Looking to make a cool $5,000?
That’s the cash prize for the best writing in the U.S. Naval Institute’s new essay contest, open only to those currently serving in the military.
The contest is seeking papers, 3,000 words or shorter, that address how the U.S. and its allies can better share missions and technology, a topical theme now that budget strain is forcing the Pentagon to shelve lower-priority programs and deployments.
“Papers will consider the opportunities, advantages and challenges,” USNI said in its March news release. “Contestants will be urged to consider historical examples and relate them to future scenarios.”
Essays must be emailed to USNI by May 1. Submissions will be reviewed by the institute’s editorial staff and board, which is made up of 11 Marine and Navy officers. The second- and third-place finishers will receive $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, and will learn an important lesson: Writing for money isn’t so bad after all.
