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 or wooden 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.
The official attire for PDS stipulated by HQ NCC is the Smart No. 4 uniform for all cadets, although air or sea units are permitted to wear their respective No. 3 uniforms without badges.