Girard entered the French revolutionary army during the Spring of 1794. He saw active service with the "Army of Italy" and by 1797 he had been promoted to captain. At Marengo in 1800 Girard commanded a brigade. In 1806 after Jena he was promoted to general de brigade. Created a baron of the Empire by the Emperor on 26 October 1808. In 1809 Girard was promoted to general de division. Girard saw service in the Peninsular War, during which he commanded French forces at Arroyo dos Molinos. Girard was wounded at the Beresina and at Lützen.