Possibly a military tribune in 89 BC, Dolabella soon was attached to the staff of Sulla as a legate, holding command of one of Sulla's fleets in 83 BC. In 82 BC, Dolabella saw action during Sulla's second march on Rome, participating at the Battle of Sacriportus and the Battle of the Colline Gate. As a loyal lieutenant, Sulla made him consul in 81 BC, but the consuls of that year were only nominal, as Sulla had all the power in his hands.