[1] He first enlisted in the Imperial Russian Army and rose to the rank of captain.

He served until 1789 when joined his famous uncle in the army of Habsburg Austria.

The next year he was appointed colonel in command of an infantry regiment and fought at the First Battle of Wissembourg in 1793.

Promoted to general officer in 1796, he was posted to Italy where he commanded a brigade under Paul Davidovich at Calliano.

In early 1797 he led an independent column composed largely of Tyrolean militia and received a coveted award for his efforts.