Master Instructor armor (T) in action The leader of the Emperor's Royal Guard was known by the title Master Instructor. Ved Kennede, one of the original guardsmen of Emperor Palpatine, was the first to hold this title. Because of his dedication and outstanding service, Palpatine appointed him as the head of the Imperial Royal Guard Academy. This esteemed position placed Kennede in charge of both training and selecting the next group of guardsmen. This title came with a unique set of armor. While similar to the standard guardsmen armor, it featured a distinctive black paint scheme on certain parts of the helmet and breastplate, much like the armor of the Imperial Sovereign Protectors.
Following Kennede's demise during the Attack on the Imperial Royal Guard Academy, Carnor Jax, a traitorous guardsman, seized the armor. After claiming the title of Galactic Emperor, Jax wore the armor consistently. However, after Kir Kanos defeated Jax in a Duel in The Squall, the helmet was discarded into the abyss of the Squall. Later, Chik Apla, a member of the reformed guard under Admiral Natasi Daala, wore a comparable suit of armor. All guard regiments were under the supervision of the Master Instructor.