Cogs of War is our dedicated vertical on defense technology and defense industrial base issues produced in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton. Read on to discover how you can contribute an opinion article or appear on the Cogs of War podcast.
Who Are We Looking For?
Are you working on the front lines of defense innovation? Grappling with the challenges of scaling production? Navigating the intersection of policy and technology? Connecting the dots between lines of code and combat readiness, or quantum sensors and strategic advantage? Are you one of the following?
- Technologist, Builder, or Industry Leader (from start-ups to primes and everything in between)
- Investor
- Policymaker
- Civil Servant
- Servicemember
- Analyst
Then we want to hear from you.
Opinion Pieces
We prefer that you pitch us your idea first. Please send an email to cogsofwar@warontherocks.com
- Your Core Argument: What is the central argument of your article? State it clearly in one or two sentences.
- Why It Matters: Explain why this topic is important now for the Cogs of War audience.
- Your Expertise: Briefly outline why you are the right person to write this piece. Feel free to attach a short bio or CV.
If we accept your pitch, we will invite you to submit a full draft. Please note that we do not accept pieces that have been published elsewhere or are under consideration by other outlets.
Writing Guidelines
- 700 to 1500 words.
- Open the article with a provocative question, an engaging anecdote, or a striking fact.
- State your main argument early. Use evidence to support your points. For articles over 1000 words, consider using subheadings to guide the reader.
- Write clearly and concisely. Avoid jargon and acronyms.
- Use embedded hyperlinks for sources whenever possible. No footnotes.
- Submit as a Word document. Use double-spacing and standard margins.
The Review and Editing Process
All submissions undergo a review process, potentially involving both internal editors and external subject matter experts. This can take time — anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If your piece is accepted, it will be edited for clarity, style, and impact. We will work with you on edits, but please be prepared for a collaborative process.
The Podcast
We’re looking for guests who can:
- Offer Deep Expertise: Share unique insights grounded in real-world experience.
- Challenge Norms: Aren’t afraid to ask tough questions or push the conversation forward.
- Bridge Gaps: Connect different parts of the defense ecosystem — from Silicon Valley start-ups to the Pentagon, from the lab to the production line.
Send a compelling email to cogsofwar@warontherocks.com. Make it stand out. Tell us:
- Who You Are: Your role and your unique vantage point.
- Your Big Idea: What’s the core topic or argument you want to discuss? Why is it critical and underexplored?
- The ‘Why Now’: Why does this conversation need to happen now?
- Your Mic Drop Moment: What’s the one key takeaway listeners will get from hearing you?
Don’t just add to the noise. Help us amplify the signal.
