The Challenge
How has the intersection of politics and the military shaped the courseof the nation?
The Essay Contest is aligned with the 2017 Naval History Conference and its theme—“Politics and the Military: Proper Participation or Perilous Partisanship?”
Members of the military long have been associated with elections, politics, and the Presidency. The Essay Contest’s broad topic is a chance to use examples from U.S. history—distant or recent—to explore the roles of retired or active-duty military in elections and politics. What is the proper way for serving military personnel to dissent? Should military personnel remain non-partisan post-retirement? When is it appropriate to use your military title in the political arena?
$5,000 First Prize
$2,500 Second Prize
$1,500 Third Prize
Some entrants will be awarded a one-year membership in the U.S. Naval Institute and a one-year subscription to Naval History magazine.
Deadline: 31 August 2017
Winners will be recognized at the Naval History Conference, U.S. Naval Academy, this fall. The winning essay will be published in the November/December Naval History.