 After having successfully completed three of the eight classes, on July 11, 1880, he volunteered into the Common Army and was assigned to the 21st Infantry Regiment “Freiherr von Mondel” then based in Prague.On September 18, 1880 he was promoted Sergeant, and on August 18, 1881 he entered into the Cadet Company of the 24th Feldjager (Rifles) Battalion.His personal files described him as an excellent marksman, with a calm and relaxed personality, with a high sense of duty and a strong morality.