ALCOAST 095/19 - MAR 2019 U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE’S 2019 COAST GUARD ESSAY CONTEST

R 271231 MAR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//VCG//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N05700//
ALCOAST 095/19
COMDTNOTE 5700
SUBJ:  U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE’S 2019 COAST GUARD ESSAY CONTEST
A. Coast Guard External Affairs Manual, COMDTINST M5700.13 (series)
1. This ALCOAST announces the U.S. Naval Institute’s annual Coast Guard Essay Contest.
2. Overview. Located at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI),
a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization, has provided an open forum for honest debate,
informed discussion, and professional development for members of the Naval Services since 1873.
The vision and mission of USNI is to give a voice to those who seek the finest Navy, Marine Corps
and Coast Guard by providing an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak and
write to advance the professional, literary and scientific understanding of sea power and other
issues critical to global security. USNI is noted for its flagship magazine Proceedings, and a
variety of historical and professional books.
3. Coast Guard Essay Contest. This year’s annual Coast Guard Essay Contest challenges authors to
advance new thinking about the U.S. Coast Guard’s critical role in the 21st century. Authors are
encouraged to discuss the most compelling issues, ideas, and solutions. There is no restriction
on topic. Those authors who choose to write about the Coast Guard are encouraged to constructively
analyze and challenge conventional wisdom and current practices. In fact, USNI encourages authors
to push the “dare” factor, and Coast Guard senior leaders encourage diversity of thought and
respectful deliberation of difficult issues facing our Service.
    a. Eligibility: Open to all contributors – active duty military, reservists, veterans, and
civilians - who are eligible for USNI membership. The essay must be original and not published
or under consideration for publication elsewhere.
    b. Length: 2,500 words maximum, excluding notes and sources.
    c. Prizes: First prize - $5,000. Second prize - $2,500. Third prize - $1,500. The winning
essays will be published in the August 2019 issue of Proceedings. Essays not awarded a prize
may be selected for publication in one of the Naval Institute’s print or online properties.
    d. Submission Deadline: 31 May 2019. Note: Essays are submitted directly to USNI and the
Coast Guard plays no role in selecting the winning essays. Applicants shall ensure entries
conform to Chapter 6, sections (A) through (C) of REF (A).
    e. Additional details: https://www.usni.org/cgessay.
4. Other Essay Contests and Writing Opportunities.
    a. Essay Contests. In addition to the Coast Guard Essay Contest, the Naval Institute sponsors
other essay contests throughout the year including the General Prize, Cyber, Emerging and
Disruptive Technology, Enlisted, Leadership, Marine Corps, Naval History, Naval Intelligence,
Naval Mine Warfare, and Midshipman and Cadet essay contests. For details see:
https://www.usni.org/essay-contests/.
    b. Other Writing Opportunities. Authors can also submit articles year round for publication
in Proceedings or Naval History magazines, Proceedings Today (online), and the Naval Institute
Blog (online). For details see: https://www.usni.org/magazines/submissions.
5. POCs:
    a. For additional information on USNI, contact RDML Jack Vogt (Anthony.J.Vogt@uscg.mil),
the Coast Guard's representative to the U.S. Naval Institute.
    b. For additional information on professional writing for USNI, including essay contests,
contact CAPT Greg Stump (Gregory.G.Stump@uscg.mil), CAPT Holly Harrison
(Holly.Harrison@uscg.mil), CDR Brian Smicklas (Brian.A.Smicklas@uscg.mil), or CDR Grant
Thomas (Joseph.G.Thomas@uscg.mil) who currently serve or have served as elected members of
the Naval Institute's editorial board.
6. ADM Charles W. Ray, Vice Commandant, sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.