Schlichting was born in Berlin, the son of a Prussian general who was then the commander of the Kriegsakademie (War Academy).

In many respects his early career was typical: he matriculated in the cadet corps and received his commission as a lieutenant at the age of 18.

He saw action against Austria in the Seven Weeks War of 1866, and at the end of that year was promoted to major and seconded to the General Staff.

In 1872 Schlichting was appointed chief of staff of the VII Army Corps, based in Münster, a post which he held for two years.

From 1874 to 1878 he commanded an infantry regiment at Spandau, after which he was made chief of staff of the Guard Corps, a highly prestigious position.