Abstract: Objective To empirically test the pre-constructed theoretical competency model of special operations personnel in our army using exploratory and validation factor analysis. Methods Based on the constructed competency model of special operations personnel in our army,a "self-assessment questionnaire of competency characteristics of special operations personnel in our army" was designed. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 680 special operations personnel in July and August 2023,and exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to empirically test the above model. Results The results of exploratory factor analysis were consistent with the theoretical competency model. Exploratory factor analysis showed that the structure of competency model of special operations personnel in our army included 38 items in four dimensions：ability,military-related qualities,personality,and attitude,with Cronbach's Alpha coefficients of each dimension ranging from 0.880 to 0.975（all P<0.05）.The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fitness index of the model reached the standard after modification（χ²/df=1.955,RMSEA=0.029,IFI=0.954,TLI=0.934,CFI=0.953）,indicating that the measurement model had good external quality. There were positive correlations between the four latent variables,with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.530 to 0.840（all P<0.05）. Moreover,each potential variable had good reliability and convergent validity（CR=0.891-0.978,AVE=0.541-0.746）,indicating that the internal quality of the measurement model and the potential characteristics of potential variables were nice. Conclusion The competency model of special operations personnel in our army is reasonable and can provide a reference basis for the selection,evaluation and training of special operations personnel in our army.

Key words: Special operations personnel in our army, Competency model, Exploratory factor analysis, Confirmatory factor analysis