memes

You can read more about the scam they were referring to from Colonel Parker's Wikipedia article.

Presley had been showing signs of rebellion against Parker, and Parker believed that a stint in the Army would cure him of this. Parker was looking ahead when he persuaded Presley to become a soldier. Presley had wanted to join Special Services, allowing him the opportunity to perform while at the same time getting a more leisurely ride than other soldiers. Parker, on the other hand, was fully aware that any particular treatment given to Presley would instantly be used against him in the media and by those who disliked his style of music. If Presley could show the world that he was treated the same as any other young man, Parker told him, then more people would accept him and his music. Parker was also afraid that any attempt to block Presley from being drafted would result in a more detailed look into Parker's own service record. He also realized that it would be an excellent opportunity to promote Presley by having the media witness his induction day, including the army haircut that would see the shearing of Presley's iconic hairstyle.

While Presley served in West Germany, Parker appeared to be in complete control, but he was worried about the outside influences that Presley might encounter there. Parker had declined to travel to Europe to visit Presley, denying that he spoke any language other than English. He sent Presley's friends to keep him company, arranged for business associates to watch over him while working in Europe, and maintained regular contact with him. He was reportedly afraid that Presley would realize that other managers were prepared to sign contracts that did not require as much as 25% of his earnings.

I didn't say it was a scam by Elvis, I said it was a scam by his manager. Read the whole article, it clearly was. The manager convinced the selective service to immediately draft Elvis before his number came up, lying to them that Elvis would be a performer for the army, but then after he was drafted he convinced Elvis not to be an army performer and instead go into the regular army, even though Elvis didn't want to. Per the article, the manager did this specifically to make more money from Elvis's career

Huh? No one said Elvis didn't serve in the army

It’s common that VIP and celebrity conscriptions, where military service is voluntary, are mostly a propaganda stunt.

While the propaganda entices young people to go to the battle front because someone has to go, It’s also very common for celebrities to be sheltered from any real harm, since that could be detrimental to conscription.