In 1882, he entered the Sankt Peterburg Academy but could not graduate it because he returned for the Unification of Bulgaria in 1885 and took part in the war that followed immediately after it.

During the war against Serbia, he commanded a unit which fought successfully against the enemy in the area of Vidin and Kula.

During the First Balkan War (1912–1913) as a commander of the Seventh Rila Infantry Division, he advanced towards Solun and on 26 January 1913 he defeated the Ottomans in the Battle of Bulair.

He led the operations in Macedonia which ended with the defeat of the Serbs in the Battle of Ovche Pole.

With that success, the Bulgarians did not allow the meeting of the Serbian Army and the Anglo-French forces who embarked in Solun.