When only in his fifteenth year, Schoëdde obtained an ensigncy in Lowenstein’s Levy (Lowenstein’s Light Infantry Regiment) in May 1800. He served in the campaign in Egypt in 1801, and for his services received the Gold Medal from the Grand Seignior. In April 1802, he was appointed to the 5th battalion of the 60th Regiment, and became a captain when nineteen years old in 1805, and did not obtain another step in regimental rank for twenty years.