In 1927, Zinoviev was drafted into the OGPU Border Troops. He was assigned to the 47th Border Guard Detachment of the Central Asian Border District. In 1928, he graduated from the school of junior commanders and became a squad leader. Zinoviev fought in actions against the Basmachi. In 1931, he joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. In November 1931, he was seriously wounded while fighting against a large group of Basmachi and was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. In 1932, he became a platoon commander. Zinoviev graduated from mid-level commanders refresher courses at the Kharkov School of Border Troops in 1934. He was appointed chief of staff of the Border Commandant's office in the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1939, he graduated from the Higher School of the Border Troops.