2026 MRE Journalism Contest FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the FAQs including contest dates, publication dates, who can enter, judging information, where to enter, and what happens when your entry is a winner.
General Information
What are the contest dates?
The 2026 MRE Journalism Contest opens Wednesday, June 24.
The 2026 MRE Journalism Contest closes Monday, August 3.
What are the publication dates accepted for entry?
Content published between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 is eligible for submission.
Who can enter?
Individual journalists or teams published via print, broadcast, or online media producing original content focused on U.S. and non-U.S. military, veteran affairs, homeland defense, national security, or warfare are eligible to enter the contest.
Correspondents and freelancers meeting the above criteria are also eligible.
Students enrolled full- or part-time in graduate or undergraduate programs are eligible to submit an entry.
Military Reporters & Editors (MRE) officers and board of directors are not eligible.
Who judges the MRE contest?
Judging is done by a panel independent of MRE, its officers and board of directors.
All decisions by the judges are final.
When are winners announced?
Winners will be notified at the conclusion of judging.
Winning entries will be posted on the MRE website.
Winners are encouraged to attend the awards ceremony held during its annual conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Where do I enter the contest?
You can access the contest at https://mrecontest.org.
Take a look at the contest awards available, categories, guidelines, official rules, and registration information.