On 11 March 1887, at Scharstorf near Rostock, Below married Countess Luise Friederike Agnes von Rantzau (born 14 August 1865 in Kiel; died 15 February 1947 in Eutin).

The following children were born from the marriage: Below began military service on 10 September 1873, having completed cadet school, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Mecklenburgian 90th Infantry Regiment "Kaiser Wilhelm" in Rostock.

While staying in this position he was promoted, on 12 September 1896, to major and formally transferred to the 45th (8th East Prussian) Infantry Regiment.

On 27 January 1906 he was given the task of leading the 96th (7th Thuringian) Infantry Regiment in Gera and was finally promoted to Colonel on 10 April 1906.

In the final days of the war Below commanded Army Detachment C. Afterwards Below led his troops back home, submitted his resignation and was put up for disposition on 19 December 1918.