He graduated from military school in 1884 and August 30 of that year was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned to the 13th Risa Infantry Regiment of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

In the Serbo-Bulgarian War he was given command of the 3rd Company of the reserves battalion of the 2nd Strumski Infantry Regiment.

During the First Balkan War he was colonel and commander of the 29th Yambol Infantry Regiment and fought in the Battle of Kirk Kilisse, near the city of Çatalca and participated in the Siege of Odrin.

Ten days before the mobilization for World War I Zlatarev was appointed commander of the 11th Macedonian Infantry Division.

[2] On 31 July 2014 a memorial plaque in honor of the military leader was unveiled at the Zlatarevo border checkpoint with an official ceremony.