Notrebe was often referred to as Colonel. While not much is certain about Notrebe's military service in France, his close friend Antoine Barraque who immigrated to Arkansas Post in 1816 had fought under Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Marengo, Battle of Austerlitz, Battle of Jena–Auerstedt, Battle of Lodi, and Battle of Borodino. For Notrebe the title of Colonel was likely more an honorary one. Prior to the establishment of Territory of Arkansas in 1819 the area was connected to the Missouri Militia. Notrebe would have been a part of the militia during that time due to the law. It is unknown if he fought in the War of 1812. An 1825 roster Militia Officers excludes Notrebe's name. Local politics seemed to be natural for the Colonel and on November 1, 1820 he was the “Common Pleas Judge” for the township of Arkansas.