The article discusses the statement about the dominance of the motivational-value component over others in the development of the readiness of cadets of training military units for professional self-education. The study involved 123 cadets of the training battalion studying under the training program for military personnel, accepted for military service under a contract in military units for the protection of important state facilities, special cargo, facilities on communications. A comparative analysis of the hostel and educational motivation of cadets of the training battalion was carried out. The leading motives are revealed, and their comparative analysis is carried out at different stages of cadets’ professional training. Scientific novelty lies in the study of the influence of the motivational-value component on the readiness of cadets for self-education within the framework of the training program. As a result of the study, the need for purposeful creation of conditions for the development of the motivational-value component of readiness for self-education among cadets in training military units was revealed.