- Early military training: Napoléon showed an early passion for the military. At the age of 16, he entered the École Militaire (Military Academy) in Paris, where he excelled in mathematics and artillery studies.
- Artillery Officer: After graduating from the academy, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the French Army's artillery regiment.
- Siege of Toulon: Napoléon made his first significant mark during the French Revolutionary Wars when he successfully led the French army in capturing the strategically important city of Toulon from the British-led coalition forces in 1793.
- General of the Army: Napoléon's exceptional skills and success on the battlefield quickly led to his rapid promotion through the ranks. By 1796, he became commander of the Army of Italy at the age of 27. This marked the beginning of his most renowned victories.
- Italian Campaign (1796-1797): Napoleon led the French army to a series of brilliant victories in Italy against the Austrian and Piedmontese forces, defeating larger and more experienced armies in numerous battles, such as the battles of Arcole, Lodi, and Rivoli.
- Egyptian Campaign (1798-1799): Despite its ultimate failure, the Egyptian campaign allowed Napoleon to showcase his military and administrative abilities in dealing with diverse landscapes and foreign cultures. However, due to the British naval victory at the Battle of the Nile and his unsuccessful siege of Acre, he returned to France.
- Coup d'etat and rise to power: Upon his return from Egypt, Napoleon took advantage of political instability in France to stage a coup d'etat known as the "Coup of 18 Brumaire" in 1799. This event made him the First Consul of France, paving the way for his ascent to power and his eventual coronation as Emperor in 1804.
- The Consulate period (1799-1804): Throughout this time, Napoleon continued to play an active role in military campaigns, leading to successes such as the victory at the Battle of Marengo in 1800, which consolidated his power in France. The period also saw the expansion of French influence and territory on the European continent.
Overall, prior to becoming Emperor, Napoleon's military experience includes both successful campaigns and some setbacks, demonstrating his military genius and contributing to his fame as a remarkable military leader in modern history.