[3][4][5] Cardon received his commission upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1982.

[6] During his tenure Cardon has held commands at every organizational level of the Army, ranging from platoon, division, field army, and component command.

[12][13] Cardon served as commander of US Army Cyber Command and the 2nd Army until October 14, 2016, when he was succeeded as commanding officer by Lieutenant General Paul M. Nakasone upon his was appointment as chief of the United States Army Office of Business Transformation.

[5][14] In addition to receiving his bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Cardon has also attended the National War College where he received a MS in National Security and Strategic Studies and the United States Naval Command and Staff College where he received a second Master of Science in National Security Strategic Studies.

[6][3][4][15] As DIROBT, Cardon was tasked by the army's top officer to review the problem and devise ways to strengthen the senior officer corps.