Naval Intelligence Essay Contest

The NIP Essay Contest is conducted in cooperation with the United States Naval Institute (USNI). Rules and deadlines are promulgated through an ALLNIP email and published on both the NIP and USNI websites during the March/April timeframe. Entries are due by the end of July. Winners are usually announced in early September.

Each year NIP will identify a theme pertaining to maritime intelligence or intelligence support to naval forces. Any author (officer, enlisted, military or civilian, foreign or domestic) is eligible to enter with an original composition related to the annual theme.

The CHALLENGE this year: In the face of continued Chinese military modernization and Russian agression, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs has assessed that the “potential for significant international conflict is increasing.” The 2022 National Defense Strategy directs the services to “act urgently to sustain and strengthen deterrence.” Faced with this deteriorating environment, this year’s Naval Intelligence Essay Contest challenges you to think about how Naval Intelligence supports naval power across the Sea Services.

The following prizes will be awarded:

1st Place: $5,000 cash prize,  a 1-year membership to NIP and USNI. Additionally, the first place essay will be published in USNI’s Proceedings.
2nd Place: $2,500 case prize, a 1-year membership to both NIP and USNI
3rd Place: $1,500 cash prize, a 1-year membership to both NIP and USNI