Abstract: The object of this research is the legal relations in the Russian Empire associated with the recruitment and upbringing of officers of the special corps of frontier guards. The subject of this research is the axiological approach towards personal qualities of the Russian border guards, systematic formation of spiritual values of the officers and lower ranks in the course of education and service. The authors examine the cultivation of patriotism, diligent attitude to service, bravery and courage in service. Special attention is given to the concept of untrustworthiness and its characteristics. The scientific novelty of this work is defined by the subject of the research: for the first time, the value orientations of training and upbringing of individuals found to be useful in a specific type of service, are subject to scientific analysis. A conclusion is made on high relevancy of the methodology applied in the Russian Empire for establishment of the spiritual values of soldiers and possibility of its implementation under the modern circumstances.