Delayed Entry Program
Encyclopedia
The Delayed Entry Program, also called the Delayed Enlistment Program, is a program where individuals going into active duty in the United States Armed Forces
enlist first into the DEP before they ship out to Basic Training
, or "boot camp". This is not a legally binding contract
, but an agreement to report to a training station (the location of one's Basic Training) by a certain date. The agreement also guarantees a certain job for the enlistee. Under the current regulations, an individual can remain in the DEP for up to 365 days, after which the recruit will either have to report for training, begin the enlistment process again, or request separation from the DEP. However, regulations governing the Army
, Navy
, Marines
, Air Force
, and Coast Guard vary.
When Army
, Navy
, Marine
and Air Force
recruits are in DEP, they will spend time with their recruiter and begin training them in military fundamentals such as drill and ceremony, first aid
, chain of command
, and rank structure
prior to active duty
enlistment.
Contrary to what many people believe, status in the DEP does count towards the 8 year commitment also known as obligated service. It does, however, count towards the first pay raise in the Armed Forces.
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
enlist first into the DEP before they ship out to Basic Training
Recruit training
Recruit training, more commonly known as Basic Training and colloquially called Boot Camp, is the initial indoctrination and instruction given to new military personnel, enlisted and officer...
, or "boot camp". This is not a legally binding contract
Contract
A contract is an agreement entered into by two parties or more with the intention of creating a legal obligation, which may have elements in writing. Contracts can be made orally. The remedy for breach of contract can be "damages" or compensation of money. In equity, the remedy can be specific...
, but an agreement to report to a training station (the location of one's Basic Training) by a certain date. The agreement also guarantees a certain job for the enlistee. Under the current regulations, an individual can remain in the DEP for up to 365 days, after which the recruit will either have to report for training, begin the enlistment process again, or request separation from the DEP. However, regulations governing the Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, Marines
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, and Coast Guard vary.
When Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, Marine
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
and Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
recruits are in DEP, they will spend time with their recruiter and begin training them in military fundamentals such as drill and ceremony, first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
, chain of command
Chain of Command
Chain of Command may refer to:* Chain of command, in a military context, the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed* "Chain of Command" , the fifth episode of the first season of Beast Wars...
, and rank structure
Military rank
Military rank is a system of hierarchical relationships in armed forces or civil institutions organized along military lines. Usually, uniforms denote the bearer's rank by particular insignia affixed to the uniforms...
prior to active duty
Active duty
Active duty refers to a full-time occupation as part of a military force, as opposed to reserve duty.-Pakistan:The Pakistan Armed Forces are one of the largest active service forces in the world with almost 610,000 full time personnel due to the complex and volatile nature of Pakistan's...
enlistment.
Contrary to what many people believe, status in the DEP does count towards the 8 year commitment also known as obligated service. It does, however, count towards the first pay raise in the Armed Forces.