Kalkreuth was born in Sotterhausen near Sangerhausen. He entered the regiment of Gardes du Corps in 1752, and in 1758 was adjutant or aide de camp to Frederick the Great's brother, Prince Henry, with whom he served throughout the later stages of the Seven Years' War. He won special distinction at the battle of Freiberg (September 29, 1762), for which Frederick promoted him major. The Dictées du Feldmarechal Kalckreuth were published by his son (Paris, 1844).