He was known for commanding the Second Division of the V Corps and would primarily operate in actions within the Invasion from East to West in Cuba.

Between October 1895 and January 1896, he would participate in the Invasion from East to West in Cuba, gaining the trust of José Miró Argenter.

On the same day, he would launch an ambush at La Cunda against a numerically superior Spanish force commanded by Captain Emilio Parrondo.

[2] After receiving the news of the death of Antonio Maceo Grajales by his doctor, Máximo Zertucha, Rodríguez Acosta wouldn't lose his morale unlike most commanders of the battle and would help with boosting morale of the remaining soldiers at the makeshift camps along with Delgado González.

During the Battles of El Caimán beginning on February 27, 1897, Rodríguez Acosta commanded the Fourth Brigade of the Second Division of the V Corps against the Pizarro Battalion.