Essay Contests

On 13 June 1878, with Commander Alfred Thayer Mahan as acting Chair, the Naval Institute adopted rules for the first essay contest — the General Prize Essay Contest. This contest continues to this day.

Currently, the Naval Institute sponsors 14 essay contests.

Current Essay Contests

Essay Contests

2023 CNO Naval History Essay Contest - Midshipmen and Cadets

Supported by Drs. Jack and Jennifer London Charitable Fund

Deadline

31 May 2023

The Chief of Naval Operations invites entrants to submit an essay that applies lessons from throughout naval history.

2023 CNO Naval History Essay Contest - Professional Historian

Supported by General Dynamics

Deadline

31 May 2023

The Chief of Naval Operations invites entrants to submit an essay that applies lessons from throughout naval history.

2023 CNO Naval History Essay Contest - Rising Historian

Supported by General Dynamics

Deadline

31 May 2023

The Chief of Naval Operations invites entrants to submit an essay that applies lessons from throughout naval history.

2023 Naval Intelligence Essay Contest

Cosponsored by the U.S. Naval Institute and Naval Intelligence Professionals

Deadline

31 July 2023

In the face of continued Chinese military modernization and Russian aggression, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs has assessed that the "potential for significant international...