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Long-term and sustainable workforce planning in the Armed Forces requires a continuous recruitment at all levels, including officers. This comparative study of motivational factors intends to explore similarities and differences between Swedish and Norwegian cadets when they make their decision to seek further commitment as an officer in their own Armed Forces. The aim of this study is to create an awareness of these factors in order to assist the Swedish Armed Forces to improve the enlistment to officer training.

The method used is an inductive textual analysis of Swedish and Norwegian studies conducted between 2007 and 2012. The analysis relates to the collected data, and Fabrizio Battistellis motivation categories are used in the analysis in order to structure motivational factors of the applicants. In this, the sub-questions about the motivational factors are linked to Battistellis typology and are addressed and answered. The study then carries out a comparative analysis of the outcome of the previously inductive approach. The purpose of this is to clarify any similarities and/or differences between the two countries.

The study shows that there are some differences in motivational factors that influence Norwegian and Swedish candidates applying to the officer training, but also similarities. All three motivation categories, paleomodern – modern - postmodern, were represented at the two countries' candidates, but also some gender-related differences were found in both countries.