It is also responsible for ensuring the security of personnel, information, materiel and sensitive facilities within national defense.

Like the Directorate General for External Security (DGSE), the DRSD is one of the "intelligence" agencies reporting directly to the Minister of Defense.

In 2004, funds vested in the DRSD (excluding salaries and benefits) amounted to 11.4 million euros, a decrease of 0.6% over 2003.

In 2003, there was a significant shortfall in personnel within the DRSD, with staff levels about 12% below the budgeted allowance.

The DPSD contains a high proportion of non-commissioned officers, who represent two-thirds of military personnel.