In 1978-1981 he served as chief of staff and commander of a motorized rifle battalion in the Central Asian Military District.

[1] From June 2003 to July 2004 he served as Deputy Commander of the North Caucasus Military District for Emergency Situations.

From July 19, 2004, to September 2007 he was First Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia with responsibility for combat training of troops and military reform.

On 12 December 2006 in accordance with a presidential decree signed by President of Russia Vladimir Putin, he received military rank of Army General.

From September 25, 2007, to November 2009 he served as head of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia.