After probably following his primary studies with monks of the Benedictine Order, he was admitted to the Military College of the Nunziatella in Naples in 1878, where he met his later brotherly friend Alfredo Taranto and graduated first in his course. Admitted to the Artillery academy in 1882, he was second lieutenant in the General Staff two years later and took part in the Libyan campaign, from which he returned with a bronze medal for military valour earned in the Battle of Zanzur. He then took part in the First World War in command of the 152nd Infantry Battalion (Sassari Brigade), where he distinguished himself in the advance at Castel Gomberto and earned a silver medal for being wounded at Casara Zebio. In 1917, promoted to brigadier general, he led the Sassari on the Bainsizza plateau to conquer 865 and 862 peaks. After the war he held command of the military division in Bari and the War School in Turin. Retired in 1930, he was appointed senator for life in 1934 and was removed from office by a sentence of the High Court of Justice for Sanctions against Fascism on 5 December 1944.