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,[1] Navy, Marines,[2] Air Force,[3] 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.