Like many before him, Grobler was conscripted after matriculating from high school to a two year tour of duty, between 1972 and 1974. He served briefly during the initial small engagements of the South African Border War in northern South West Africa but was called back to the Free State in late 1972 and stationed locally to be on call to assist the local police authority in quelling riots and uprisings. It was during this time that Grobler opted to remain in the Defense Force. He completed his tour of duty with distinction at the end of 1973 and enrolled at the South African Military Academy early the following year. He obtained his BA (Mil) degree while at Saldanha and was commissioned as a Captain in the Army. He notably served during Operation Reindeer in 1978 and was subsequently awar