Franklin served as a sergeant in C Squadron of the Rhodesian Special Air Service (SAS) before moving to the Selous Scouts. He was involved in the early concept and formation of pseudo-operations teams, which would pose as enemy guerrillas to gather intelligence and disrupt insurgent networks. Alongside Andre Rabie, he formed one of the first Army-backed pseudo teams at the Army Tracking Wing at Kariba.

Decorated with the Silver Cross of Rhodesia (SCR) for his actions and bravery.