Leatherneck Writing Contest

Submissions for the 2026 Leatherneck Writing Contest will be accepted January 1 – March 16

2026 Submission Form

Submit your entry to the Leatherneck Writing Contest

Submission Title

Submission Category

Name

First Last

Grade

Unit

Phone

SNOIC/OIC

Mailing Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Required for award distribution.

Submission Upload

Accepted file types: doc, docx, Max. file size: 3 MB.

Word Document

Contest Information

The Marine Corps Association is proud to present the Leatherneck Writing Contest in addition to providing awards for writing contests all across the Marine Corps.

DEADLINE: 16 March

PRIZES

1st Place: $1,000 + an engraved plaque
2nd Place: $750 + an engraved plaque
3rd Place: $500 + an engraved plaque

TOPIC

The founding fathers of the United States of America were legendary statesmen, thinkers and leaders. As the country celebrates its 250th birthday, write about an example of leadership set by one of the founding fathers or by one of the Revolutionary War era’s Marine Corps leaders.

DETAILS

Maximum 2000 words
Must include contact information: grade, name, unit, SNOIC/OIC, author’s bio, mailing address, email, and phone number
Submit electronically to [email protected] in Microsoft Word Format
Sponsored by Colonel Charles Michaels, USMC (Ret)