The unit was established as a response to the growing influence and violence of Maoist groups, which have historically taken advantage of the socio-economic conditions of local tribal populations.

In 2015, it conducted 644 anti-Naxal operations, both independently and with other state and paramilitary forces, resulting in the deaths of 46 Maoist combatants.

[9] On 6 January 2025, a Naxalite attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, killed nine people, including eight police personnel of District Reserve Guard and a civilian driver, using an IED weighing 60–70 kg.

[12][13] Apart from combat duties, Danteshwari Ladake commandos are trained in basic medical care and conduct health visits in remote villages.

Danteshwari Ladake occasionally operate in civilian clothing to conduct surveillance, concealing weapons under traditional attire for discreet reconnaissance missions.

[14] Soni Sori, an Aam Aadmi Party leader, has stated that surrendered Maoists are joining the police due to limited job opportunities and criticized the formation of specialized units like the District Reserve Guard, suggesting it involves adivasis (tribal) fighting against other adivasis.

[14] Tribal rights activists and civil society groups have raised concerns about alleged extrajudicial actions by the District Reserve Guard Force of the Chhattisgarh Police, likening the DRG to the banned Salwa Judum.