Of all the valuable assets that defense industry contractors have, their reputation and credibility with government customers and regulators rank among the highest. That's especially true as it relates to Law of War compliance. In an atmosphere of increasingly pervasive regulation, heightened scrutiny, and aggressive enforcement directed at government contractors, members of the defense industry need to prioritize legal and regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. To do so, it is proactive and strategic to work with a defense contractor attorney Near Conway, SC for tailored guidance.
U.S.-RECOGNIZED COUNTRIES in 2024
ONGOING ARMED CONFLICTS as of 2024
DEATHS FROM ARMED CONFLICT in 2024
If you're a defense contractor using Google to search for a defense contractor compliance attorney, you're probably well-versed in the Laws of War. But if you're unaware of these laws or you're starting a business geared towards DoD contracting, it's crucial that you understand IHL and the compliance standards you must meet. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences and lose your ability to provide goods and services across the domains of land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
The Law of War, often referred to as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), comprises a set of international treaties and customary laws that establish guidelines for conduct during armed conflicts. Its primary aim is to minimize unnecessary suffering for the wounded and sick, prisoners of war (POWs), and civilians caught up in hostilities. In a nutshell, the primary goal of the Laws of War is to help save lives and promote some degree of humanity during armed conflicts.
To achieve this, IHL governs the conduct of wars, striking a balance between weakening the opponent and minimizing suffering. The principles of warfare are global. The Geneva Conventions, which form the foundation of IHL, have been ratified by all 196 states. Very few international agreements enjoy such widespread support.
All parties involved in a conflict must adhere to IHL, including both state forces and nonState armed groups. If the Law of War is violated, there are repercussions. War crimes are recorded and examined by nations and international tribunals, and individuals may face prosecution for war crimes.
The Law of War also applies to defense contractors, who must uphold strict compliance standards in order to sell their services. Sometimes, DoD contractors are unaware of or unprepared to meet these compliance standards. That is why they should consult with a government contractor attorney Near Conway, SC, like Richard Waring, who focuses on Law of War compliance matters.
Some examples of Law of War compliance as it relates to defense contractors include:
Civilian ProtectionDefense contractors, especially private military and security companies (PMSCs), are obligated to follow international humanitarian law (IHL) concerning the safeguarding of civilians and civilian objects. They must promote that they do not engage directly in hostilities if those involved are considered to be civilians.
AccountabilityBoth people employed by defense contractors and the companies they work for may face legal accountability for breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This encompasses possible criminal charges for serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and assigning blame to superiors for the actions of their subordinates.
Use of ForceAlthough defense contractors are typically not permitted to engage in offensive use of force, they may be granted permission to utilize force in situations of self-defense or to safeguard other civilians or their property.
Four of the most basic rules of IHL include the following:
01Parties involved in a conflict must always make a clear distinction between civilians and combatants to protect the civilian population and their property. No attacks should be directed at the civilian population as a whole or at individual civilians. Instead, military actions should be aimed solely at military targets.
02Individuals who are unable or unwilling to engage in combat have the right to life and to be treated with care for their physical and mental health. They should always be safeguarded and treated humanely, without any discrimination. It is prohibited to kill or injure an adversary who has surrendered or who is no longer able to participate in the fighting.
03Neither the conflicting parties nor their military personnel possess an unrestricted right to select their methods and means of warfare. The use of weapons or warfare methods that may result in unnecessary casualties or excessive suffering is prohibited.
04Those who are injured or ill should be gathered and provided care by the party in control of them. Medical staff, health facilities, and transport vehicles are to be protected from attack. Individuals displaying the recognized symbol of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or Red Crystal on a white background, as well as facilities and vehicles marked with these symbols, must be treated with respect.
Understanding DoD and international Law of War is about more than memorizing complex legal terms. Let's look at a real-life scenario where it applies.
Consider a drone strike aimed at a suspected terrorist hideout nestled within a crowded village. While the strike may be seen as a necessary military action, the risk of civilian casualties raises serious questions about proportionality. In this context, here's how the principles of the Law of War come into play:
ProportionalityIs the expected military benefit greater than the possible harm to civilians? Are there safer alternatives that could accomplish the same goal?
DistinctionIs it possible for intelligence to verify if the hideout contains solely combatants, or might there be civilians unknowingly present as well?
NecessityIs this the only way to tackle the threat, or are there less harmful alternatives that can be considered?
Situations like those outlined above are complicated issues. There are no easy solutions to them. Commanders often face heart-wrenching decisions, weighed down by the potential consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, defense contractors must take significant strides to promote that their products and services comply with DoD and international Law of War mandates.
That's why open and clear communication among military leaders, military companies, legal advisors, and the public is essential. By sharing their thought processes, the factors they consider, and the efforts made to reduce civilian harm, they can promote understanding and foster accountability. If you own a company that supplies the military or DoD, working with a lawyer who specializes in defense contractor compliance could save your business and your reputation.
In 2010, the global market for private military companies (PMC) was estimated to be worth $200 billion and to employ around one million individuals. Today, the PMC sector provides a diverse array of services, with some firms having more than ten thousand employees. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army has depended on private military firms and defense contractors for many reasons, including:
In March 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense cited more defense contractor personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq at 155,000 than active military members, 145,000. In those two regions alone, defense contractors accounted for 52% of the U.S. workforce. With those figures in mind and with increasingly volatile and dangerous attacks in areas like Israel and Iran, military companies are in high demand.
If you're a defense contractor - whether large or small - now is the time to promote compliance with both international and DoD Law of War rules and provide appropriate training to key personnel. Here are just a few ways that defense contractor compliance law firms like Conflict Orbit can help your defense company uphold IHL laws.
Conflict Orbit provides in-depth compliance readiness and policy development support to help your business meet Law of War requirements with confidence. Richard Waring helps create a framework that supports operational integrity and contract security. With the rising scrutiny in federal procurement, now is the time to get your business audit-ready and fully aligned with government expectations.
This service can also include pre-design or post-design legal reviews for organizations designing weapons platforms with the goal of marketing them to the government. The government will require these systems to comply with the Law of War, and performing a front-end compliance review may help ensure alignment with government expectations and mitigate potential legal risks.
For defense contractors, comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation services can mean the difference between being in business and bankruptcy. When tailored to the unique challenges of private military organizations, this service evaluates potential legal, operational, and compliance risks related to Law of War obligations, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending targeted strategies to address them.
Whether assessing technology, weapons systems, or operational practices, experienced attorneys like Richard Waring are needed for many reasons, including:
In-depth Law of War audits are very important for assessing and strengthening an organization's compliance with international and Department of Defense (DoD) Law of War obligations. These audits can carefully evaluate an organization's policies, procedures, training programs, and operational practices to help them better align with Law of War standards. When you hire a defense contractor attorney Near Conway, SC to perform an audit, you're taking proactive steps to promote your operations adhere to Law of War principles. Just as important, you're demonstrating a commitment to lawful conduct in conflict scenarios.
Comprehensive partner due diligence and screening services, help organizations evaluate potential collaborators, contractors, or third parties for Law of War compliance and applicable regulatory standards. Due diligence and screening services may include the following:
By performing thorough due diligence, organizations can reduce the risk of partnering with non-compliant or unreliable entities, ensuring smoother and more lawful operations in conflict-affected environments.
Custom training and education programs from defense contract lawyers help your organization better understand Law of War obligations. Since training is often a necessity for defense contractors, it should always be taken seriously. IHL sessions go over a variety of topics, from following the Geneva and Hague Conventions to navigating ethical conduct in conflict zones, all tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether it's for senior leaders or frontline staff, this type of education and training gives you the knowledge needed to tackle legal challenges and keep practices lawful in highrisk situations.
These Law of War compliance services include in-depth research, detailed report writing, and professional presentations on IHL topics tailored to your defense organization's needs. Whether analyzing complex legal issues, drafting compliance reports, or delivering briefings to leadership, these options provide you with wellsupported insights to inform decision-making. Be sure to ask your government contractor attorney about how they can turn legal and regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance so that your team can stay informed and prepared when it matters most.
Around the globe, conflict is evolving. If you're a defense contractor and you're not making adjustments to secure your operations, you could violate the Law of War. However, with compliance counsel from Conflict Orbit, you can focus on doing what you're best at while lead attorney Richard Waring protects your legal interests.
Throughout Richard's professional career, he has seen a lack of private legal services for companies who need guidance on maintaining federally and internationally mandated compliance with the Law of War. He also observed that many contractors are unaware of these requirements.
As a former Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and a current U.S. Army JAG Officer (National Guard), Richard has had real-life exposure to the Law of War. He is a creative and relentless attorney who also has a background in criminal justice (prosecution, defense, and investigations) and education in drone and space law.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
Richard investigated and prosecuted 1000s of criminal cases with relentlessness, including the most serious violent crimes. As a prolific trial attorney, he held countless criminals accountable for their actions while refining the skills of communication, attention to detail, and persistence in the face of challenging legal scenarios.
Having defended numerous clients accused of wrongdoing, Richard has the ability to view legal scenarios from all sides. He utilized creativity, persuasion, and a strong work ethic to obtain positive results.
Former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) intelligence officer in the Intelligence Community's Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) Analytic Cell. The Cell provides intelligence support to military personnel recovery efforts for POW/MIAs, hostages, and kidnapped individuals worldwide. The Cell also currently supports unresolved U.S. and allied kidnapping cases by politically motivated anti-U.S. groups around the world.
As a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army (National Guard) Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), Richard received formal Law of War military legal training. He currently faithfully serves both his country and state of South Carolina as a Judge Advocate, and Richard feels privileged to be able to serve in this capacity.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
On a personal level, Richard is committed to reducing the amount of harm to the wounded and sick, POWs, and civilians in armed conflict. He has reorganized his law firm to be an innovative option for organizations needing guidance on Law of War compliance. Above all, Richard finds duty to country and service to others the highest callings, and it inspires him to know that his work potentially saves lives.
Is your defense organization ready to withstand what the future holds? If you're unsure, now is the time to act. Contact Conflict Orbit today and protect yourself from an uncertain tomorrow.
DISCLAIMER: This information, which includes non-client endorsements and testimonials from paying clients, should not be construed as a guarantee of any result in your matter. Past results do not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - serving the community since 1962, and for the first time, itDonzelle’s Restaurant has been serving the community since 1962, and for the first time, it will not be open in the new year.Regular customers expressed shock at the news of the closure.“You know you feel at home when you’re here,” said Branden Bessant, a regular at Donzelle’s Restaurant.The closure has been devastating for regulars who learned their go-to spot will be no more next week. Customers said the...
CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - serving the community since 1962, and for the first time, it
Donzelle’s Restaurant has been serving the community since 1962, and for the first time, it will not be open in the new year.
Regular customers expressed shock at the news of the closure.
“You know you feel at home when you’re here,” said Branden Bessant, a regular at Donzelle’s Restaurant.
The closure has been devastating for regulars who learned their go-to spot will be no more next week. Customers said they will miss more than just the food.
“I wanna cry right now, we miss this place,” said Andrea Larson. “We’re gonna miss this place. These people put out the most incredible pork you’ve ever had. Roast pork, and their country vegetables, and they have all good food here.”
Larson said she and her family have driven over from Myrtle Beach every week to eat at Donzelle’s for about 10 years.
She said she is distraught over what they will do going forward.
“Nowadays things are getting so impersonal in the area, and to be honest with you, there’s nowhere around here that’ll be as comfortable as this has been over the last 50 years,” said regular Darrell Langston.
The sense of family at the restaurant is what is hitting regulars the hardest. Donzelle’s Restaurant owner Marley Crotts said there are multiple reasons for closing, such as relocation and retirements, but she will certainly miss everyone.
“When you walk through these doors, you’re family, you’re part of the Dickerson family, and that’s the way it’s been since 1962, and to think about the lack of social interaction that I’m gonna face on a daily basis is kinda unfathomable to be honest,” said Donzelle’s Restaurant owner Marley Crotts. “It’s unreal, it’s like a dream I wanna wake up from.”
Crotts said this is not the end of Donzelle’s story.
She fully intends to bring the restaurant back in some capacity in the future, but for now, a break is needed.
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HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A gas station near Conway is being considered lucky, as customers are seeing wins after playing the lottery.Days before Christmas, it was announced that a Palmetto Cash 5 ticket with the jackpot numbers was sold from Quick Stop 2921 Highway 701 North.The jackpot prize for the ticket was $814,000, and the ticket itself cost the customer $2.“I never like, expect someone gonna hit the big jackpot from my store,” said manager of the Quick Stop Sonny Pregebedi.He said this is the f...
HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A gas station near Conway is being considered lucky, as customers are seeing wins after playing the lottery.
Days before Christmas, it was announced that a Palmetto Cash 5 ticket with the jackpot numbers was sold from Quick Stop 2921 Highway 701 North.
The jackpot prize for the ticket was $814,000, and the ticket itself cost the customer $2.
“I never like, expect someone gonna hit the big jackpot from my store,” said manager of the Quick Stop Sonny Pregebedi.
He said this is the first jackpot sold from the store in the months he has worked there.
“We are so so so happy,” Pregebedi said. “And I hope we gonna sell another jackpot in 2026.”
Since the word got out about the store selling a jackpot ticket, Pregebedi said more people have been coming to buy lottery tickets.
“They keep coming to get the lottery,” Pregebedi said. “And my lottery selling, you know, that is like the-- my salaries keep going more and more and I’m so happy about it.”
And some say they may start giving it a try.
“But yeah definitely have to come in here and get a lotto ticket right,” said Damion Colon, a customer.
Though the winning ticket prize was hundreds of thousands of dollars, others say they too have gotten lucky playing at the store.
“I have won here the most on scratch offs and I do think this gas station is lucky,” said Michael Lupo, a part time employee at Quick Stop and someone who plays the lottery.
Pregebedi also said people have won up to $2,000 playing $10-20 scratch off cards.
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It appears that Conway may be the scene of another holiday movie.Yes, in case you didn’t know, the Horry County city has been the setting for at least two previous Christmas films, and now there may be a third.A sign was posted downtown Dec. 5, 2025, alerting those who may be in Conway that filming was in progress for a motion picture titled “Christmas Persuasion.” Film crews could be seen in the downtown area last week, and those who asked were told that the film was for the Hallmark Channel.A message ...
It appears that Conway may be the scene of another holiday movie.
Yes, in case you didn’t know, the Horry County city has been the setting for at least two previous Christmas films, and now there may be a third.
A sign was posted downtown Dec. 5, 2025, alerting those who may be in Conway that filming was in progress for a motion picture titled “Christmas Persuasion.” Film crews could be seen in the downtown area last week, and those who asked were told that the film was for the Hallmark Channel.
A message left for Hallmark was not returned by publication.
When asked if there was a movie filming in Conway, city spokesperson June Wood didn’t confirm the filming, but did write in an email that she did not have “any information regarding the filming company or movie name.”
The Horry County city has long been known for its seasonal decorations, including Christmas, turning downtown into a dreamy, holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, a carnival and plenty of small-town charm.
Some local residents will appear as extras in the film. A call went out earlier this month recruiting those who wanted to be in the film.
It is unclear when the film will be finished or broadcast. Crews were still filming Friday and Saturday in Conway, which is about 15 miles from Myrtle Beach.
Other movies set in Conway include “Christmas in Conway,” a 2013 Hallmark film. Although it is set in Conway, the movie was actually filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it’s about a man who loves his sick wife so much that he wants to give her one last Christmas gift before she passes away. So he decides to build her a Ferris wheel in their backyard to relive the moment when he proposed.
It stars Mary-Louise Parker, Mandy Moore and Andy Garcia.
“Christmas in Carolina” is a holiday romance about a career-driven woman, Elle, who has given up on love and Christmas until she meets Wesley, who invites her to his hometown in South Carolina. She ends up falling in love and finds the spirit of Christmas again.
Wesley’s hometown is never mentioned in the 2020 movie, but in the movie, the characters were filmed at recognizable Conway locations, including having lunch at the Rivertown Bistro and a nighttime stroll along the Riverwalk.
CONWAY, S.C. (WPDE) — Work on reforming the Coastal Centre Shopping Center is ongoing, and there's a better sense of what retailers will fill key spaces.Conceptual plans submitted to the city show RISE Partners' plans to add the following stores to the site:This comes as Conway is listed as one of the fastest-growing areas in South Carolina. Over the last 20-plus years, between 2000 and 2023, the population of Conway increased by 15,263.A US Census Bureau population report shows in 2010, the population was 17,378. ...
CONWAY, S.C. (WPDE) — Work on reforming the Coastal Centre Shopping Center is ongoing, and there's a better sense of what retailers will fill key spaces.
Conceptual plans submitted to the city show RISE Partners' plans to add the following stores to the site:
This comes as Conway is listed as one of the fastest-growing areas in South Carolina. Over the last 20-plus years, between 2000 and 2023, the population of Conway increased by 15,263.
A US Census Bureau population report shows in 2010, the population was 17,378. In 2020, that number sat at 25,125, and in 2023, the number grew to 27,985.
On the project page from their website, RISE said it's redeveloping the 230,000 square foot space with hopes of seeing tenants in and operating by the end of 2026.
The commercial real estate firm announced it had purchased the property in October 2024.
ABC 15 reached out to Conway's public information officer asking about the economic impact of this project for the city, what parties were involved in making the decision for developing this property and if there are any tax incentives for companies looking to come to the mall.
In an email, Woods said:
“The City looks forward to this property developing. We don’t have any other comments related to the development at this time.”
The latest plans offer some insight about where stores will be located in the redeveloped mall.
The Parker's Kitchen is replacing a vape shop that had been across 501 from Walgreens, and the Walmart market will go in the back corner of the mall next to Burlington, behind the KFC and McDonald's.
Belk is listed in the plans to stay in its current location. It has already been joined by The Barndo Co., a barndominium firm bringing custom homes to the area.
There is no specific location for the Chipotle, but the plans show four structures situated along Church Street that are currently vacant or parking.
While the concept plans show that these plans were submitted to the city in August, the city's construction service department reports permits are "in review" or active for several parcels on the space between Cottage Lane, 16th Avenue and Church Street.
"The Flight of the Star Fire I", a new book by Henri Chase, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.Temple Mason has never had patience for authority. A bold, free-spirited adventurer determined to live life on her own terms, she signs on with the most carefree crew she can find, chasing excitement across the open seas. But after a decade of frustration and false starts, Temple is ready to walk away from the life she thought she wanted, until an extraordinary discovery changes everything.When Temple and her...
"The Flight of the Star Fire I", a new book by Henri Chase, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
Temple Mason has never had patience for authority. A bold, free-spirited adventurer determined to live life on her own terms, she signs on with the most carefree crew she can find, chasing excitement across the open seas. But after a decade of frustration and false starts, Temple is ready to walk away from the life she thought she wanted, until an extraordinary discovery changes everything.
When Temple and her companions uncover a hidden alien spacecraft, they are thrust into the farthest reaches of the galaxy and straight into the heart of an interstellar conflict. Caught between cyborgs, zombies, Area 51 operatives, and a rogue AI bent on domination, Temple must confront her deepest beliefs and most stubborn instincts. As the stakes rise and alliances shift, she undergoes a remarkable transformation, from rebellious drifter to reluctant leader in a battle that will shape the fate of countless worlds.
"The Flight of the Star Fire I" delivers a high-octane sci-fi adventure filled with explosive action, sharp wit, and a resonant exploration of leadership, identity, and the courage required to face chaos head-on.
About the Author Henri Chase is a retired educator, coach, and military veteran whose diverse career spans physical education, high-school teaching, and distinguished service in both the U.S. Army and Navy. Certified in Indiana and South Carolina, he taught Health, Advanced Swimming and Lifesaving, and NJROTC. Chase served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 and later as a special operations officer in the U.S. Navy from 1981 to 2005. Since retiring from teaching in 2009, he has embraced a range of creative pursuits on YouTube, producing videos on boat building, woodworking, art, poetry, and writing.
"The Flight of the Star Fire I" is a 142-page paperback with a retail price of $16.00 (eBook $11.00). The ISBN is 979-8-89649-446-1. Published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For members of the press, to request a review copy or author interview, please visit https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/pages/media-requests or to buy the book, visit our online bookstore at https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/products/the-flight-of-the-star-fire-i . For more information on publishing services, please visit https://www.dorrancepublishing.com/
Carl Sagan
Let's be the exception.