Before the outbreak of World War I, Rozwadowski joined the Austro-Hungarian Army as an artillery officer . He and, later, his son were taught to ride at the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Rozwadowski also served For many years as the Austrian military attaché in Bucharest, Romania. In 1914 he was appointed to command the 12th Artillery Brigade attached to the Kraków-based 12th Infantry Division. A skilled commander, he was then appointed to command the 43rd Infantry Division, which he led during the victorious battle of Gorlice. He was awarded the Military Order of Maria Theresa for his distinguished conduct in that battle. He is also credited with the discovery of an artillery barrage tactic called Feuerwaltze – "Fire-roller". In the Austro-Hungarian Army he rose to the rank of Feldmarschalleutnant.
