This study examines counter-terrorism co-operation and responsibility sharing in the Nordic countries. The mainemphasis lies on the military’s role. The aim of the study is to elucidate what particular niche competences themilitary have at their command to contribute with as secondary specialties within anti-terrorism readiness.The main study method is comparison. The empirical part of the study compares the Nordic assistance legislations,police-military responsibilities and competence requirements in an anti-terrorism context. Particular focus is put onspecial force capabilities which are examined in field interviews. As an analysis instrument I apply competenceclustering and organisational clustering models of network theories.The main conclusions from the research indicate that some niches within military war fighting skills are closelyrelated to counter-terrorism competence requirements. The results recommend that the military counter-terrorismniches should be “double-hatted”; primarily assigned for wartime missions, but also available for peacetimeassistance in extraordinary situations which are beyond the Police Forces’ operational range. These earmarkedniches need to have greater availability and be based on enlisted professional soldiers. The synergy effects of thehigher readiness of military spearhead competences will be cost-efficiency; there is no need to equip the police withheavier “military” equipment if the legislation makes counter-terrorism assistance the responsibility of the ArmedForces. This conclusion of extended assistance rights is in the study called the “rational approach” principle.