He was the son of the Prussian lieutenant general Johann Friedrich Karl II.

After visiting the Kadettenhaus Neubau, he joined the regiment of the Gardes du Corps of the Prussian Army on 28 July 1827, as a flag ensign.

[1] After the end of the war he was promoted to lieutenant general and commanded the Guards Cavalry Division.

A month later, he was ordered to Bremen to organize the guarding of the coast from Dorum to Emden.

Alvensleben was relieved of this position at the end of March 1871 and was placed on the retiree list on 15 April 1871.