Having graduated from the Gymnasium at the Tbilisi State University in 1920, he joined the National Army of the Democratic Republic of Georgia in July, 1920 and took part in the battles against the invading Red and Turkish armies in Kojory-Tabakhmela (near Tbilisi) and Batumi in February–March, 1921. On February 20, 1921 Gvaladze was decorated with the Military Cross of "Tetri Giorgi" ("White Giorgi").