The Trade Compliance Training for Defense
The U.S. aerospace and defense sector operates under some of the most stringent export controls in the world. From sensitive technologies to controlled commodities and data, defense organizations must adhere to U.S. regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and sanctions administered by other regulatory agencies.
Role-Specific Training Aligned with DDTC Guidelines
To help organizations maintain robust, proactive compliance, the U.S. State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) recommends a four-tiered training framework tailored to specific job functions. These tiers are outlined in Element 5 of the DDTC’s updated ITAR Compliance Program Guidelines.
The Trade Compliance Academy (TCA) delivers this tiered approach, ensuring that each level of your workforce - from executive leadership to compliance practitioners - receives targeted, practical training that supports your overall compliance program.
Tiered Training Structure for Defense Organizations
Tier 1: Export Awareness
For employees with little or no background in export controls.
This foundational training helps all personnel understand the risks of non-compliance and their role in safeguarding sensitive information. It empowers employees to identify red flags, follow protocols, and contribute to a culture of compliance—even if they're not directly involved in export functions.
Tier 2: Leadership Training
For senior executives, board members, and decision-makers.
Leadership training emphasizes the strategic importance of compliance. It equips leaders to champion integrated export, import, and sanctions compliance programs, while highlighting the business risks of regulatory violations. Content aligns with Tier 2 expectations and can be customized with details from your organization’s Internal Compliance Program (ICP).
Tier 3: Role-Based Training
For personnel directly involved in export-related functions.
This includes program managers, engineers, legal teams, HR, IT, sales, logistics, and others whose roles intersect with controlled technologies or international trade. Training is tailored to their specific responsibilities and your organization’s unique products, services, or technologies.
Tier 4: Practitioner Training
For export compliance professionals and empowered officials.
This in-depth, advanced training is designed for those managing or advising on compliance programs. It covers regulatory frameworks (ITAR, EAR, OFAC), the Order of Review, licensing, classifications, enforcement, and future-planning considerations like M&A activity, geographic expansion, and internal audits. All content is aligned with Tier 4 guidance in the DDTC's compliance guidelines.
Empowered Official Training Pathways
The Trade Compliance Academy offers specialized learning paths for Empowered Officials, recognizing the unique responsibilities and regulatory expectations associated with the role. This training is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to serve as an Empowered Official (EO) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Participants will gain a deep understanding of the ITAR regulatory framework, empowering them to effectively navigate complex export control challenges and lead their organizations in maintaining a culture of compliance.
This training course is tailored for professionals involved in export compliance, legal departments, international trade, research and development, and management roles within organizations engaged in defense-related activities. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who aspire to become an Empowered Official or are already serving in this capacity and seek to enhance their understanding of ITAR regulations and compliance responsibilities.
Tackle the Tariffs: Make sure your team is ready with our latest training.
Learn MoreStay Compliant. Reduce Risk. Empower Your Workforce.
Trade Compliance Academy’s defense-focused training supports your organization’s readiness in an increasingly complex global environment. Each training tier is built to align with the DDTC’s recommendations - helping you create a stronger, audit-ready compliance culture.
Practical Application
Learners apply global controls through realistic tasks like identifying license exceptions or drafting justifications. Training is built around real workflows and always reflects the latest BIS, DDTC, OFAC, EU, and other global regulatory guidance.
Guided Processes
Courses walk learners through essential decision-making sequences - like the Order of Review - helping them determine jurisdiction, classify items, and assess license requirements accurately. These guided processes combine step-by-step instruction with real-world examples to ensure confident, compliant execution.
Compliance Frameworks
Courses provide practical decision-making frameworks that help learners navigate complex trade-offs - like balancing risk, loss, and cost allocation in buyer-seller communications. From classification workflows to screening protocols, each tool is grounded in current U.S. regulations to support sound, consistent compliance decisions on the job.
Retention Tests
Key concepts are reinforced through interactive scenarios that require learners to apply their knowledge in context. From classifying items under the USML or CCL to identifying red flags in export transactions, learners build real-world readiness, not just theoretical understanding.
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