Major General Privratsky received his commission in 1969 from ROTC at Eastern Washington State College.

His initial assignments as an Infantry Officer, included serving in Vietnam as a Rifle Platoon Leader and S3 Air in 1-502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He commanded HHC, 3rd Brigade, 82nd irborne Division; 193rd Logistics Battalion; 48th Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Division; Division Support Command, 6th Infantry Division; Defense Distribution Center, and Military Traffic Management Command. Other key assignments include Chief, Strategic Mobility Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics; and Director, Transportation, Energy and Troop Support. He retired in 2002 after serving 33 years.

His decorations and badges include: Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (w/ OLC), Legion of Merit (w/ OLC), Bronze Star Medal (w/ OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (w/ 3OLCs), two Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Army Staff Identification Badge.