When was elvis in the military?

When was Elvis in the Military?

Elvis Presley, the legendary American musician, is widely known for his iconic music, dance moves, and charismatic stage presence. However, few people know that Elvis served in the United States Army during the mid-1950s. In this article, we will explore Elvis’s military service, including when he was in the military and what he did during his time in the Army.

Elvis’s Path to the Military

By the mid-1950s, Elvis’s popularity was skyrocketing. His unique blend of rock and roll, gospel, and country music had captured the hearts of millions of young Americans. However, Elvis’s draft notice arrived in December 1957, and he was classified 1-A, which meant he was eligible for military service.

Elvis’s Military Service

Elvis enlisted in the United States Army on March 24, 1958. He was assigned to the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, West Germany. Elvis’s military career lasted for two years and eight months, from October 1958 to March 1960.

Here is a breakdown of Elvis’s military service:

• Basic Training: Elvis underwent basic training at the Fort Hood, Texas, where he learned basic soldiering skills, including first aid, marksmanship, and physical fitness. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, and was ranked as a specialist 5th class, equivalent to a corporal.
• Advanced Individual Training: After completing basic training, Elvis received advanced individual training at Fort Hood, where he learned tank maintenance and repair skills. He was promoted to staff sergeant and became a qualified tank mechanic.
• Deployment to West Germany: In October 1958, Elvis arrived in Friedberg, West Germany, where he served with the 3rd Armored Division. His unit was responsible for patrolling the border with East Germany, which was a highly militarized zone at the time.

Elvis’s Life in the Military

Life in the military was not easy for Elvis. He was required to maintain a strict regimen, with limited free time and restricted access to his beloved music. However, Elvis was determined to make the best of his time in the Army. Here are a few interesting facts about Elvis’s life in the military:

• Rank: Elvis was promoted to staff sergeant, which was the highest rank an enlisted person could achieve in the Army at the time.
• Duty: Elvis’s primary duty was as a tank mechanic, responsible for maintaining and repairing tanks.
• Leaves: Elvis was granted limited leaves, which he often used to visit his friends and family in the United States.
• Off-duty activities: Elvis spent his free time playing blackjack, watching movies, and listening to music on his transistor radio.

Conclusion

Elvis Presley’s time in the military was a significant period in his life. Although it was not his favorite chapter, Elvis took his responsibility as a soldier seriously and served with distinction. Despite the challenges, Elvis emerged from his military service a more mature and focused individual, ready to resume his music career and become an even greater icon in popular culture.

Timeline

Here is a timeline of Elvis’s military service:

Bibliography

• "Elvis Presley: The Man and His Music" by Peter Guralnick
• "Elvis Presley: A Life" by James L. Dickerson
• "The Elvis Files: The Air Force Years" by Elaine Dundy

In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s time in the military was a significant chapter in his life. Despite the challenges, Elvis emerged a more mature and focused individual, ready to resume his music career and become an even greater icon in popular culture.