A Comparative Analysis of Character Strengths in Elite Tactical Units

Abstract Elite tactical teams in police and military contexts handle high-risk, complex operations that demand psychological resilience. Their selection, training, and operational strategies continuously drive toward optimized work performance. Character strengths, which guide a person’s actions and behaviors, are one likely factor in work performance. This study examines the character strengths prioritized by Swedish Special Intervention Unit officers and compares them with those prioritized by Australian Special Operations Forces applicants, operators, and support troops. Using a ranking methodology, 42 Swedish Special Intervention officers identified the character strengths they felt most represented themselves from 24 options. The findings are compared with four Australian Special Forces groups. The results revealed that ‘Good Judgment,’ followed by ‘Curiosity,’ was the most prominent character strength rated by the Swedish officers. Combining the top four ranks, ‘Teamworker’ emerged as the most frequently ranked character strength, followed by ‘Persistence.’ The comparative analysis with the Australian Special Operation Forces highlighted significant similarities, suggesting that some character strengths, such as ‘Teamworker,’ may be essential across tactical units.