In the name and memory of a great Air Force pioneer, the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air Force Association is pleased to sponsor the 2019 Gen Bernard A. Schriever Memorial Essay Contest. There are two divisions in the contest, an Open Division and an Airman Division.  The Open Division is for all current Air Force military and civilian personnel, including Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members. The Airman Division is restricted to E1-E6 members; of course, they also have the option to enter the Open Division as well. 

The purpose of the contest remains the same: to stimulate thought, discussion, and debate on matters relating to how the Air Force and Air Force Space Command provide space capabilities for the joint force and the nation. Air Force Space Command and the Air Force as a whole rely on thoughtful reflection and critical assessments to maintain their cutting edge. This contest is a great opportunity to share your ideas with other space professionals. The two top essays in the Open Division will be published in the prestigious Air and Space Power Journal.  In addition, plaques and monetary awards are presented to the First Place Winners and runners-up of both the Open Division and the Airman/NCO Division. Authors may only submit their essays in one of the two categories.

2019 ESSAY CONTEST THEME

The theme for both divisions in the essay contest is:

As the Air Force addresses the challenges of space as a warfighting domain, how can Air Force Space Command learn from and apply the lessons of strategy, doctrine and tactics from operations in other domains such as air, land, sea and cyber? Are these examples applicable to all domains or are there certain factors that make the space domain unique?   

RULES FOR THE OPEN DIVISION

The contest will begin with an announcement from the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air Force Association. Entries must conform to all guidelines found in AU-1, Air University Style and Author Guide (www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/style/), are limited to 3,500 words (excluding endnotes and graphics), and must be double spaced. Essays must be original, unpublished, and not currently under consideration in other publications. Essays may have no more than two authors. The Air and Space Power Journal will hold the right to publish winning entries. Graphics, photographs, and other supporting elements are encouraged. Since no author’s identity will be revealed during the evaluation process, no identifying name(s) or other distinguishing markings, such as office symbols, should appear on the cover page, in the body of the essay, or in the running heads. Endnotes and supporting graphics do not count toward the overall word count. The paper must be submitted in Microsoft Word and clearly indicate that it is intended for the Open Division.  Contestants may send inquiries about the contest, formatting requirements, and so forth to contest administrators at AFASCHRIEVER@GMAIL.COM.

Include the title of the essay in the subject line of your submission e-mail. The body of your e-mail should include your name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address, the title of your essay, total word count, and a biographical sketch of 50 words or less on the author. A photo of each author suitable for journal publication is also requested at the time of submission. In addition, each author must complete a release form (available on the Lance P. Sijan website - http://www.lancepsijanafa.com/ ) by the submission deadline,  which is 1 October 2019.   The presentation of awards will be held after the announcement of winners in late October/early November 2019.

RULES FOR THE AIRMAN  DIVISION

The contest will begin with an announcement from the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air Force Association. The Airman submission is intended to be less rigid in its format and research than the Open Division.  Entries should generally adhere to the format in AU-1, Air University Style and Author Guide (www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/style/), are limited to 1,500 words (excluding endnotes and graphics), and must be double spaced. Essays must be original, unpublished, and not currently under consideration in other publications. Essays may have no more than two authors. Air Force Space Command will reserve the right to publish the essays on line.   Graphics, photographs, and other supporting elements are encouraged but not required. Since no author’s identity will be revealed during the evaluation process, no identifying name(s) or other distinguishing markings, such as office symbols, should appear on the cover page, in the body of the essay, or in the running heads. The paper must be submitted in Microsoft Word and clearly indicate that it is intended for the Airman Division.  Contestants may send inquiries about the contest, formatting requirements, and so forth to contest administrators at AFASCHRIEVER@GMAIL.COM.

Include the title of the essay in the subject line of your submission e-mail. The body of your e-mail should include your name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address, the title of your essay, total word count, and a biographical sketch of 50 words or less on each author. A photo of each author suitable for journal publication is also requested at the time of submission. In addition, each author must complete a release form (available on the Lance P. Sijan website - http://www.lancepsijanafa.com/ ) by the submission deadline which is 1 October 2019.   A formal presentation of awards will be held after the announcement of winners in late October/early November 2019.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Two evaluation committees will review submissions.  One will be assigned the Open Division, and the other will be assigned the Airman Division.  Evaluations for both divisions will be based on:

1.  Quality of written expression, including a clearly stated thesis, well-organized paragraphs with effective transitions, and virtually error-free spelling and grammar

2.  Quality of argumentation, including an engaging introduction, logical arrangement of ideas supported with convincing evidence, and a thought-provoking conclusion.

3.  Degree of currency and relevancy, including the presentation of fresh ideas about space and/or cyber power and the development of viable solutions to relevant US Air Force concerns

DEADLINE:  1 October 2019.  
SEND ENTRIES TO:  AFASCHRIEVER@GMAIL.COM

 
This is current as of 30 May 2019