One Week Left to Submit for our Inaugural Writing Competition!
Deadline is NLT 2359 September 14
The initial writing competition was announced in this earlier post.
A Call to Ink Sticks
The profession of arms isn’t just about training hard — it’s about adding to the well of knowledge we all depend on. We only move forward as a community when we put our ideas on paper for others to read.
“We” isn’t The Connecting File. We is the 03XX community. And we all owe that community more than just doing our jobs.
Writing may feel painful at first. What seems clear in our heads often looks cluttered on the page. But through editing, clarity arrives and even if you don’t submit, you’ll be sharper for the effort. Your Marines will be sharper too.
If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time. Your perspective matters, and this is your chance to add to the conversation.
For inspiration, see the links below for simple and straight forward writing on TTPs and training. Keep reading for the competition’s instructions. We look forward to your submission!
The Details
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 14, 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.
What You Get
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.).
All articles submitted will be considered for future publication, regardless of standing.
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.
The special feeling of doing the right thing and performing a service towards others.
In Memoriam
We are dedicating this year’s competition to Major Ray Mendoza, and the Marines and corpsmen who fought in Operations IRON FIST and STEEL CURTAIN.
Written by the Connecting File Staff. Send all submissions and inquiries to cxfile0302@gmail.com.