His military career started when he enlisted in 1777. During the French Revolution he rose rapidly in rank to lieutenant colonel. He received promotion to "général de brigade" in 1793 and fought at the Battle of Fleurus (1794). As part of the Army of the Danube, he also fought at the Battle of Ostrach and the Battle of Stockach (1799). As a "général de division" he fought under Jean Victor Marie Moreau at the Battle of Hohenlinden (1800), successfully holding the left flank.