In August 1899, Popović was appointed head of the Engineering and Technical Department of the Ministry of War, and in addition to this duty, in February 1900 , he was appointed to the position of the king's aide. In the following period, he changed a number of positions. From October 1901 until April 1902, Popović was the commander of the Sumadija Infantry Brigade, and then the inspector of the engineering command of the Active Army. At the same time, from mid-August 1903 and he was also appointed a member of the Higher Military Council. The May Coup found him in the position of commander of the Pirot fortifications.
