Bonin began his military career as a page for the Markgraf Albrecht Wolfgang von Brandenburg-Beyreuth (1689–1734). He served in the Markgraf's cavalry regiment, and eventually became its "Rittmeister" (captain of cavalry). On 4 January 1738 he was named commander and colonel of his own Curassier regiment. In 1740, he participated in the Silesian, Bohemian and Saxon campaigns of the War of Austrian Succession. In 1743, he received a dragoon regiment and was promoted to major general. During the Second Silesian War, in 1745, he participated at the battles of Hohenfriedberg and Kesseldorf. On 24 May 1747, he was promoted to lieutenant general of the cavalry.