In 1774, Karl August von Beckers zu Westerstetten became honorary ensign in the Electoral Palatinate Leibregiment in Mannheim. In 1784 he became a lieutenant in the Palatinate Count von Birkenfeld regiment, where he became a captain in 1787. In 1790 he fought in the 4th Palatinate Grenadier Regiment against the Liège revolutionaries. He also took part in battles against France in 1794 and 1795. In 1795, he was promoted to major in the 3rd Grenadier Regiment, and in 1805 he became a colonel.
