Elvis Presley’s two years in the military after being drafted in 1958 had a positive impact on his life and career. For his service in the army Elvis earned respect from many of the critics who fiercely condemned him during the early years of his career. Elvis transformed from a rebel persona like James Dean into a patriotic establishment figure like John Wayne. Also in the army Elvis met Priscilla Beaulieu, who later became his wife and mother of his only child. But there was also a downside to his military career. He spent the two years in continual dread that during his time away his fans would desert him and that he would be unable to restart his career after his army discharge. Also, it was while stationed in Germany that Elvis began abusing prescription drugs, a habit that would later contribute to his death at the early age of 42.