This prize is for an essay of up to 3,000 words on rethinking how the US Sea Services will have to address national, strategic, and operational challenges in an era of intense global competition, and how they will have to fight – see guidelines for theme details/suggested topics. The contest is open to “all contributors - active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and civilians”, according to their guidelines.  
Value: $6,000, $3,000, $2,000
Deadline: 31 October 2026
Open for: “All contributors - active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and civilians”
Details here and here.
(See all of their contests that are currently open here.)
 

Deadline: October 31st, 2026