The Nation’s adversaries and competitors are proving to be formidable in the digital battlespace—using online platforms, social media, malicious code, disinformation, and cyberattacks to undermine elections, steal intellectual property, spy on governments, sow discord, and weaken alliances. Participants can choose to answer one of the following questions or write on another information warfare topic that interests them.
How might the opening salvoes of the next war begin in the information space, and what should be done now to defend against those attacks? How might our adversaries be planning to win without fighting by using information warfare?
What specific information warfare technologies (offensive and defensive) should the U.S. military be investing in now?
How can the military recruit, educate, train, and retain the information warriors it needs to prevail in the information environment? Are there any recent case studies (that went well or poorly) that can provide lessons to guide strategy, operations, tactics, or acquisition over the next 3 to 5 years? How will electronic warfare and emissions control play a role in the future of naval warfare?
This contest is open to all contributors -- active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and civilians. Essays must be no more than 2,500 words, excluding end notes and sources. Include word count on title page of the essay. Essays are judged in the blind. Do not include author name(s) on title page or within the essay. Essay must be original and not previously published (online or in print) or being considered for publication elsewhere. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.