For: All active duty, reserve, and national guard AAST Military Associate Members
Aim: To recognize and appreciate the service, experiences, and contributions of military Associate Members and foster a sense of community, encourage engagement, and promote the mission of the military committee.
Format: 1,000-word limit
Deadline: Submit the below form to AAST by Monday, April 15th, 2026
Award: The 1st Place winner will be awarded complimentary registration to the 2026 Annual AAST Meeting in Dallas, along with 5 complimentary hotel nights, airfare, and TSACO publication fees.
Presentation: The winner will read their essay aloud at the Military Fallen Surgeons Education Symposium at the AAST Annual Meeting in September 2026 in Dallas, TX (please only apply if you can attend the meeting)
Publication: The winning essay will be submitted for publication to Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open, if accepted, publishing fees will be awarded.
*The essay evaluation process will be blinded so please do not include your name or institution in the body of the essay.
The winner will be announced in mid-May to give adequate time to plan travel to the annual meeting. We look forward to reading your essays!
Reflect on how your training, clinical practice, and military service have shaped your understanding of individual and system-level surgical readiness. What attributes, conditions, or circumstances are most important to you as you prepare to maintain readiness and continue service as a military surgeon?
Thank your interest in submitting an essay to the AAST Military Essay Contest! In order to submit, you must be logged into the AAST website. Please login here.