Frank Hickling

Lieutenant General Francis John Hickling, (born 13 October 1941) is a retired senior Australian Army officer, whose career culminated with his appointment as Chief of Army from 1998 to 2000.

Military career Hickling graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, in 1961. He undertook regimental postings with the Royal Australian Engineers, and saw service in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.

After serving as the Director of Plans, Army, Hickling was appointed Commander, Northern Command and received the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for service in that role in 1993. This was followed by a posting as General Officer Commanding Training Command from 1992 to 1994. On promotion to Major General, Hickling then served as Commandant, Australian Defence Force Academy followed by Land Commander Australia from 1996 until 1998.

Hickling was promoted lieutenant general and appointed Chief of the Army in 1998.

In retirement he chaired the Review of the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) Scheme which reported in 2008.