He finished high school at the Royal Cadet School at Brussels, before entering the Royal Military Academy in 1978 as a candidate naval officer, studying social and military sciences (118th All weapons class).

[1] He was assigned in several positions on board the ships of the Belgian Navy, ranging from minesweepers, mine hunters and frigates.

In autumn 1997, he joined the Chief of Defence staff, Vice Admiral Herteleer.

[1] He commanded the F911 Westdiep in 2000, and took part on the Operation Active Endeavour in response to the September 11 attacks.

[2] On July 10, 2020, he was named as the new Chief of Defence, replacing General Marc Compernol.