In 1888 he became Rittmeister, in 1891 Major, and was transferred to the 1st Royal Bavarian Heavy Cavalry Regiment in 1893, where he became lieutenant colonel in 1896.

In the following year he became commander of the 6th Royal Bavarian Chevauleger Regiment "Prince Albrecht of Prussia", in 1898 colonel, and in 1901 Major General.

His successful command of those units caught the eyes of King Ludwig III.

He was selected to replace Carl von Horn as Minister of War in 1812, and was promoted to Colonel General on 1 August 1914.

[3] One of his sons was the later general Franz Otto Freiherr Kreß von Kressenstein.