until July 1957. He completed the Amphibious Warfare School, Junior Course, Quantico in June 1958, then returned to Headquarters Marine Corps for duty as assistant to the legislative assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Promoted lieutenant colonel in October 1959, he was detached from Headquarters Marine Corps in July 1961 and assumed duty for one year as special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Logistics), Navy Department. Lieutenant Colonel Beckington returned to Camp Lejeune in July 1962 and served, consecutively, as a battalion commander, 2nd Anti-tank Battalion, executive officer, Eighth Marines, 2nd Marine Division, and as assistant chief of staff, G-3, Force Troops. This was followed by duty from March 1965 until September 1967 as Military Aide to the Vice President of the United States, the Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. He earned his first Legion of Merit during this assignment, and was promoted to colonel in September 1965. Ordered to the Republic of Vietnam, he served initially as assistant chief of staff, G-5, 1st Marine Division, as assistant chief of staff, G-2, ITT Marine Amphibious Force, and again with the 1st Marine Division, as commanding officer of the 7th Marines. For his Vietnam service, he earned his second and third Legion of Merit with Combat "V". Upon his return to the United States in February 1969, Colonel Beckington served briefly as chief of the Academic Department, Education Center, Quantico. In April, he returned to Headquarters Marine Corps for duty in the Policy Analysis Division. Beckington was promoted to brigadier general on August 15, 1969, and was reassigned duty as assistant director, and later, deputy director of personnel and was awarded his fourth award of the Legion of Merit. From November 1971 until August 1972, General Beckington was the assistant commander, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune. Reporting to Headquarters Marine Corps in August 1972, he was promoted to major general and assigned as assistant deputy chief of staff (plans) and director, Joint Planning Group. On July 1, 1973, he assumed the duties as deputy chief of staff (plans and programs) and was promoted to lieutenant general. Due to a reorganization of Headquarters Marine Corps, he was reassigned as deputy chief of staff, plans and operations, in October 1973. Beckington retired from active duty on September 1, 1975, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal upon his retirement. In 1977, Beckington took the position of