tan, 41, took over Friday from outgoing Chief Guards Officer, Colonel Nelson Yau.
Col Yau was asked to retire from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for personal reasons.
The Straits Times had reported that Col Yau is not under investigations by the SAF for any misconduct on his part.
His involvement in NDP is not new, as he chaired the NDP Show committee in 2009 when he was Commander 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade (3SIB), according to Mindef's cyberpioneer website.
He told cyberpioneer: "I am honoured to lead the Guards formation and to join this close-knit family. I look forward to contributing to the Guards formation and to NDP this year."
The change-of-command parade, which was a closed-door event, was held at Bedok Camp Friday evening and was witnessed by Chief of Army Ravinder Singh, together with some 300 guests.
The Straits Times reported that Col Yau is believed to the the first-ever SAF officer to step down as chairman of the NDP organising committee just five months before the Aug 9 event that celebrates Singapore's 47th birthday and marks the 45th anniversary for national service.
The 44-year-old took over as Chief Guards Officer only a year ago and has been uncontactable since the news of his departure broke last week, said The Straits Times.
Reports show that neither Col Yau nor anyone in his family is ill and sources told The Straits Times that it is unlikely he will be recruited as a People's Action Party candidate in the Hougang SMC by-election that has no confirmed date yet.
In his farewell speech, Col Yau expressed appreciation to his superiors and colleagues for their support, and thanked them for being an inspiration to him, reported the cyberpioneer website.
He said: "Never forget our history and heritage as the elite force...continue to be proud of who we are and what we're made of."
Col Yau had served the nation for 26 years where he headed the National Service Affairs Department and commanded the 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade.
Col Tan has served in the SAF for 24 years. He has commanded the 1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (1SIR) and led a five-man team to Afghanistan for eight months to provide support to all Singaporean servicemen deployed in the war-torn region.
Under his leadership, 1SIR won the Best Infantry Unit award in 2005.
Colonel Kenneth Liow, 41, who used to head the Army Information Centre, will take over as the new public affairs director.
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