Announcing Our Inaugural Writing Competition!

And, yes, there will be prizes.

2nd Battalion 1st Marines attack the city of Ubaidi, Iraq, on foot at dawn. The objective of Operation Steel Curtain was to flush out the remaining insurgents between Husaybah and Karabalah. Image Source

To all who shall see read these presents, greetings.

Know that as of today, The CxFile is launching it’s first ever writing competition!

After years of talking about it, walking around the fighting hole, and kicking the can down Application Trail, we’re finally sending it. Update your estimate of the situation and get your white board prepped, because the fight’s on.

Why are we doing this?

There are many of you staring problems in the face — with solutions in hand — that could benefit many of us in the Fleet and supporting establishment. You just need a platform to get the word out. And maybe a little encouragement to do so as well!

Your ideas will reach across the FMF to those executing operations in real time. TECOM school houses will consider adopting your insight into their curriculum. Senior leaders will study your proposal. Regardless of the outcome, Marines will be better off for you having shared your time and insight.

And as Marines, we all love competition, so why not have a little fun as we go?

Pays to be a Contributor

Let’s cut to the good stuff.

1. If you just submit an article, you will automatically be invited to a private leadership discussion and Q/A with Major General Dale Alford (USMC, ret.).

2. All articles submitted will be considered for future publication, regardless of standing.

3. Thanks to a generous donation from a supporter, the First, Second, and Third Place winners will be publicly recognized and have their work published. Additionally, each will receive a customized prize based on their MOS, rank, and unit. Trust us, it’ll be something you’ll be proud to hang on your wall or place on your desk.

4. The special feeling of doing the right thing and performing a service towards others.

Prompt

Identify a challenge currently facing the Infantry, LAR, or Reconnaissance communities and propose a solution. Articles must be relevant at the battalion or below level and provide practical and actionable recommendations. Topics may include: Training; Leadership; PME; TTPs/Lethality; Adopting New Technology; and Equipment.

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions must be at least 1,500 words — there is no maximum.

• Your submission must be received NLT 2359 September 1, 2025.

• Include a suggested cover photo with appropriate source cited.

• When appropriate, use photos, charts, diagrams, etc… that assist with conveying your main points.

• Citations should be hyperlinks to material referenced. If a formal citation is required, or additional context is appropriate, use endnotes.

• Submissions should be sent in a Word Document with pictures/graphics embedded in their appropriate location (also appropriately cited).

• Send all submissions to cxfile0302@gmail.com and include your current: USMC/Gov email address; Rank; MOS; Billet; Unit. Title the email: “Writing Competition Submission — Article Title.”

Eligibility

• Must be on active duty; active reserve; assigned to the SMCR; or a part of an IMA Detachment.

• There is no rank requirement! NCOs, as the backbone of the Infantry, are highly encouraged to write and submit!

• While there is no MOS limitation, the author must be serving, or have served in an Infantry, Light Armored Reconnaissance, or Reconnaissance Battalion within the last four years if not an 03XX.

• The CxFile staff reserves the right to make exceptions to this policy — contact us if you think you deserve a shot.

In Memoriam

We are dedicating this year’s competition to Major Ray Mendoza, and the Marines and corpsmen who fought in Operation STEEL CURTAIN.

For those who knew him, or served alongside him, Major Mendoza was, and remains, a legend of a warfighter and a leader who inspired every Marine within his reach. Throughout the summer, we will hear from those who served with him, as well as learn more about Operation STEEL CURTAIN from those who fought in Husaybah and Karabilah.

Do you have a memory of Major Mendoza, or a story or lesson from STEEL CURTAIN that you'd like to share with the audience? Connect with us and tell us about it.

Saved Round

You’ve got nothing to lose and the rest of us have everything to gain from your submission! We understand how busy you all are, but hey, there’s always a reason not to do something. So put a pot of coffee on, set your pen to kill, and help us get ready for the next fight!

Written by the Connecting File Staff. Send all submissions and inquiries to cxfile0302@gmail.com.

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Have ideas or experiences that could benefit other infantry and reconnaissance leaders? We need to hear your voice! The Connecting File depends on the willingness of readers to share lessons learned. Read more here about how you can contribute to our community.

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The opinions expressed above are those of the author and The Connecting File. They do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, or any other government entity.