The association also contributed to the militarization of East German society by organizing together with the National People's Army the country's mandatory pre-military training (VA, vormilitärische Ausbildung) in schools, universities and workplaces.

Most of the required equipment (such as motorcycles, boats, automobiles, trucks, airplanes, radios, rifles, workshops and even animals) was provided, and maintained and serviced by both the members themselves and permanent employees.

Even if they were not members, almost all young men and women came into contact with the GST because it organized the pre-military training exercises mandated by East Germany's Military Service Law.

But the organization also united in its ranks young people and adults of both sexes with the goal of improving their physical fitness, equipping them with technical knowledge, and in general cultivating expertise and abilities useful for military and international sports competitions.

It frequently offered the only possibility to legally engage in certain sports, like gliding, flying motorized aircraft, shooting, and diving.

About one percent of the expenses were covered in the country's defense budget; the rest had to be financed by other state institutions, as the income from membership fees was insignificant.

The highest organ of the Gesellschaft für Sport und Technik was according to its statutes a congress which usually met every five years and had the task of electing the central governing board.