WHAT DID ELVIS ACTUALLY DO DURING HIS STINT IN THE MILITARY?
By JOE GARZA
History - Science
Elvis Presley was at the height of his success, having delivered numerous hit songs and starred in several motion pictures, when he received his letter to enlist in the military on December 20, 1957. Even though his fans weren't happy and kept demanding his exemption, Presley fulfilled his civic duty, and on March 24, 1958, he enlisted as an army private.
According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Presley's time in the army was the same as all the other men who enlisted. He served in two armor battalions during his two-year stint, was posted overseas in Germany from October 1, 1958, to March 2, 1960, and was honorably discharged on March 5, 1960.
Thanks to his massive popularity, the King of Rock 'n' Roll received numerous perks not afforded to other soldiers — like setting up his unit with television sets — and he was more than happy to share them with his fellow troops. In fact, he was also allowed to finish filming his movie, "King Creole," before his induction into the military.
Presley wasn't a fan of the training and longed to be back home with his family, and he was also worried about the effect being in the army would have on his career. As it turned out, it made him even more popular and earned him respect from the older generation that was once frightened by his suggestive dance moves.