What is DEP in the Military?
The Delayed Entry Program (DEP) is a program designed by the United States military to allow individuals to enlist in the military while still in high school or college. This program allows students to delay their entry into the military until after they have completed their education, typically after graduation.
History of DEP
The DEP was established in 1973 as a way to allow high school students to enlist in the military while still completing their education. The program was created to give students the opportunity to serve their country while also completing their education. Over the years, the DEP has evolved to include students from colleges and universities as well.
Benefits of DEP
There are several benefits to enlisting in the DEP:
- Flexibility: The DEP allows students to delay their entry into the military until after they have completed their education.
- Education: The DEP allows students to continue their education while also serving their country.
- Career Opportunities: The DEP provides students with career opportunities in the military and in civilian life.
- Leadership Skills: The DEP provides students with leadership skills and experience that can be valuable in both military and civilian life.
- Financial Benefits: The DEP provides students with financial benefits, including education benefits and enlistment bonuses.
How to Enlist in DEP
To enlist in the DEP, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Individuals must be between the ages of 17 and 35.
- Citizenship: Individuals must be U.S. citizens.
- Education: Individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Physical Fitness: Individuals must meet the physical fitness standards of the military branch they wish to enlist in.
- ASVAB Scores: Individuals must score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Military Branches and DEP
Each military branch has its own DEP program, with its own requirements and benefits. Here is a breakdown of the DEP programs for each military branch:
- Army DEP: The Army DEP is designed for high school students and college students who want to enlist in the Army.
- Navy DEP: The Navy DEP is designed for high school students and college students who want to enlist in the Navy.
- Air Force DEP: The Air Force DEP is designed for high school students and college students who want to enlist in the Air Force.
- Marine Corps DEP: The Marine Corps DEP is designed for high school students and college students who want to enlist in the Marine Corps.
- Coast Guard DEP: The Coast Guard DEP is designed for high school students and college students who want to enlist in the Coast Guard.
DEP vs. Delayed Entry
There is often confusion between the DEP and Delayed Entry. Here is a breakdown of the two:
- DEP: The DEP is a program that allows individuals to enlist in the military while still in high school or college.
- Delayed Entry: Delayed Entry is a program that allows individuals to delay their entry into the military for a specific period of time, typically 1-2 years.
Conclusion
The DEP is a program that allows individuals to enlist in the military while still in high school or college. The program provides individuals with flexibility, education, career opportunities, leadership skills, and financial benefits. Each military branch has its own DEP program, with its own requirements and benefits. By understanding the DEP and its benefits, individuals can make an informed decision about their military career.
Table: DEP Requirements
Requirement | Army | Navy | Air Force | Marine Corps | Coast Guard |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age | 17-35 | 17-35 | 17-35 | 17-35 | 17-35 |
Citizenship | U.S. citizen | U.S. citizen | U.S. citizen | U.S. citizen | U.S. citizen |
Education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
Physical Fitness | Must meet Army physical fitness standards | Must meet Navy physical fitness standards | Must meet Air Force physical fitness standards | Must meet Marine Corps physical fitness standards | Must meet Coast Guard physical fitness standards |
ASVAB Scores | Must score well on ASVAB test | Must score well on ASVAB test | Must score well on ASVAB test | Must score well on ASVAB test | Must score well on ASVAB test |
Bullets: DEP Benefits
• Flexibility
• Education
• Career Opportunities
• Leadership Skills
• Financial Benefits
• Education benefits
• Enlistment bonuses