Delayed Entry Program

Many students who enlist are signed up into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) for up to a year prior to reporting for active duty. Students can be signed up, with parent permission, before the age of 18. This way, qualifying students may be able to finish high school, for example, while at the same time reserving a position in the military following graduation.

According to Department of Defense policy, during the time before the DEP student departs for basic training, the student can void his or her contract with the military if he or she so wishes. He or she may do so without any penalty from the military.