For further information, please contact:

Jeff Smotherman
Managing Editor
703-965-6949
JFQ1@ndu.edu

The Secretary of Defense Essay Competition and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Essay Competitions are postponed for academic year 2025.

Any student who has an essay that he or she believes is highly competitive should be encouraged to submit it to Joint Force Quarterly for consideration for publication. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this circumstance causes.​

Are you a Professional Military Education (PME) student? Imagine your winning essay appearing in a future issue of Joint Force Quarterly and a chance to catch the ear of the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) on an important national security issue. Recognition by peers await the winners.

Who's Eligible: Students at the PME colleges, schools, and other educational programs, including Service research fellows and international students.

What: Research and write an original, unclassified essay in one (or more) various categories.

For complete information and competition rules, see your college’s essay coordinator or go to: