From the Household Cavalry to the Cadet Force: Richard Ward’s Story

Richard Ward served as a trooper in the Household Cavalry, Blues and Royals, for seven years, splitting his time between the ceremonial and armoured roles. His military career came to an unexpected end when he was seriously injured in Afghanistan in 2009, driving over an IED that resulted in him becoming a double below-knee amputee. He was medically discharged in 2010. Today, Richard volunteers with the Army Cadets, bringing his experience, knowledge and outlook to the next generation. 

Life After the Army 

Being medically discharged was not Richard’s choice, and he is candid about the impact that had on him. “My career is done,” he remembers thinking. In a dark period following his discharge, he got rid of all his kit and equipment, feeling that chapter of his life was firmly closed. 

But the pull of green kit and the outdoors never really left him. Voluntariado con los Cadetes del Ejército has given Richard a renewed sense of purpose. “Getting back in the green kit has given me a bit of a boost in life,” he says. “I definitely enjoy being with the cadets and passing knowledge on to them and seeing them strive and go further.” 

Richard was a cadet himself before joining the army, so the environment felt familiar. Returning to it has brought back something he had missed. 

What Volunteering Actually Looks Like 

For anyone wondering about the time commitment, Richard is reassuring. A typical week involves two parade nights, though he personally attends one due to other commitments. Beyond that, there are occasional training weekends and rifle ranges. “Generally from month to month, it’s only really a couple of days’ worth of time,” he explains. 

The structure is manageable, and the rewards are significant. 

What Veterans Bring to the Cadets 

Richard believes veterans offer something that is genuinely difficult to replicate. The military ethos, the instinct to get things done, and the lived experience of service all come naturally. “The cadets definitely respect the service behind it,” he says, noting that even young people who have no intention of joining the armed forces gain a much richer understanding of military life through working alongside veterans. 

His own situation as an amputee adds another dimension. When cadets first meet him, some are taken aback, but Richard sees that as an opportunity. “When cadets think that they can’t do something, to have someone around them that shows that nothing is really impossible if you want to push through it” makes a real difference. 

He also points out that veterans do not have to learn the core knowledge from scratch, the way civilian instructors might. It is already part of who they are. 

The Camaraderie Is Still There 

For Richard, one of the unexpected joys of volunteering has been rediscovering a sense of belonging. It may not be quite the same as life on operations, but the spirit is familiar. “There’s definitely that element of camaraderie and just living the best life,” he says. 

He has yet to meet a veteran who regrets getting involved. “Ninety-nine per cent of us would say we’d love to go back to that life at some point,” he reflects. Volunteering with the cadets is, for many, the closest thing to it. 

Ready to Give Something Back? 

If you are a veteran and Richard’s story resonates with you, the Army Cadets want to hear from you. Your experience, skills and outlook could make a real difference to young people across the country, and the commitment is far more flexible than you might expect. 

Watch Richard’s testimonial below