Open Data Sources in Support of Engineer Reconnaissance
Published 1/15/25
By Staff Sergeant Richard B. King
This article explores various repositories of unclassified open-source geospatial data that can be leveraged in support of engineer reconnaissance efforts—either with or without the assistance of geospatial engineer teams.
The MSCoE Iron Pen Competition
This is a MSCoE sponsored writing competition for the Protection Bulletin, Army Chemical Review, The Engineer journal, and the Military Police journal.
It is a Quarterly event beginning 01 April 2026 and running through 30 June 2026 for the 2nd iteration.
Submission Deadlines |
| February 28, 2026 |
| May 30, 2026 |
| August 28, 2026 |
| November 30, 2026 |
Rules:
- 1-2 Authors per Article
- Only 1 submission per author
- Articles must be on Protection, CBRN, Engineer, or Military Police Topics.
- Winners will be selected by Proponent.
- Articles should be ~1200 words and cited. Any format is accepted (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)
- Articles must have a local OPSEC and local PAO review prior to submission.
Submit Articles to: mscoehardingprojectarticlesubmissions@army.mil with “Iron Pen Competition: [Proponent]” in the subject line.
Winners will receive a brown bag lunch (Local) or Teams Call (Outside FLW) from the MSCoE Commanding General, and their commandant to receive feedback and have a discussion on their article.
Winners will be announced NLT 30 June 2026.
For more information on submission guidance and general information please see:
Protection Writers Guide