[2] Bakhytzhan Ertaev was born in Kenes settlement (Jualy District, Jambyl Region) on July 25, 1952.

[9] He led the 2nd Motor Rifle Battalion of the Soviet Union's task force in the city of Asadabad, Kunar province, Afghanistan.

[12] When the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan were established in 1992, he served first as the second-in-command and later as the commander of the 68th Novgorod Order of the Red Banner Motor Rifle Division stationed in Saryozek, Taldykorgan Region.

[21][22] In January 2012, Bakhytzhan Ertaev was voted into the 5th Mäjilis (lower chamber of the Kazakhstani parliament) on the ballot of Nur Otan People's Democratic Party.

[23] In early 2000, Ertaev was put on trial for illicit sale of Kazakhstani MiG-21 fighter jets to North Korea[24] and acquitted by Almaty Garrison Court-Martial on the 4 February 2000.