The Leatherneck Writing Contest
OPEN TO ALL ENLISTED MARINES
DEADLINE: 31 March
PRIZES
1st Place: $1,000 + an engraved plaque
2nd Place: $750 + an engraved plaque
3rd Place: $500 + an engraved plaque
SUBJECTS
Leadership- Describe an outstanding Marine Corps leader and what makes him or her so successful.
Current Events- Describe a recent event and the impact it had on the Marines involved.
History- Describe a little-known aspect of a battle or an individual Marine that others may not know about i.e.
“the rest of the story”.
DETAILS
•Maximum 2000 words
•Must include contact information: grade, name, unit, SNOIC/OIC, e-mail and phone number
•Submit electronically to leatherneck@mca-marines.org in Microsoft Word Format
Sponsored By Major Rick Stewart. USMC (RET)
The MajGen Harold W. Chase Essay Contest
CURRENTLY RUNNING
Open to all active, retired, and reserve military personnel. Multiple entries are allowed; only one will receive an award.
1500-2000 words.
Contest runs: 01 January – 30 April.
The top 3 submissions receive a “Boldness & Daring Award.”
1st Place receives a $3,000 check & plaque.
2nd Place receives a $1,500 check & plaque.
Honorable Mention receives a $500 check & plaque
Topic: challenge conventional wisdom by proposing change to a current Marine Corps directive, policy, custom, or practice.
Submit to gazette@mca-marines.org
LtCol Earl “Pete” Ellis Annual Essay Contest
Civilian and military writers are eligible. Multiple entries are allowed; only one will receive an award.
2000-3000 words.
Contest Runs: (tentatively) 1 February – 31 May
1st Place receives a $2,500 check and a plaque,
2nd Place receives a $1,000 check funded a plaque,
2 Honorable Mentions receive a $500 check and a plaque each.
Topic: 2020 TBD
Submit to gazette@mca-marines.org
LtGen Bernard E. “Mick” Trainor Military Writing Award
Both civilian and miltary writers eligible.
2000-2500 words.
Contest Runs 1 April to 30 June.
The winner receives a $1,000 check and a plaque funded by the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Topic: Propose an innovative solution to one of the warfighting challenges that the Marine Corps will face in the future operating environment.
Submit to gazette@mca-marines.org
Kiser Family Irregular Warfare Essay Contest
Civilian and military writers eligible.
2000-3000 words.
Contest Runs: 1 August to 30 October. The contest is bi-annual running in even years, next contest will be 2020.
1st Place receives a $3,000 check and a plaque,
2nd Place receives a $1,500 check and a plaque,
Honorable mentions receive checks for $500 and plaques.
Topic: Irregular Warfare; the specific “call for papers” or research question is updated annually.
Submit to gazette@mca-marines.org
The Gen Robert E. Hogaboom Essay Contest
CURRENTLY RUNNING
Open to all active, retired, and reserve military personnel. Multiple entries are allowed; only one will receive an award.
1500-2000 words.
Contest Runs: 1 September – 31 January.
1st Place receives a $3,000 check & plaque.
2nd Place receives a $1,500 check & plaque.
Honorable Mention receives a $500 check & plaque.
Topic: The contest honors the essay that is the most original in its approach to the various aspects of leadership.
Submit to gazette@mca-marines.org