Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wood was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, Georgia, 6 March 1954. His first duty assignment was to the 1st Armored Division.

His notable duty assignments include: Rifle Company Commander, Battalion Executive Officer, 2nd Infantry Division, Division Plans Officer, 2nd Infantry Division; Staff Officer to the Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Pentagon, Washington D.C.; Deputy Brigade Commander, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam, Commander, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, United States Army Vietnam; G3, 1st Cavalry Division.  His last duty assignment was as the Executive Officer to the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

His military education consists of: Infantry Officer Candidate School, Infantry Advanced Course, Basic Airborne Course, Infantry Training Centre, United States Army Command and General Staff College, Intelligence Community Officer Course, and Military Assistance Training Advance.

LTC Wood's military awards and decorations include: the Silver Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with “V” Device, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/ 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm (4th Award), Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Carbine Bar, and Airborne Badge.