He sided with the Fighting French and took part in the East African Campaign with the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade.
From 1946, he was affected to the general staff of the Armed Forces, where he spent two years.
On his return, he studied at the Institut des hautes études de la défense nationale.
Promoted to general of brigade in 1959, he became chief of cabinet of the Minister of Defence.
In 1965, he was promoted to general of division, and served as inspector of the staffs of the Army.