The role of contractors in military operations is not typically governed by:

Contractors in military operations operate under a different set of regulations compared to military personnel. Specifically, while military personnel are subject to military law and adhere to a code of conduct as defined by their service branch and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), contractors typically are not. Instead, contractors are governed primarily by the terms outlined in their contracts, as well as applicable federal law and commercial regulations. This distinction emphasizes that contractors do not have the same legal obligations and protections that uniformed service members do when engaged in military operations.

The other options reflect aspects of governance and legality that do apply to military contractors in some capacity. For instance, specific contractual agreements detail the responsibilities and expectations of contractors, while international laws regarding armed conflict set guidelines that may influence both military and contractor activities. The directives from the Unified Command Plan pertain to broader military operational frameworks and command structures. However, none of these enforce the same legal or ethical standards that bind military personnel under military law.