George Strait is a proud veteran. Strait served in the Army after graduating from high school. Now 73, Strait looks back fondly on his time serving in the military.
“I spent three years in the service,” Strait recalls. “I had basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, then went up for AIT [Advanced Individual Training] in Fort Ben Harrison, Indiana. And then my final duty station was at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. And I spent two and a half years in Hawaii, two years in the Army, and then I stayed there six months after I got out.”
In fact, it was Strait’s time in the military that ultimately led to his country music career.
“The last year I was in the Army is when I started singing country music,” Strait reveals. “And the General, the Post Command and General started bands out of military personnel. And I got the job as the singer in the country band. And so that’s what I did. I sang country music for the Army.”
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George Strait’s Future in Country Music
There are few artists, in any genre of music who have had the success of George Strait. The Texan has been part of country music for almost his entire adult life, and is still touring and making albums. He just announced a show with Cody Johnson in 2026, and one with Miranda Lambert, although he says his days of touring may soon be winding down.
During a stadium show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania earlier this year, Strait hinted he knew when he might call it quits.
“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you folks,” Strait said at the time. “But hell, it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did … [When] I walk through those curtains and I see your smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again until I walk back out and get on that bus. I don’t know how many more years I can do this, but I figure a few. I do want you to know though, I do walk off this stage, and I’m settled in far away from all of this, you won’t be far away. I’ll still hear your screams and cheers in my mind, and I will always remember you.”
The King of Country Music wrapped up his 2025 Stadium Tour earlier this year, which included Chris Stapleton on all dates. That tour was extended from 2024, due to fan demand.
“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back,” Strait said when announcing the new dates. “Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have. Thank you for an amazing year last year, and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year.”
Photo Credit: Joe Pugliese