He is one of the authors of the plan of modernisation of the Polish armed forces and one of the architects of its integration with the structures of NATO.

He graduated in 1982 and was assigned to the Headquarters of the Silesian Military Area, and in 1986 was given the command of Polish 4th Mechanised Division.

Upon his return in 1988, Piątas settled in Wrocław, where he became the Chief of Operations and the deputy commander of the Silesian Military District.

In 1991 he left that post and became the commander of the Polish 4th Armoured Division dislocated in Krosno Odrzańskie.

The same year he was promoted by president Lech Wałęsa to the rank of brigadier general (generał brygady) and in 1993 he returned to the headquarters of the Silesian Military District, where he resumed his previous post of Chief of Operations and deputy commander.

In January 1997 he was assigned to the General Staff of the Polish Army as the Chief of Operational and Strategic Command.

He is interested in military history and tennis; and speaks Polish, Russian and English fluently.