The Copernicus Award, sponsored by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) International and the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), recognizes individual Marines, sailors, coastguardsmen, and civil service personnel who made a meaningful contribution to C4I, information systems, or cyber operations during FY26. HQMC is now accepting nominations. Each command can submit up to two nominees, and the deadline is hard.
Heads up: Nominations close 1 November 2026 and late submissions will not be considered.
Who it affects
Any active, reserve, or civil service Marine Corps member who made a demonstrable contribution to C4I, information systems, cyber operations, or information warfare this fiscal year is eligible. Contributions don't have to be purely technical. Doctrinal, financial, or organizational improvements count too. Contractors are not eligible, and team nominations are not accepted. It must be an individual.
What you need to do
If you know someone worth nominating, or are being nominated yourself, here is what needs to happen:
- Download the nomination template from
https://www.afcea.org/copernicus-award. - Prepare the nomination on official letterhead in PDF format.
- Remove any personally identifiable information from the package before submitting.
- If the nominee is a commanding officer or officer-in-charge, the immediate superior in command must sign the nomination.
- Submit by email to
edfoundation@afcea.orgno later than 1 November 2026.
Flag endorsements and letters of recommendation are not wanted. Keep the package clean and unclassified.
Key dates
- 1 November 2026: Nomination deadline. No exceptions for late submissions.
- Early 2027: Awards ceremony at AFCEA/USNI WEST 2027, San Diego Convention Center.
The official version
This guidance comes from MARADMIN 498/26. It references NAVADMIN 216/26 from CNO. For questions, contact MSgt M. Chhour at DC I, IC4: michael.chhour@usmc.mil or (703) 693-3464. AFCEA Education Foundation POC: edfoundation@afcea.org or (703) 361-6147.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.