Chief of Navy Essay Competition

CHIEF OF NAVY ESSAY COMPETITION

The Chief of Navy Essay Competition aims to promote knowledge of and interest in a thinking, fighting, Australian Navy. The competition was conducted for the first time in 2019.

This is a biennial competition. The 2023 competition is now open. 

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Australian Naval Institute (ANI) looks for original thinkers who, through their work, promote discussion about the topic and its implication for the future of the RAN.

2023 Chief of Navy Essay Competition

TOPICS

Two topics are proposed from which authors should select one:

1. How can Australian naval and maritime power guarantee the security and prosperity of the Australian people?
2. How do Navy’s relationships with international partners contribute to Australia’s security and prosperity?

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.

The four divisions are:

1. Open Division. Named the McKenzie Prize after Honorary Flight Officer Florence Violet McKenzie, OBE. Open to any domestic or international entrant.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.

 Competition rules and full details about the competition can be found here.