Domröse joined the German Bundeswehr in 1973, serving as a second lieutenant in the Panzergrenadierbataillon 23 (Mechanised Infantry Battalion 23).

He studied Economic and Organisational Sciences at the Bundeswehr University of Hamburg, and upon his graduation in 1977 joined the Mechanised Infantry Battalion 82, serving as a platoon commander.

In 1989 Domröse was made personal assistant to the Head of Division II (foreign and security policy) in the Federal Chancellery in Bonn.

In 1999, Domröse was deployed to Prizren, Kosovo as chief of staff, Multinational Brigade South of the 3rd Operational Contingent KFOR.

Domröse was then appointed head of the German team at CENTCOM in Tampa, Florida before returning to the Federal Ministry of Defence as Deputy Chief of Armed Forces Staff.