If your defense or space company supports overseas missions through hardware, software, or personnel, you’re likely aware of export, cyber, and contract risks.
But less understood is scrutiny under the Law of War.
If something goes wrong, oversight bodies may ask:
➡️ Do you have a bona fide Law of War compliance program, as expected under DFARS and DoD policy?
➡️ Have your personnel received required Law of War training?
➡️ Can you otherwise show proactive steps you took to prevent violations involving your systems or teams?
Not being proactive can jeopardize contracts, operations, and reputations.
Steps to consider:
✅ Implement a formal Law of War compliance policy (including audits + risk assessments)
✅ Conduct annual Law of War training
✅ Build in early internal legal reviews before weapons and tech go to the government for review
✅ Preserve attorney-client privilege where it matters most
Unlike CMMC or ITAR, Law of War risks may be harder to spot. But when questions arise, you want answers backed by documentation, not by scrambling.
These aren’t just legal checkboxes. They’re about preventing unlawful harm and ensuring your tech and people are used responsibly in conflict.
🚀 At Conflict Orbit, I work with contractors and subcontractors to get ahead of this before the spotlight turns on.
📩 Reach out if you’re scaling and want to mitigate the risks. I offer short consultations to help you assess whether this applies to your company.
Disclaimer: Conflict Orbit is a private law firm. The views are informational (not legal advice) and those of Richard Waring in his private capacity. Viewing or responding to this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. There is no guarantee of results.
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