My friend did 23yrs in the life guards (he started in the old junior leaders) When they are not no ceremonial duties the LGs are usually deployed as a recce unit or in MBTs and are equipped just like the rest of the army. He served on Foxes, Chieftans, Chally 1 & 2s Scorpians Simitars and finally in the Strikers. In Gulf war the some of household Cavalry (including my mate) were attached to the 7th Armoured brigade in Chally 1s. In Gulf War 2 they used Simitar 1s & 2s with the bar armoured add on kits