Two years later he became a captain, and was first under fire at the siege of Philipsbourg.

In 1736 he married Mademoiselle Du Boulay, who brought him influential connections and some property.

In 1741 Montcalm took part in the campaign in Bohemia.

Two years later he was made colonel, and passed unharmed through the severe campaign of 1744.
In the following year he fought in the campaign in Italy, and, in 1746, was wounded at the disastrous action at Piacenza, where he twice rallied his regiment, received five sabre cuts, and was made prisoner.
He was soon liberated on parole, and was promoted, in the following year, to the rank of brigadier general, and, being exchanged for an officer of similar rank, rejoined the army, and was again wounded by a musket shot.

Shortly afterwards the peace of Aix la Chapelle was signed, and Montcalm remained living quietly with his family, to whom he was tenderly attached, until informed, by the minister of war, that he had selected him to command the troops in North America, with the rank of major general.