Entries are now open for the 2025 Chief of Navy Essay Competition. The Chief of Navy Essay Competition aims to promote knowledge of and interest in a thinking, fighting Australian Navy.
There will be four (4) divisions with a prize of AUD$2,000 to be awarded to the author of an essay in each division. Honourable mentions may also be made at the discretion of the judging panel.
DIVISIONS
- Open Division. Named the McKenzie Prize after Honorary Flight Officer Florence Violet McKenzie, OBE. Open to any domestic or international entrant.
- Australian Defence Division. Named the Smith Prize after ADML Sir Victor Alfred Trumper Smith, AC, KBE, CB, DSC. Open to all members of the Department of Defence (ADF, APS, Cadets).
- RAN Under 25 Division. Named the MacDougall Prize after VADM Ian Donald George MacDougall, AC, AFSM. Open to any member of the RAN aged 25 years or under at the closing date for submission of entries.
- Industry Division. Named the Gaul Prize after former RAN officer and founding partner of CEA Technologies, David Gaul. Open to any employee of a company working in support of Defence in Australia.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Australian Naval Institute (ANI) are looking for original thinkers who, through their work, promote discussion around the topic and its implication for the future of the RAN.
TOPICS
Five (5) topics are proposed from which authors should select one:
- In what ways does Australia’s strength at sea contribute to prosperity at home?
- What are the essential features of Australian sea power? Do these constitute an identifiable or uniquely Australian form of sea power?
- Australia’s submarine fleet plays an important role in building a credible strategic threat and preventing other from compromising our crucial seaborne trade routes. How will the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines change the nature and character of our future submarine capability?
- In peacetime the Royal Australian Navy performs key roles which contribute to our national interest especially in the diplomatic realm. Over the last 125 years, outline and then evaluate the RAN’s diplomatic role in the Pacific.
- How would international shipping be organised and protected in the event of a global conflict and how does this differ from the protection of shipping from the German u-boat threat in the Atlantic in WWII?
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES
The closing date for entries is Tuesday 30 September 2025. Late entries may be accepted but an extension must be sought before the closing date.
SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES
Entries must be sent in Microsoft Word and as a PDF to admin@navalinstitute.com.au
INQUIRIES
All inquiries are to be directed to Sue Hart, ANI Business Manager: admin@navalinstitute.com.au or +61 2 6290 1505.
CHIEF OF NAVY ESSAY COMPETITION 2025 RULES
CHIEF OF NAVY ESSAY COMPETITION 2025 FLYER
