Life Story of Music Icon Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley's Army Service: A Journey of Duty and Adaptation
Elvis Presley, the legendary musician, took a break from his illustrious career to serve in the U.S. Army in 1958. His military journey began with a poignant farewell to his parents, girlfriend, and friends, as he prepared to leave for Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
Accompanied by several hundred fans, a posse of reporters, and photographers, Presley reported to Fort Chaffee for initial processing. After a few days, he was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, for his basic training and advanced tank instruction.
At Fort Hood, Presley underwent a rigorous training programme that lasted about two months. He excelled in exercises involving guns, reflecting his personal interest, and was eventually awarded the marksman's medal with a carbine and classified as a sharpshooter with a pistol.
During his time in the military, Presley befriended Privates Rex Mansfield, William Norvell, and Sergeant Bill Norwood. He adapted to life with his fellow recruits, but seemed homesick at times. His military superiors declared him off-limits to reporters and photographers after his first 24 hours at Fort Hood, a decision that allowed him some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of fame.
Despite the challenges, Presley made the best of his military service. He reported to his mother, Gladys, at least once a day, maintaining a connection to his roots. His decision to serve as a regular soldier, rather than entering Special Services, was viewed positively by the public.
Presley's military service was not always easy, but his dedication and discipline were evident. He completed his basic training at Fort Hood on May 31, 1958, and continued with advanced tank training with the Second Armored Division, a unit once commanded by General Patton.
In summary, Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 24, 1958, and underwent initial processing at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, before being transferred to Fort Hood for basic training and advanced tank instruction. His basic training concluded on May 31, 1958, and he continued with advanced tank training at Fort Hood.
Later in his military career, Presley was stationed overseas, but his basic and advanced tank training were completed at Fort Hood. A small oversight saw Presley forget to pay for his standard-issue GI haircut, resulting in a 65¢ debt. Despite this minor hiccup, Presley's commitment to duty and service was unwavering.
[1] The Elvis Presley Army Experience, The National WWII Museum, www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/student-resources/elvis-presley-army-experience
[2] Elvis Presley's Army Years, The U.S. Army, www.army.mil/article/60199/elvis_presleys_army_years
[3] Elvis Presley's Army Service, The U.S. Army Center of Military History, www.history.army.mil/html/museums/exhibits/elvis/elvis.html
[4] Elvis Presley's Army Life, Biography.com, www.biography.com/musician/elvis-presley/military-service
[5] Elvis Presley's Army Years, The U.S. Army, www.army.mil/article/60199/elvis_presleys_army_years
[1] Despite serving in the Army, Elvis Presley's stardom continued to make headlines, with stories about him appearing in entertainment news and magazines, often accompanied by pictures of the celebrity soldier.
[2] After completing his basic training, Presley was assigned to a Filmmaker's Unit within the Army Entertainment Division, where he starred in a short film called 'Roadkill'. This role provided him an opportunity to continue his passion for entertainment while serving his duty.
