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AOC ANZ 2026 Essay Competition
Shape the Future of Electronic Warfare 

Think. Write. Influence.

$500 Cash Prize | 3-Year Membership | Presentation Opportunity

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The AOC ANZ 2026 Essay Competition has now concluded. We thank all participants for their high-quality submissions and thoughtful contributions across the Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyber, Information Operations, and CEMA communities.

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We are pleased to announce this year’s winners:

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🏆 2026 Essay Competition Results

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Overall Winner:
Rhys Kissell

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Runners-Up (by topic):
Keanu Schubert
Sven Wittchen
Hope Sneddon
Francesca Fisher

Read the winning and shortlisted essays here: AOC ANZ_2026 Essay Winners

About the Competition

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AOC ANZ invited members, students, professionals, and enthusiasts across the Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyber, Information Operations, and CEMA communities to enter the 2026 Essay Competition. This provided an opportunity to share bold ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and help shape the future of warfare. Whether studying engineering, working in defence, or passionate about emerging technologies—each contribution added value to the broader conversation.

Competition Topics:

 

1. In 2040, what will be the state of the art for Electronic Warfare and CEMA operations?

Explore the technological, strategic, and operational advancements likely to shape EW capabilities over the next two decades.

 

2. How will Artificial Intelligence evolve Electronic Warfare and CEMA operations?

Use your imagination to explore how AI and ML techniques could transform how operators and governments achieve EW and CEMA effects.

 

3. Describe the asymmetric effects that EW can achieve in near-peer operations in the future.

Analyse the cost-to-effect value of modern low-cost and low-equity EW/CEMA technologies.

 

4. How will AUKUS Pillar II support EW and CEMA technologies?

Provide a narrative and analysis of how the AUKUS agreement could enable the proliferation of EW technologies and cross-national collaboration.

 

5. Securing the Future: Strategies for Attracting the Next Generation of EW Professionals

Discuss innovative recruitment strategies to attract diverse and capable talent to ensure the long-term vitality of the EW workforce.

Why Participate? 

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Whether studying, serving, or working in the defence and technology sectors, the AOC ANZ Essay Competition continues to offer: 

  • Recognition – Showcase your ideas to national leaders and technical experts in Electronic Warfare and CEMA 

  • Professional Growth – Sharpen your research, writing, and analytical thinking with a real-world topic 

  • Networking Opportunities – Join a national community of thought leaders, innovators, and future talent 

  • Publication Potential – Selected essays may be published by AOC ANZ, with full credit to the author 

  • Career Visibility – Winners will be invited to present their work at a future AOC ANZ event 

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​This initiative remains an important platform to influence national conversations and build professional standing in the field.

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Awards & Recognition: 

First Prize (Overall Winner): 

  • $500 AUD Cash 

  • 3-Year AOC ANZ Membership 

  • Invitation to present at a future AOC ANZ event 

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Runner-Up (per topic): 

  • 1-Year AOC ANZ Membership 

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Submission Details (Closed): 

  • Submissions Opened: August 2025

  • Deadline: Friday, 27 February 2026 (extended)

  • Winners Announced: End of February 2026 

  • Entry Fee: Free 

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Submission Format: 

  • 2,500 – 3,000 words 

  • Original, unpublished work 

  • Submit in both Word and PDF format 

  • Use 12 pt font, standard margins 

  • File naming format: YourName_2025AOCEssay 

  • Email subject line: 2025 AOC ANZ Essay Submission – (Your Name) 

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Eligibility: 

  • Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, aged 18+ 

  • Individual submissions only (group entries not accepted) 

 

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Judging Criteria: 

All essays were reviewed anonymously by a panel of subject matter experts and evaluated on: 

  • Originality and creativity 

  • Relevance to the selected topic 

  • Insightful analysis and critical thinking 

  • Quality of structure and written expression 

 

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Who Participated? 
Submissions were received from: 

  • University students (engineering, cyber, defence, strategic studies) 

  • Defence personnel, analysts, and technical practitioners 

  • Professionals working in EW, CEMA, or related domains 

  • Anyone passionate about shaping the future of warfare 

 

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Questions or Enquiries? 
For further information, please contact: contact@aocanz.com 

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Be bold. Be thoughtful. Be heard.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their ideas and helped shape the future of Electronic Warfare. 

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