Until 1917 he worked as a machinist polisher at factories in Libau, Petrograd, Lysva. A participant in the February and October Revolutions, a member of the Red Guard, was elected to the Council of working deputies. During the Civil war, he fought against the forces of Kolchak and Denikin. He held the posts of Commissar Cherdynsky Krai, Commissioner of the Ural Military District headquarters, Commissar 38th Rifle Division, Chief of Staff of the 9th Kuban Army. From June to July 1920, he was chief of staff of the 10th Army.