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 Goose Creek, 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 Goose Creek, 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 Goose Creek, 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.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – At the Goose Creek Recreation Center, the sounds of laughter, educational activities, and shared stories have become increasingly familiar for the last several years. Now, the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians is preparing to build on that momentum, announcing an expanded 2026 calendar of free culture classes, community gatherings, and heritage tourism initiatives designed to bring Indigenous traditions into public view — and public participation.The yearlong program will offer monthly, hands-on cu...
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – At the Goose Creek Recreation Center, the sounds of laughter, educational activities, and shared stories have become increasingly familiar for the last several years. Now, the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians is preparing to build on that momentum, announcing an expanded 2026 calendar of free culture classes, community gatherings, and heritage tourism initiatives designed to bring Indigenous traditions into public view — and public participation.
The yearlong program will offer monthly, hands-on culture classes open to residents and visitors alike, focusing on Indigenous arts, foodways, music, dance, and environmental knowledge rooted in the Lowcountry. Tribal leaders say the initiative is about more than preserving tradition — it’s about strengthening community ties across generations and cultures.
“These classes are about more than learning a skill,” said Joshua Shumak, Vice Chief of the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians. “They are about building bridges—between generations, between cultures, and between communities. By sharing folk life and folk art traditions in open, welcoming spaces, we strengthen cultural understanding, support heritage tourism, and ensure these traditions continue for future generations.”
What began three years ago as a small series of workshops has evolved into a robust cultural calendar, reflecting growing interest from both tribal members and the broader community. In partnership with the Goose Creek Recreation Center, the Tribe has steadily expanded access to Indigenous cultural education, responding to increased participation and intergenerational engagement.
Monthly culture classes will be held on the second Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., free of charge. The 2026 lineup includes Dream Catcher making in January, Basketry in February, Drum Painting in March, and Pottery in April — each class combining practical instruction with historical and cultural context.
In May, the program will pause for a special Community Picnic, Dance, and Drum Showcase at the Wassamasaw Community Farm. The gathering will feature performances by participants from the Tribe’s drum and dance classes and highlight the Youth Garden Project, emphasizing food sovereignty, youth engagement, and community wellness.
Summer and fall sessions will continue with Frybread in June, Bone Bead Bracelet making in July, Loom Beading in August, and Gourd Art in September.
The year’s programming will culminate in one of the region’s most significant Indigenous cultural events: the Wassamasaw Powwow, scheduled for October 10, 2026, at Old Santee Canal Park in nearby Moncks Corner. The powwow replaces the regular October class and brings together dancers, drummers, artists, and community members for a day of cultural celebration, education, and exchange.
The final months of the year will include Soap Making in November and Plant Identification and Uses in December, with the possibility of outdoor, hands-on learning at the Community Farm.
In addition to the monthly classes, the Tribe will continue its ongoing cultural practice programs, including Men’s Drum Classes led by Kaya Littleturtle of the Warpaint Singers and Women’s Dance Classes taught by Sierra Russell, featuring Traditional, Fancy, and Jingle Dance styles.
The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians traces its roots back centuries to the lands and waterways of present-day Berkeley and Charleston counties. Despite generations of displacement and cultural erasure, the Tribe has remained a living community, preserving kinship networks, cultural knowledge, and a deep relationship to place.
Today, that legacy continues through education, land stewardship, and community-based programming — efforts that tribal leaders say are essential to keeping culture alive, not just remembered.
Local partnerships have played a key role. In 2025, the Tribe honored the Michael J. Heitzler Recreation Complex with its Bridge Builder Award, recognizing the facility’s support in expanding Indigenous programming and strengthening relationships within Goose Creek.
As interest in cultural tourism grows across the Lowcountry, the Wassamasaw Tribe sees its 2026 programming as an invitation — to learn, to participate, and to celebrate Indigenous culture as a living, evolving presence.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) — A new high-tech manufacturing facility, now open in Berkeley County, is set to play a key role in the future of the U.S. Navy while delivering long-term economic benefits to the local community.Defense contractor Leonardo DRS officially cut the ribbon on its new naval power manufacturing facility in Goose Creek, a more than 140,000-square-foot site designed to build and test electric power and propulsion systems for U.S. Navy submarines.Company leaders say the facility will be used to manufactur...
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) — A new high-tech manufacturing facility, now open in Berkeley County, is set to play a key role in the future of the U.S. Navy while delivering long-term economic benefits to the local community.
Defense contractor Leonardo DRS officially cut the ribbon on its new naval power manufacturing facility in Goose Creek, a more than 140,000-square-foot site designed to build and test electric power and propulsion systems for U.S. Navy submarines.
Company leaders say the facility will be used to manufacture and test submarine propulsion systems, supporting naval vessels expected to remain in service for decades.
“This is the formal opening of our brand new facility here that will be used for building and testing submarine propulsion systems,” said Jon Miller, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems.
The Goose Creek site will test motors and build generators for the U.S. Navy, including systems for the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, the next generation of U.S. submarines designed to carry nuclear missiles. The Columbia-class is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the Navy’s fleet well into the second half of the century.
“We’re providing equipment for submarines that will be in the oceans out through the 2080s,” a Leonardo DRS executive said.
Local leaders say the impact of the investment goes beyond national defense. Berkeley County officials point to skilled, long-term jobs, opportunities for local contractors, and new tax revenue generated by the facility.
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb said that revenue from the site could help fund public safety and education each year.
“With the tax revenue from this one site, we can hire new paramedics, two new EMS employees, new sheriff’s deputies each year,” Cribb said. “And with the money that will go to the school district from this one site, 10 new teachers this year and every year, so that is significant.”
Officials also say Berkeley County’s low tax rate, access to major highways, and proximity to the Port of Charleston made the area an attractive location for the investment.
Leonardo DRS leaders say the Goose Creek facility represents just the first phase of development, with future expansion planned to increase manufacturing and testing capacity. The company expects the site to support production for decades.
“We’ll be building that product here in the 2040s, 2050s, and perhaps beyond,” a Leonardo DRS naval power executive said. “We’re talking about jobs for generations.”
HII celebrates one year of operations at Newport News Shipbuilding in Goose Creek, emphasizing increased production and community engagement.Quiver AI SummaryHII celebrated the one-year anniversary of Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) Charleston Operations in Goose Creek, South Carolina, with a town hall event for employees and community leaders. NNS President Kari Wilkinson praised the team's contributions to U.S. Navy programs, highlighting the successful ramp-up of production since the facility's acquisition in January 2025....
HII celebrates one year of operations at Newport News Shipbuilding in Goose Creek, emphasizing increased production and community engagement.
HII celebrated the one-year anniversary of Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) Charleston Operations in Goose Creek, South Carolina, with a town hall event for employees and community leaders. NNS President Kari Wilkinson praised the team's contributions to U.S. Navy programs, highlighting the successful ramp-up of production since the facility's acquisition in January 2025. The South Carolina team achieved its first unit delivery within 40 days and exceeded production goals for 2025, which is part of HII's strategy to increase shipbuilding capacity. Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker emphasized the importance of distributed shipbuilding in meeting national defense needs and noted the advantageous location of the Charleston facility within a growing maritime ecosystem. HII is actively partnering with various shipyards and international manufacturers to further expand its capabilities.
HII marked one year of operations at Newport News Shipbuilding Charleston in Goose Creek, South Carolina.
Community and Navy leaders, along with shipbuilders from NNS Charleston Operations, attended the anniversary event.
The facility delivered its first unit within 40 days and exceeded its production targets for 2025.
HII is focusing on distributed shipbuilding, leveraging partnerships with 23 shipyards and fabricators across the country.
NNS Charleston supports HII's mission to enhance shipbuilding throughput and meet increased demand for naval vessels.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
$HII insiders have traded $HII stock on the open market 8 times in the past 6 months. Of those trades, 1 have been purchases and 7 have been sales.
Here’s a breakdown of recent trading of $HII stock by insiders over the last 6 months:
To track insider transactions, check out Quiver Quantitative's insider trading dashboard.
$HII had revenues of $3.2B in Q3 2025. This is an increase of 16.11% from the same period in the prior year.
You can track HII financials on Quiver Quantitative's HII stock page.
We have seen 410 institutional investors add shares of $HII stock to their portfolio, and 277 decrease their positions in their most recent quarter.
Here are some of the largest recent moves:
To track hedge funds' stock portfolios, check out Quiver Quantitative's institutional holdings dashboard.
Wall Street analysts have issued reports on $HII in the last several months. We have seen 3 firms issue buy ratings on the stock, and 0 firms issue sell ratings.
Here are some recent analyst ratings:
To track analyst ratings and price targets for $HII, check out Quiver Quantitative's $HII forecast page.
Multiple analysts have issued price targets for $HII recently. We have seen 6 analysts offer price targets for $HII in the last 6 months, with a median target of $346.0.
Here are some recent targets:
GOOSE CREEK, S.C., Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) today marked one year of Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) Charleston Operations in Goose Creek. The company hosted community and Navy leaders at the facility and a town hall event for all NNS Charleston Operations shipbuilders.
“Today, we celebrate our teammates here in South Carolina for the incredible difference you are making and will continue to make,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “Whether you work in South Carolina or Virginia, we are one team on an important mission with the power to change the course of history — one component, one unit, one module, one boat or one ship at a time.”
Since the asset acquisition closing in January 2025 , NNS has continued to ramp up production at this important facility in support of its U.S. Navy programs. The South Carolina team was able to deliver its first unit within the first 40 days as NNS Charleston Operations, and has exceeded production targets for 2025.
Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-marks-one-year-of-newport-news-shipbuilding-charleston-operations/ .
“You are crucial as we continue to ramp up submarine and carrier shipbuilding,” Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker, program executive officer, attack submarines, told shipbuilders at the town hall. “Part of increasing shipbuilding is what we call distributed shipbuilding or outsourcing, (which means) leveraging the people here and those around the country to be able to increase our capacity to build the submarines and aircraft carriers and ships that our nation needs. I can’t thank you enough for what you do day in and day out.”
NNS Charleston Operations is located on 45 acres along the Cooper River with more than 480,000 square feet of covered manufacturing space. It is strategically located within South Carolina’s rapidly growing maritime ecosystem, having both barge and rail access, capacity to expand, and growing access to the highly skilled maritime trades workforce.
The work underway in South Carolina is part of HII’s distributed shipbuilding initiative to increase shipbuilding throughput and meet the increased demand for ships. In addition to NNS Charleston Operations, HII is partnering with 23 shipyards and fabricators beyond the company’s traditional labor market. HII also forged partnerships with international manufacturers to explore meaningful ways to expand capacity, including evaluation of adding an additional shipyard in the U.S.
About HII
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.
As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:
Contact:
Todd Corillo Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com (757) 688-3220
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d7b1d82-7887-4766-9b84-1b7dc3396046
Carl Sagan
Let's be the exception.