1stSgt Cardenas enlisted in the Marine Corps on 6 June 2006, after completing basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, California, 1stSgt Cardenas reported to Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), School of Infantry (SOI) West, and attained the 0311 MOS, Basic Rifleman.
In November of 2006, 1stSgt Cardenas checked into H&S Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR), Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a Squad Automatic Rifleman (SAW).
In February 2007 1stSgt Cardenas deployed to Rawah, Iraq as a SAW Gunner, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1stSgt Cardenas received a Purple Heart and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions as a SAW Gunner. In April 2008 1stSgt Cardenas deployed to Mosul, Iraq as a Team Leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In October 2010 1stSgt Cardenas executed orders to 1st Intelligence Battalion. While there, 1stSgt Cardenas served with Counter Intelligence Support Company. In 2012 1stSgt Cardenas deployed on a Joint Task Force Mission with Ground Sensor Platoon to the US-Mexico border. 1stSgt Cardenas also served as an instructor at Corporals Course.
January 2013 1stSgt Cardenas reported to Combat Instructor School, SOI-West. 1stSgt Cardenas was assigned to Alpha Company ITB and then he was selected to teach at Combat Instructor School. During his tour, 1stSgt Cardenas attended and obtained the additional MOS’s of 0331 Machine Gunner, 0341 Mortar man, 0351 Assaultman, 0933 Combat Marksmanship Coach, 0931 Combat Marksmanship Trainer, 0365 Infantry Squad Leader, 0369 Infantry Platoon Sergeant.
In July 2016, 1stSgt Cardenas executed orders to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. 1stSgt Cardenas deployed with 1st Platoon, Lima Company as a Platoon Sergeant in support of Marine Rotational Force Darwin Australia. In January 2018, 1stSgt Cardenas deployed to Al-Taqqadum Air Base, Iraq in support of SPMAGTF CC 19.3. 1stSgt Cardenas obtained the MOS of 0918 MCIWS. 1stSgt Cardenas was HSST for Special Duty Assignment.
In July 2019, 1stSgt Cardenas reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego, CA. Upon graduation 1stSgt Cardenas was assigned to 2nd Bn, Fox Company, where he trained recruits for 7 cycles and then was selected to train Drill Instructors at Drill Instructor School for 4 cycles. 1stSgt Cardenas obtained the MOS of 0917 MAI during this time.
In October, 2022, 1stSgt Cardenas checked into 3d Battalion 5rd Marines and served as the Company Operations Chief for H&S Company and then served as 1stSgt for Company L. 1stSgt Cardenas deployed with V3/5 to Okinawa, Japan. 1stSgt Cardenas attended and graduated the E-8 Regional Seminar and 1stSgt Course.
1stSgt Cardenas personal awards include: Silver Star, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal with C device and Combat Action Ribbon.