How Long Was Elvis in the Military?
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is one of the most iconic figures in music history. However, his time in the military is often overshadowed by his musical accomplishments. In this article, we will delve into the details of Elvis’s military service and answer the question: How long was Elvis in the military?
Elvis’s Draft Notice
On April 24, 1958, Elvis received his draft notice from the United States Army. He was 23 years old at the time and had just finished his second film, "King Creole." The draft notice was a surprise to Elvis, who had been hoping to avoid military service. However, he was classified as 1-A, which meant he was eligible for induction into the army.
Basic Training
Elvis reported to the Memphis draft board on December 20, 1957, and was subsequently sent to Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment. Elvis’s training was completed on March 5, 1958, and he was promoted to the rank of Private First Class.
ASVAB Test
As part of his basic training, Elvis took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. The test is designed to assess a person’s aptitude in various subjects, including mathematics, science, and language. Elvis scored 94, which was above average.
Assignment to Germany
After completing basic training, Elvis was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division in Bayreuth, Germany. He was stationed in Germany from October 1, 1958, to March 5, 1960.
Rank and Duties
During his time in the military, Elvis held the rank of Private First Class and later Sergeant. He was assigned to the Military Police Corps, where he was responsible for maintaining order and discipline among the troops.
Music and the Military
While in the military, Elvis continued to pursue his music career. He would often perform for his fellow soldiers and even recorded a few songs, including "Flaming Star" and "A Big Hunk o’ Love." These recordings were released as singles and became popular among the military audience.
Discharge
Elvis was honorably discharged from the military on March 5, 1960, after serving for 1 year, 9 months, and 15 days. His discharge was due to expiration of term of service, which meant that he had completed his required period of service.
Comparison to Other Celebrities
Elvis’s military service was unique compared to other celebrities of his time. While many celebrities, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, avoided military service through their connections and wealth, Elvis chose to serve his country. This decision was largely due to his patriotism and sense of duty.
Table: Elvis’s Military Service
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 24, 1958 | Draft notice received |
| December 20, 1957 | Reporting to Fort Hood, Texas |
| March 5, 1958 | Basic training completed |
| October 1, 1958 | Assignment to Germany |
| March 5, 1960 | Discharge from the military |
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s time in the military was a significant period in his life. He served for 1 year, 9 months, and 15 days, completing his required period of service. Despite his fame and wealth, Elvis chose to serve his country, demonstrating his patriotism and sense of duty. This experience had a profound impact on his life and career, shaping him into the person he became.
