Gray Space Writer’s Guide for Article Submissions

SFC Pinto stands next to a field support representative to learn the capabilities of new equipment during Cyber Quest 24.

Sgt. 1st Class Pinto teams up with industry partners to learn the capabilities of new equipment during Cyber Quest 24. (Photo by Lesli Ellis-Wouters, Cyber Center of Excellence)

(a) OPSEC

OPSEC must be observed always. Only unclassified information can be published in Gray Space. It is the author’s responsibility to ensure security is not compromised. If you are uncertain, please run your submission by your unit’s information security officer.

(b) Article submission

The Gray Space does not pay for articles or illustrations, and the Professional Bulletin is not copyrighted. All material published in the Professional Bulletin is considered public domain unless otherwise indicated. The use of copyrighted material is by permission only and will be clearly marked with the appropriate legal notification. Professional Bulletin authors must provide proof of permission to use copyrighted material.

(c) Getting started

Select a topic of interest to the United States Army Cyber community. The topics should help develop CY professionals throughout the branch. Many authors initially write an outline to organize their thoughts before they begin writing. Clearly state the bottom line upfront and write a concise introduction and conclusion to your article. Submitted articles should be relatively free of spelling and grammar errors. Try to maintain an active voice as much as possible. Articles will be submitted in a Microsoft Word document. Articles will be formatted with a size 12, Arial font, and will be double-spaced. Normal submissions are usually between 1,000 and 2,500 words, but no more than 3,000. The Gray Space staff will also consider publishing an article in a series format.

(d) Acronyms

Acronyms will initially be spelled out; for example, Cyber (CY), a second mention of the term the acronym CY is acceptable.

(e) Topic Selection

Topics selected should be qualitative, thought-provoking, novel, and relative to current events in the branch or the world. Please refrain from writing information/academic papers.

(f) Strive to educate, not impress

A clear message is written in simple language. An abundance of adjectives, adverbs, and words the reader will have to look up detracts from the message. Align your article with the Chief of Staff of the Army’s (CSA) focus areas. Write in an article format, NOT as an academic paper or a White Paper.

(g) Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Writing

Gray Space staff recognizes that AI-assisted writing tools have become a common part of many authors' workflows, and we do not prohibit their use. However, authors must understand that the use of such tools does not diminish their responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of any submitted work:

  • Review all AI-generated text carefully and revise it to reflect your own voice, expertise, and intent. Submitted work should represent the author's analysis, not an unedited transcript of a tool's output.
  • Verify every citation independently. Each reference must be confirmed to exist, to say what the author claims it says, and to be genuinely relevant to the point it is cited to support.
  • Take full ownership of all factual claims. AI tools can generate plausible-sounding assertions that are simply false. Authors are responsible for confirming the accuracy of any claim in their submission, regardless of its source.

Submissions that do not meet these standards or appear to heavily rely on AI-generated content may be returned without review. While the use of AI assistance is not discouraged, authors should ensure it is properly utilized as a means of supporting—not replacing—the disciplined effort that quality writing demands.

(h) Writing Tips

The introduction is the most important element of an article. It has the power to lure in a reader – or lose them – within seconds.

  • A well-written article is clear and concise. You will lose readers’ attention if it takes too long to get to the main point.
  • Photos matter! Include visuals when possible.
  • Keep in mind that articles will be published on public-facing forums and may be read by military/civilian professionals from different backgrounds. Cyber is the Gray Space’s primary audience, but it is not the sole audience. Write accordingly.
  • Include a suggested headline (or two). Ask yourself, “What is the main point of this article?”
  • Unsure of where or how to begin? Refer to Military Review’s Special Edition on Professional Military Writing for more helpful information.
  • Adhering to the submission guidelines and observing these writing tips will optimize the likelihood of your work being published and shared across multiple platforms.

(i) Photos and artwork

Include pictures or graphics to supplement the article. Do not place them in the Word document. Be sure to add a brief description of the photo and photo credit. Acceptable files are .jpg, .png, etc. Please credit the source of all photographs.

(j) References

The approved style for references is American Psychological Association (APA). Footnotes and embedded links are not authorized. If using sources that are behind paywalls, please add a PDF of the source material for verification.

(k) Biography

Start with rank and full name followed by your current position and unit. Add previous positions, especially those with experience, which is relevant to the article topic. Consider including information about commissioning and educational degrees.

(l) Submit articles, questions, and concerns to:

USARMYFtGordonCCoEMailboxTheGraySpace@army.mil