What is delayed entry program

This is the most commonly chosen way of getting out of the DEP. Some people feel more comfortable contacting recruiters and asking to be released from the DEP before their ship date comes. Many feel that they owe the recruiter the courtesy of notifying them that they have changed their mind so that the recruiter can spend his or her time elsewhere.

Some people feel it is more official to send a formal letter asking to be discharged. It is not necessary to write a letter or give an explanation for the change in mind. For those who choose to write a letter, be aware that notifying the recruiter signals to them that it is time to step up their pressure. Many people report seeing a less friendly side of recruiters after informing them they have changed their plans.

Again, giving a reason is unecessary. If you explain why you have changed your mind, recruiters will often say that the particular reason you have given, whatever it is, is not a valid one anyway. Many people also have reported recruiters using threats, dishonesty, and intimidation tactics to scare people into staying in.

All this can create a false impression that a person cannot get out of the military or that getting out will lead to a bad discharge. While many people choose to notify the military in advance, it is important to keep in mind that a person does not need the military's prior permission to get out. Seeking permission can lead to a great deal of frustration because recruiters rarely ever give anyone clear permission to not show up on the ship date.

While recruiters know that people who don't show up are released, they rarely admit this reality. So whether or not a person has formally or informally asked to get out of the DEP, most DEP members who change their minds will still find themselves having to decide whether or not to report on the ship date. Choosing not to report on the ship date has led to uncharacterized dishcarges in all known cases, whereas reporting to boot camp makes getting out a much more complicated process with potentially far more serious ramifications.

Sometimes recruiters will insist that a person who wants to get out come to their office to fill out forms or paperwork Often, this is just a tactic to get the recuit into the office to resell them on enlisment. Sometimes after filling out such forms people are told that someone higher up did not approve the discharge.

In reality it is not necessary to fill out any additional forms or paperwork to be released from the DEP. A person who has decided they will not report can move on with their new life plans of finding a job, going to college, etc. GI Rights counselors recognize that getting out of the DEP can be very stressfull for people who are used to thinking in terms of contracts being unbreakable or who have difficulty going against what authorites or people in uniform say.

Be assured that in thousands of cases, we have yet to have a single person that was forced to go into the military after changing their mind in the DEP, despite many people having been told the opposite by recruiters.

But those interested in this program have some commitments to make. The recruiter will also discuss with DEPers:. In most cases, recruits may be in delayed entry status as a Future Soldier for a few months to as long as one year. In general, you may not be on DEP status for more than days.

DEP enlistees can expect to participate in Army fitness programs while they wait to ship out. The U. Even as a recruit you will have the opportunity to step up and take a leadership role as a Recruit Petty Officer or other designated recruit job. START includes information on basic chain of command issues, military expectations, what to bring to boot camp, etc. Like the Army, Navy enlistees who are in DEP status may remain so for a few months up to a full year or days total.

The challenges recruits overcome together unite them in a way nothing else can. Gain direct access to a Marine Recruiter who has fought alongside Marines and is prepared to show you how to become one. One doesn't consider an endeavor of this magnitude without having questions. Here are some of the most common. Request Information.

Details include: You will earn a guaranteed program in writing as you develop friendships and cultivate bonds with other aspiring Marines. You will attend family nights with your family and other members of the Delayed Entry Program. Contact a Recruiter Gain direct access to a Marine Recruiter who has fought alongside Marines and is prepared to show you how to become one. FAQS One doesn't consider an endeavor of this magnitude without having questions.

M ost recruits today join the military through the DEP. This means that you sign a contract, sometimes while still in high school, promising to enlist in the military at some future date, up to one year away. While in the DEP, you are actually an untrained member of the non-drilling Reserve component of the military. If you choose to remain in the DEP, you will show up on your assigned date at the Military Entrance Processing Station MEPS , at which time you will be discharged from the Reserves and you will sign a new contract to re-enlist in the active branch of the military you have chosen.

If you choose not to join the military after signing up for the DEP, all you have to do is not show up and you will not be in the military. You do not have to have any further contact with your recruiter or anyone else in the military.

You are not obligated by law, or any authority, to answer the door or the phone, or to go anywhere with the recruiter.