Gogava served his compulsory military service in the Soviet Army motorized rifle units from 1989 to 1990.

He graduated from the Tbilisi State Technical University in 1994 and began his career in the special task group "Omega" within Georgia's security services in 1995.

After the reshuffle within the Ministry of Defense in November 2006, Gogava became the Chief of Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Georgia.

[2] Gogava was later appointed as chief of Border Police, replacing Badri Bitsadze, who had earlier announced his resignation.

[3] Gogava served in this position until the reshuffle in the Interior Ministry top brass in July 2012.