32. We also recommend a proactive approach in addressing issues in human-machine interaction. States seeking to develop new uses for autonomy in their weapons should be affirmatively seeking to identify and address these issues in their respective processes for managing the life cycle of such weapons. For example, DoD Directive 3000.09 requires senior officials to review weapon systems that use autonomy in new ways. Such reviews, which are required before a system enters formal development and, again, before fielding, ensure that military, acquisition, legal, and policy expertise is brought to bear before new types of weapons systems are used.
33. This practice in conducting a special policy review is consistent with broader DoD practice in conducting legal reviews of the intended acquisition or procurement of any weapon by the Department of Defense, as reflected in U.S. Department of Defense Directive 5000.01, The Defense Acquisition System. Such reviews, among other things, help ensure consistency with the law of war.
Human-Machine Interaction in the Development, Deployment and Use of Emerging Technologies in the Area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: Submitted by the United States (28 August 2018) CCW/GGE.2/2018/WP.4
