He had his first war experiences at the age of 16, under Laudon in the Austro-Turkish War (1788–1791). Promoted to Rittmeister in 1792, he took part in the Battle of Jemappes during the First Coalition War in the same year. In 1795 he fought with distinction in the Battle of Handschuchsheim and received the Military Order of Maria Theresa for his services.