Selection processes are important for all organizations, but of particular importance within military organizations. The issue is raised due to the current rearmament, when the need for personnel increases. Previous research is lacking in the context of an important officer category, namely specialist officers, which is a unique Swedish officer category. The aim is to gain understanding regarding suitable characteristics for specialist officers. Through observations, qualitative interviews and thematic analysis this study tests a model which lists desirable characteristics in officers, and one that does the same for NCO:s against new empirical evidence developed in specialist officer context. This study shows strong support for the officer model, and some support for the NCO model in specialist officer selection. Furthermore, the study presents a new model which could tentatively constitute an even more precise selection tool in specialist officer selection.