Joachim Schlichting joined the pre-war Luftwaffe, and served with the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War.

On 1 November 1939 he was transferred as Geschwader Adjutant of the newly formed Jagdgeschwader 27 (JG 27—27th Fighter Wing) under Geschwaderkommodore Max Ibel.

In the Battle of Britain he claimed his 8th victory (a Spitfire of 152 Squadron ; S/L P. Devitt returned to base, damaged) over Portland on 25 July 1940.

After World war II he joined the Bundeswehr of the Federal Republic of Germany and served as the Chief of Staff of the 5.

[1] According to US historian David T. Zabecki, Schlichting was credited with eight aerial victories, five of which during the Spanish Civil War.