Law of War Compliance for Defense and Space Contractors

Defense Contractor Attorney Near Sullivan's Island, SC

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 Sullivan's Island, SC for tailored guidance.

Defense Contractor Attorney Sullivan's Island, SC

Law of War 101

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.

What is the Law of War?

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 Sullivan's Island, 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:

dotCivilian Protection

Defense 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.

dotAccountability

Both 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.

dotUse of Force

Although 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.

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4 Basic Rules of International Humanitarian Law

Four of the most basic rules of IHL include the following:

dot01

Parties 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.

dot02

Individuals 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.

dot03

Neither 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.

dot04

Those 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.

False Claims Act Defense Attorney Sullivan's Island, SC

A Real-World Example of When Law of War Applies

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:

dotProportionality

Is the expected military benefit greater than the possible harm to civilians? Are there safer alternatives that could accomplish the same goal?

dotDistinction

Is it possible for intelligence to verify if the hideout contains solely combatants, or might there be civilians unknowingly present as well?

dotNecessity

Is 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.

SBA Fraud Defense Lawyer Sullivan's Island, SC

Why Private Military Companies Need Defense Contractor Attorneys Near Sullivan's Island, SC

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:

  • Logistics Support
  • Intel Support
  • Weapons Management
  • Security
  • Military and Police Force Training
  • Military Construction

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.

Military Contract Legal Services Sullivan's Island, SC

How a Government Contractor Attorney Near Sullivan's Island, SC, Helps promote Law of War Compliance

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.

Federal Contractor Legal Representation Sullivan's Island, SC

Compliance Readiness

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.

Defense Contractor Attorney Sullivan's Island, SC

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

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:

  • Promoting Compliance
  • Minimizing Legal Exposure
  • Protecting Your Operations in High-Risk Environments
  • Safeguarding Your Organization as a Whole
Government Contract Defense Lawyer Sullivan's Island, SC

Audits

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 Sullivan's Island, 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.

Federal Procurement Legal Counsel Sullivan's Island, SC

Partner Due Diligence and Screening

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:

  • Detailed Background Checks
  • Business Practice Evaluations
  • Past Performance Evaluations
  • Legal Standing Evaluations

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.

False Claims Act Defense Attorney Sullivan's Island, SC

Training and Education

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.

SBA Fraud Defense Lawyer Sullivan's Island, SC

Research, Report Writing, and Presentations

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.

Conflict Orbit: Bespoke Defense Contractor Legal Compliance Near Sullivan's Island, SC

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.

The Conflict Orbit Difference

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.

What Others Have Said

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.

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Latest News Near Me Sullivan's Island, SC

Here are a few options to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Lowcountry

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - If you love Fourth of July fireworks, several events across the Tri-County area will help you boost your patriotic pride.Here are just a few of the events you and your family can enjoy:Goose Creek: Fabulous Fourth in the CreekThe city of Goose Creek will welcome visitors to celebrate with its Fabulous Fourth in the Creek celebration.The event will take place at the Goose Creek Municipal Center at 519 North Goose Creek Blvd., from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.It will showcase live music,...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - If you love Fourth of July fireworks, several events across the Tri-County area will help you boost your patriotic pride.

Here are just a few of the events you and your family can enjoy:

Goose Creek: Fabulous Fourth in the Creek

The city of Goose Creek will welcome visitors to celebrate with its Fabulous Fourth in the Creek celebration.

The event will take place at the Goose Creek Municipal Center at 519 North Goose Creek Blvd., from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

It will showcase live music, food vendors and free activities for children, including balloon animals, bubbles, face painting and crafts.

Admission and parking is free. On-site parking will be available at the Recreation Complex and event parking fields. Accessible parking is available with a valid placard.

Golf cart transport is available once attendees have parked, but golf cart transport is not available after the event or in the dark.

Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged.

Shuttles will be running from Westview Elementary School and Westview Middle School, located at 100 Westview Blvd., starting at 5 p.m.

The walking path around the Municipal Pond will close at 7 a.m. on Friday.

The fireworks show is expected to begin at around 9 p.m.

Isle of Palms: 4th of July Fireworks Show

The city of Isle of Palms hosts its annual Independence Day show on Front Beach, at 1118 Ocean Blvd. It is free and open to the public.

Beachgoers are required to leave the beach and remove their belongings by 6:30 p.m. to allow preparation for the event. The area of the beach between 21st Avenue to Coconut Joe’s will close at that time.

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

Guests may remain inside the Isle of Palms County Park area or behind the public restroom facilities to watch the show.

Fireworks are not permitted in the City of Isle of Palms and must be operated by professionals only.

Click here, for more information.

Mount Pleasant: 4th of July Fireworks Blast

The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum hosts its annual Independence Day celebration, the 4th of July Fireworks Blast.

The event begins at 7 p.m. at the museum aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown for ticketed guests.

Tickets give access to the ship, live music, a view of the fireworks show over Charleston Harbor and family-friendly fun throughout the night.

Guests can purchase from a selection of food and drinks from Charleston vendors.

Fireworks are set to begin at around 9:30 p.m. or when it is dark.

The Yorktown will close at 10 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets for the event.

Parking is available onsite at Patriots Point. Space is limited. Parking fees are not included in event tickets and must be paid separately through the Pay By Plate QR code system, based on posted rates. Only clear bags are allowed for safety purposes. Small non-clear clutches are permitted. Seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and small tables. Bagged chairs must be removed from their bags before entry.

Coolers, outside food or beverages, and wagons are not permitted. Only strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on board.

North Charleston: 4th of July Festival

The city of North Charleston takes celebrating the Fourth of July seriously, touting its annual celebration as the Lowcountry’s largest fireworks display.

This year’s event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Riverfront Park. It will feature live music by Motown Throwdown and music from DJ Natty Heavy and DJ D-Nyce, all leading up to the fireworks show at 9 p.m. Numerous food vendors will be at the site.

No seating is provided, so visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, water and snacks.

Parking is free and visitors can enter from the north via Virginia Avenue or from the south by way of the Bainbridge Connector. Golf cart parking will be available. North Charleston officials recommend walking, biking, carpooling or ridesharing where available.

All bags will be searched. No grills, sparklers or outside fireworks will be allowed.

Sullivan’s Island: Fourth of July at Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island will kick off Independence Day with a golf cart and bike parade at 9 a.m., beginning at Sunrise Presbyterian Church and continuing to Sullivan’s Island Elementary School.

The parade route extends from Station 28 1/2 Street toward the beachfront and then right on Atlantic Avenue.

The town will then hold its Independence Day party at Stith Park, at 2056 Middle St., starting at 6 p.m. Visitors can bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy music provided by the Shem Creek Boogie Band.

Fireworks begin shortly after 9 p.m. Dogs are not allowed in the park and alcohol is prohibited.

Summerville: Fireworks & Freedom Festival

The town of Summerville will hold its annual Fireworks & Freedom Festival Friday night at Gahagan Park, located at 515 W. Boundary St.

The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Before the fireworks show, enjoy food trucks, vendors and other activities along the park. Shuttles will be available to take people to Gahagan Park from Hutchinson Square.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

10 South Carolina Seafood Spots Our Readers Rave About

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.We asked our readers to vote for their favorite spots for fresh catch and local shrimp in the Palmetto State—here are their picks.When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried sh...

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We asked our readers to vote for their favorite spots for fresh catch and local shrimp in the Palmetto State—here are their picks.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried shrimp—preferably one served with an ice-cold beer and an unobstructed view of the water. While you can take to Google or a guidebook to determine where to go for steamed oysters or shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry, we decided to consult the folks who care about good Southern seafood as much as we do: our readers.

When you’ve been around for more than 75 years, you’re bound to be doing something right. At this beloved institution in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet, try not to load up on the hot hush puppies they bring to the table on arrival—though it's awfully tempting. There's still so much more to savor, like the hand-peeled, cold-boiled shrimp pulled from the waters of nearby McClellanville or the thin and crispy onion rings—Lee’s is as famous for those as it is for the seafood.

Order: The Shrimp Salad ($28.95), made with boiled fantail shrimp and Duke's mayo, is another house specialty.

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

It doesn’t get much fresher than this Hilton Head Island mainstay, where 90% of the seafood served comes directly from the surrounding waters. Because of its enviable position on the edge of Port Royal Sound, guests can watch a local fishing fleet (one of only two on the island) unload the day’s loot, which could include anything from white shrimp to soft-shell crab.

Order: From September through April, opt for the steamed local cluster oysters in the shell ($12 for a half bucket); the restaurant farms and harvests them.

Should you find yourself in the Holy City, make the worthwhile dirt-road detour to this family-owned restaurant that’s been a rambling fixture along Folly Creek since 1946. With its graffitied walls and worn-in wood floors, it doesn’t beg for attention, and it doesn’t need to. Deemed an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, the Lowcountry seafood joint shovels fresh-steamed oysters onto trays September through the first half of May and dishes fried shrimp and hush puppies year-round. It’s all delicious—and it's made even more so if you snag a seat on the waterside deck.

Order: The shrimp (served boiled or fried) and fried fish platter is served with the seafood-dive-side-dish trifecta: french fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

Situated on the main drag of the freewheeling beach town just 12 miles from buttoned-up Charleston, The Crab Shack is as family-friendly and flip-flop casual as its surrounds. Start with the the she-crab soup, but save room: The value seafood baskets—which you can order with flounder, shrimp, or scallops (or a combination of all three)—are generously portioned. Catch them at another location in Charleston as well.

Order: The marquee offering, The Charleston Steamed Seafood Bucket, includes two snow crab clusters, large domestic shrimp, and steamed oysters (market price).

Housed in a reimagined garage on Upper King Street, the Brooks Reitz-helmed restaurant turned 10 in 2024, but it’s been a neighborhood favorite from the start, thanks to a menu of mouthwatering fried chicken, expectedly fresh oysters, and surprisingly craveable salads. Add to the clever mix soft-serve ice cream and buckets of Miller High Life ponies, and you’ve found yourself one of the best meals in this restaurant-proud town.

Order: Even the bivalve-averse crowd may develop a taste for oysters after sampling Leon's char-grilled take, which swim in a melty swirl of lemon and butter and are topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The "old-school" scalloped potatoes are also not to be missed.

Don’t let inevitable line out the door during summertime scare you off. This treasured counter-service spot with just 40 seats is an area favorite thanks to its wide array of offerings, from conch fritters to flounder sandwiches. It’s all made to order and to your liking—fried, grilled, or blackened. Wash it down with a glass of what they declare to be the best sweet tea on the island, and finish with a slice of strawberry Key Lime pie (when it’s seasonally available) or a cup of banana pudding.

Order: Hearty appetites should try the Shack Attack Combo ($17.95 for lunch, $19.95 for dinner), which combines a crab cake, fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters on a giant paper platter. Homemade tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment, but we think the brandy-infused gator sauce makes an even better platter slather.

With its lofted ceilings, lacquered-wood booths, and commitment to retro branding, this Sullivan’s Island joint feels like it’s been there forever. In reality, it’s a newcomer—a spring 2022 top-to-bottom overhaul of a restaurant that had called the same spot home for 30 years. And while the nostalgically striped, umbrella-shaded patio is painfully charming, the takeaway window makes a strong case for a to-go lobster roll savored on the beach just a few blocks away.

Order: The shrimp fried rice ($24) puts a fresh coastal twist on a takeout mainstay. We also love the Key lime pie.

The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene

So named for the trawler that was tossed ashore on the same spot during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this dinner-only, no-reservations establishment on Shem Creek shrugs off formalities in favor of its dynamite views and deliciously simple seafood. The best seat in the house belongs to the wooden dockside bar, where sunset views and local craft beers are just an arm’s length away.

Order: Complete with red rice, coleslaw, a hush puppy, and a fried hominy square, the shrimp platter (from $17.95) is a true taste of the Lowcountry. The deviled crab is also worth a try.

This family-owned lunch spot has been an island institution since it first opened its doors in 1978, and its magic belongs to its simplicity. They're only open for lunch, and you order through a carry-out window—though you don't have to take your food home. Snag one of the picnic tables on the porch for an especially satisfying alfresco dining experience.

Order: Given the restaurant's name, it's obvious you can't go wrong with shrimp here, but the shrimp burger ($9.30), served on a bun with tartar sauce and mayo, is a true crowd favorite.

There’s something for everyone on the extensive menu at this landmark Grand Strand restaurant and seafood market owned by a fisherman father and his culinary school-trained daughter. Choose a South Carolina classic, like the Lowcountry boil, or make the most of the raw bar and order a sushi roll or two. Stretch mealtime into a full-fledged Mr. Fish experience by reserving a ride to and from dinner in the Mr. Fishmobile, a bright blue school bus that hits all the nostalgic high notes.

Order: The seafood tacos ($15) are made with your choice of mahi, tuna, or shrimp and are topped with chipotle-lime sauce.

‘It helped make America’: Sullivan’s Island celebrates Carolina Day

SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - As Saturday marks Carolina Day, it also marks one step closer for America to gain its independence.A commemorative event, The Fighting for Independence, was held on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie for a day of history and celebration.“It helped make America and if it wasn’t for all these people, we wouldn’t be here today,” attendee Nate Fine said.A Georgia man took a trip to the Lowcountry to see where the historic battle took place at Fort Moultrie....

SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - As Saturday marks Carolina Day, it also marks one step closer for America to gain its independence.

A commemorative event, The Fighting for Independence, was held on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie for a day of history and celebration.

“It helped make America and if it wasn’t for all these people, we wouldn’t be here today,” attendee Nate Fine said.

A Georgia man took a trip to the Lowcountry to see where the historic battle took place at Fort Moultrie.

Given the kind of power behind the British navy, it wasn’t expected for the fort to stand strong 249 years ago.

“The guy that was in charge, Commodore Sir Peter Parker, has literally had his pants blown off. The reports say that his backside was laid bare,” Park Ranger, Christopher Reid said. “So, they have to turn around and leave. And we’ve been celebrating that victory ever since.”

The battle on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie is a historic moment, not just for locals in the Lowcountry but for the nation as a whole.

“There are things that everyone can relate to. An underdog story is one of them. Victory, loss, war is still a thing that we talk about and people can find a connection to it,” Reid said.

He also added that the interactive history lessons and the reenactments help find that connection.

“Having something for everyone helps step back in time and helps you kind of see what was happening rather than just having someone tell you in 1776 and then immediately falling asleep,” he said.

As people from the Palmetto state and out of towners joined Carolina Day, Fine said it was a step towards freedom, something a history junkie will never forget.

“It helps you learn what happened in the past and what all our forefathers did and all those brave men and women that did for our country and freedom’s awesome,” Fine said.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Efforts are underway to rebuild famed Battle of Sullivan's Island log fort before next Carolina Day

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – Palmetto logs chopped down by Dominion Energy could find new life in a tribute to a pivotal battle in the American Revolution.Thirty palmetto trees deemed unsafe by the electric utility last year were cut down, part of routine power line maintenance. Today the log...

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – Palmetto logs chopped down by Dominion Energy could find new life in a tribute to a pivotal battle in the American Revolution.

Thirty palmetto trees deemed unsafe by the electric utility last year were cut down, part of routine power line maintenance. Today the logs are piled beside Battery Logan on Sullivan’s Island, awaiting their second act in a re-creation of the log fort that absorbed blows from British cannonballs and helped guide Patriot troops to a decisive victory over the Royal Navy.

The island is preparing for Carolina Day celebrations on June 28, the annual commemoration of the famed battle. While plans to rebuild a portion of the iconic fort is underway, they are still are largely conceptual.

Mike Walsh, president of the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, discussed the slow-going efforts to bring the fort to life once more in the Edgar Allen Poe Library on Ion Avenue.

Inside the converted Spanish-American War-era battery, Walsh said the idea to rebuild the fort is a "dream worth pursuing," although many details, like its location and construction, are still undecided.

"In the general sense of trying to up the awareness of the Battle of Sullivan's Island, you have to include the Palmetto log fort, because therein lies the story," Walsh said.

Palmetto logs were used by soldiers and enslaved laborers from nearby plantations in the early days of the American Revolution. Col. William Moultrie, the man for whom Fort Moultrie is named, oversaw the construction of the structure as the British Royal Navy closed in on Patriot soldiers.

The fort consisted of two parallel rows of palmetto logs about 16 feet apart. Inside, brick pillars supported a cannon platform. Thousands of cubic yards of sand were shoveled in and packed between the logs.

The fort was not complete by the time the battle began on June 28, 1776, and there was wavering faith in the fortitude among high-ranking military officials.

Maj. Gen. Charles Lee arrived in Charleston on June 8, 1776, to command the Continental Army's Southern Department. He dubbed the fort a "slaughter pen," and warned Moultrie the defense would quickly succumb to the Royal Navy's expansive weaponry.

But the palmetto logs embedded in sand were sturdy, yet pliable. Cannon fire bounced off the fort, the logs absorbing the blows like a sponge.

It held up through the night. By morning, over 200 British causalities were recorded, and the Loyalists surrendered.

The fort did not stand the physical test of time. It disappeared in the months after the battle, eaten away by the tides and salty air.

Yet the symbol of the fort and the palmetto persists, added to the South Carolina flag in 1861. It's unknown who came up with the idea to use the logs for the fort, Walsh said, but it proved to be indispensable in the battle.

Had Moultrie listened to Lee and abandoned the idea, "I might be speaking with a British accent and sipping tea," Walsh said.

"That's how important the Battle of Sullivan's Island was, and to us who care about that, that means that the Palmetto log fort was important."

Recreating history

Walsh and the cultural center, a nonprofit preservation society dedicated to Sullivan's Island, are working with SC250 Charleston, the local branch of SC250 that's planning events to recognize the 250-year anniversary of the American Revolution. The organizations are teaming up to, hopefully, rebuild a section of the fort.

There are still several hurdles to jump through before the dream is realized, SC250 Charleston President Brett Bennett said June 26. Funding for the project has to be finalized, and Sullivan's Island's town council has yet to sign off on where the fort will stand for the duration of the exhibit.

A 3D-model of the fort was printed by the Clemson Design Center. By having a tangible, scaled vision of the fort, Bennett said he hopes buy-in from Sullivan’s Island residents and leaders will follow.

"We, meaning SC 250, nor the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, or any of the other nonprofit entities like SC 250 Charleston, would want to impose on the residents of the area," Bennett said. "But we also are eager to see the project forward so that people can better visualize what that original fortification looked like."

Longtime Charleston residents may recall the 1976 reconstruction of the fort, which was housed on National Park Service property at Fort Moultrie. Built to commemorate the 200th anniversary, photos of the re-creation show it was a towering structure, where visitors could explore the fort by climbing inside.

If the latest version is successful, Walsh said the newest version would be much smaller and akin to an educational exhibit or art display.

Walsh said they hope to have the fort complete in time for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in June 2026.

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