 In 1866, during the Austro-Prussian War, Asch was an "oberleutnant"; during the Franco-Prussian War, he was adjutant to General Ludwig Freiherr von und zu der Tann-Rathsamhausen.From 1874 to 1885, Asch served in the Bavarian General Staff before commanding the 1st Royal Bavarian Division as a "oberst".In 1889 he was promoted to "generalmajor", and four years later took command of the 2nd Royal Bavarian Division.