Despite being an officer, Captain Price always preferred to hang out among regular soldiers. John often tells recruits, "All it takes to change the course of history is one man's—or woman's—will." He doesn't shy away from risky actions or dubious alliances if they help accomplish the mission. His relationship with authority is complicated but strong.

Like Sergeant Garrik, Price seems to hate being constrained by rules or procedures, sometimes taking radical measures on his own, often against orders.