7 August 2025
The Chief of Navy Essay Competition aims to promote knowledge of and interest in a thinking, fighting Australian Navy.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Australian Naval Institute (ANI) are looking for original thinkers who, through their work, promote discussion about the future of the RAN.
The competition is open to ADF members as well as staff at the Department of Defence, defence industry members and the public.
Director of the Sea Power Centre Captain Alastair Cooper said there were five essay topics to choose from and four different entry divisions to encourage contributions.
“There are different divisions, such as for RAN personnel under 25 or defence industry members, so that voices which may not always be heard or who have a different perspective can contribute,” Captain Cooper said.
“As the RAN approaches 125 years of service and at a time of great strategic uncertainty, it is important to think hard about the defence of Australia and to be open to new ideas, thoughts and discussion.
“This is an opportunity for a variety of Defence and Navy personnel, and community members, to put forward their thoughts on topics ranging from how the RAN supports the nation to how international shipping could be protected in a global conflict.
“All topics are as important today as they were 125 years ago.”
Entries are open until September 30 and the word limit is 2500 words. A $2000 prize is offered for each division winner.
Captain Cooper said military personnel needed to be able to structure persuasive arguments and the essay competition provided that opportunity.
“Professional military education is a career-long requirement, which is why Defence Mastery is one of the three mastery elements,” he said.
“By participating in this competition, people will be educating themselves possibly in an area they might not otherwise engage in.”
For more information, go to the Australian Naval Institute.
