[2] The main role of the DFCE is to rehabilitate members of the ADF who have been sentenced to detention for breaching military regulations or laws, though it also seeks to deter such behaviour.

The goal of this program is to prepare them to return to active service by building respect for military authority and improving the individual's self-respect and discipline.

[2] The DFCE is staffed by members of the three services, with personnel serving at the facility being designated "instructors" rather than "guards" or similar.

On 16 December 1996 the DFCE was reassigned to Headquarters, Training Command and made part of the Military Police School.

[5] In 1997 it was reported that 55 ADF personnel had been subjected to abusive treatment during "Attitude Adjustment Training" which took place during familiarisation visits to the DFCE from 1993 onwards.

This practice ceased following the reports on 31 July 1997 and in March 1998 the Minister for Defence ordered that an inquiry be conducted into the allegations.

The inquiry found that "Attitude Adjustment Training" had been lawful and recommended that the practice be resumed under a different name once "strict procedures and controls" were put in place.