Pilate likely joined the army as a military tribune, or junior commander; passed through the ranks during successive tours of duty; and was appointed governor before he was 30 years old.
Kemungkinan besar, Pilatus masuk ketentaraan sebagai kepala pasukan militer, atau komandan junior; naik pangkat seraya melakukan berbagai tugas dinasnya; lalu dilantik menjadi gubernur sebelum ia berumur 30 tahun.