After being drafted into the Soviet Army in 1969, he continued his army service in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany and became an officer, graduating from the Frunze Military Academy in 1985.

He graduated from the K. E. Voroshilov Military Academy of the General Staff of the Soviet Armed Forces in 1990.

He returned to Latvia after the collapse of the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt.

Before Turlais started his political career, he was commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces (1992–1994), until he retired with the rank of colonel.

From 7 November 2006 to 5 March 2009 he served as a deputy of the 9th Saeima (Latvian Parliament), elected from the LPP/LC party.