After graduating in 1963, Chakrapong returned to Cambodia and became an officer cadet with the Royal Cambodian Air Force where he graduated at the top of his class.
Setelah lulus pada 1963, Chakrapong pulang ke Kamboja dan menjadi kadet perwira pada Angkatan Udara Kerajaan Kamboja dimana lulus dengan peringkat teratas di kelasnya.