He studied physics at Berlin University; when he left in 1883, he became a three-year volunteer and officer candidate in the Prussian Army on 7 August 1883 serving with the Fußartillerie-Regiment „von Linger“ (Ostpreußisches) Nr.

[2] Two years later, he was commissioned in this Fußartillerie (foot artillery), the branch of the German army armed with heavier guns, howitzers and mortars, designed principally for siege warfare, which now was assuming a role in field operations.

[3] Next, he commanded a battery in the Lehr-Bataillon (Demonstration Battalion) of the Royal Prussian Fußartillerie-Schießschule (Foot Artillery Firing School) in Jüterbog from 1901 to 1902.

Due to health problems (diabetes), he was medically discharged on 30 September 1913 and placed at disposal (z. D.; de facto retired) as a lieutenant colonel, but with major's pay.

The first stage hit headquarters, phone links, command posts, enemy batteries and infantry positions; the fire was sudden, concentrated, and made extensive use of gas shells.

Surprise was essential for creating maximum disruption, so Bruchmüller adopted the Pulkowski Method,[7] for bombardments without the customary registration fire.

The 8th Army moved west soon thereafter and, in the first months of 1918, Bruchmüller's techniques were taught to gunners at a special school in Belgium before the German spring offensive of 1918.

[10] Infantry officers were also taught his methods and there were joint infantry-artillery exercises with live ammunition, with advances shielded by the creeping barrage.

Bruchmüller was awarded the oak leaves to his Pour le Mérite on March 26, 1918, one of just two higher artillery commanders decorated this way.

"[14] Bruchmüller was not eligible for the post-war Reichswehr, because the Versailles Treaty prohibited heavy artillery, and he was retired in 1919 as a full colonel.