This study analyses how soldier motivation differs between peacetime and combat security contexts. A structured review of 28 peer‑reviewed studies (2003–2025) from European and North American armed forces shows that peacetime motivation is driven mainly by belonging, prosocial values, and career development, while combat motivation relies on unit cohesion, trust in leadership, and mission meaning. Soldier motivation is thus dynamic, multidimensional, and context‑dependent. The findings support personnel policy, leadership development, and retention in defence organisations.