Hugh Beck graduated from the Royal Military College on 15 December 1948. After various staff appointments and qualifying as a fixed wing pilot he served as an Air Observer with the UN Forces (Australian Component) in Korea. He was adjutant of 32nd Heavy Regiment from 4 January 1954 to 28 January 1957.

He attended the Australian Staff College in 1957 and was the SORA2 Directorate of Artillery at Army Head Quarters from 30 December 1957 to 16 November 1960. He was attached to Australian Army Staff (UK) for artillery training from 17 November 1960 to 3 February 1963 during which time he qualified on a Long Gunnery Staff Course at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill.

On return to Australia he was posted to the School of Artillery, Manly and then served with 4th Field Regiment RAA from 31 March 1964 to 31 January 1966. He was the AA & QMG, HQ Western Command from 1 February 1966 to 28 January 1968 during which time he was also the Admin Commander Western Command from 21 July 1966 to 27 August 1966.

He became the AAG HQ Northern Command on 29 January 1968 and became the Commanding Officer of 1st Field Regiment RAA on 1 September 1968.  He undertook a visit to Vietnam in November 1968 before deployment as Commanding Officer 1st Field Regiment during its tour in South Vietnam from 4 March 1969 until 11 March 1970 for which he was awarded the OBE.

Colonel Beck became the Chief Instructor at the School of Artillery, Manly on 7 Dec 70 and was promoted to Colonel on 24 January 72 when he became Colonel (Admin) HQ Eastern Command. He served as Colonel (Logistics) HQ Field Force Command from 1 November 1973 to 27 February 1975 and on 3 March 1975 he was posted as DAT (Pers) in Canberra.

Colonel Beck was noted for his humanity and is sadly missed by his family and the Regiment.