Just wondering who here is considering joining or already in the DEP program and for which branch of the miltary.

I am considering joining the Marine Corps.... not really considering though, waiting to turn 17 and trying to convice my parents to sign when I do.

I plan on joining the USMC as well when I turn 18 because my parents also won't sign for me so I have to wait until Jan.

I'm in the DEP for the Marines, I go to boot camp in January.

I am currently in the DEP program for the Army. I leave for BCT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MS on July 13th. Going in as a 91W

first off what the gell is DEP?

(Im currently in the reserves as an 88mike and im waiting to ship to boot on june 6th.)

delayed entry program aka DEP

Have fun in boot camp. lol

How are you in the reserves without going to boot camp yet?

Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP)

Once the job counselors have helped you determine what job/enlistment program you are going to enlist in, they will complete the paperwork, and you'll sign an enlistment contract (and take an oath), enlisting you in the DEP (Delayed Enlistment Program). The DEP is a "holding status" while you are waiting for your scheduled shipping date to basic training. When you enlist in the DEP, you are actually in the military. You are enlisted in the inactive reserves, and are legally (and morally) bound by your enlistment contract.

(Note: The National Guard does not have DEP. When you sign on the dotted line in the National Guard, you immediately become a member of your National Guard Unit. Some units even allow you to drill and receive pay before you've even attended basic training).

One final thing about the DEP some recruiters may not want you to know: In this program, you enlist, and "promise" to ship out for boot camp on the designated date. This is a binding contract, and if the military wanted to, they could prosecute you for not shipping out on the date specified on the contract. However, current regulations and policies require the military services to discharge you from the DEP, if -- at any time before shipping out -- you apply to be released from the contract (the request should be in writing and should state the reason you wish to be discharged from the DEP). If a recruiter tells you that you will go to jail if you back out of DEP, he/she's lying to you. If he/she tells you that you will never be able to enlist again, he/she is lying to you. If they tell you that you will be "blacklisted," he/she is lying to you. If he/she tells you that you will be given a "general" discharge, he/she is lying to you.

In fact, the only bad consequences to dropping out of the DEP, is that if you later want to enlist in that same service, it will be on THEIR terms, not yours. Most services have policies that require a waiver processing for recruits who previously dropped out of DEP of their service. Because of this, many programs (such as guaranteed job) may not be available, should you change you mind (Note: This doesn't apply if you drop out of the DEP of one service, then join a different service).

That being said, if you request a discharge from the DEP, expect your recruiter to be (justifiably) angry. He/she's invested several hours of his/her valuable time in your enlistment, and the military has spent a significant amount of time and funds in your tests and medical physical. Additionally, if you drop out, you're no longer filling a "slot" that must be filled, and the recruiter must now try and find someone to fill that slot. Don't enlist in the DEP unless you are 100% sure you want to join the military. See The Delayed Enlistment Program for more detailed information.