The first military organ in charge of enforcing discipline and control was established in 1955, but was dissolved during the Cultural Revolution.

The modern incarnation of the CMCCDI was formed in January 1980 under the direction of the Central Committee of the Communist Party.

[1] The CCDI has occasionally directly intervened in cases dealing with high-ranking officers in the People's Liberation Army.

However, the direct involvement of the CCDI has only been cited in high-profile cases, such as those of Vice Admiral Wang Shouye in 2005, and Lt. General Gu Junshan in 2012.

[1] Usually, once the CMCCDI completes an investigation, the case is handed onto military prosecution authorities or to a court martial.