Hi Mad Sci,
I have a suggestion to compliment your science fiction competitions. Have a vignette or reading performance, competition. Short ten minute plays to be performed on future of military practice, could explore social interaction of technology, personnel and command . Maybe call it 8x10's? Have 6 or 8 short ten minute plays performed on a black stage, in black clothing with performers reading their script rather than memorizing it.
Then give awards to recognize the playwrights. A simple staging would not cost much to produce, and you would explore a future where your battle buddy was a 3-D avatar. IE. As example.
Live performances are a separate dynamic from science fiction reading because you perceive the interplay at work.
All the best,
Wil