Military May Arm Contractors Military commanders in combat zones would also command contractors under a proposed Defense Department rule. It is the first time DOD has drawn up regulations governing the relationship between the military and the growing army of contractors that support its operations overseas. The rule would prohibit contractor employees from carrying weapons unless the combatant commander approves. In that case, the military would issue weapons and ammunition. The rule would apply to “contractor employees to accompany a force engaged in contingency, humanitarian, peacekeeping, or combat operations outside the United States,” the Pentagon announcement said. The proposed rule is DFARS case 2003-D087 in the March 23 Federal Register. Comments are due by May 24.