20 years later, in February 1957, on the instruction of Defence Minister Frans Erasmus it became fully responsible for the collection and interpretation of military intelligence.

On 1 January 1968, the formation of the South African Military Intelligence Corps took place, being authorized on 2 February 1968.

On 15 April 1974, DGMI became the Chief Staff Intelligence (CSI) directly responsible to Commander of the South African Defence Force.

The Intelligence Centre for the purpose of training was also set up at the former Radcliffe Observatory.

On 2 November 1983 the Centre was accorded unit status and was designated the South African Military Intelligence College.