Swearing into the Military during High School

Greetings, everyone! I'm seriously considering joining the military after graduation and I've heard about people getting sworn in during high school. Can someone explain how this works? Is it a part of some program or do I need to apply separately?

Hi there! It sounds like you're referring to the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), also known as the Delayed Enlistment Program. This program allows you to "swear in" and commit to the military while still in high school, but your active duty won't start until a later date. DEP is available in all branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the Army and Air National Guard.

Here's a basic overview of the process:

1. Meet a Recruiter: The first step is to contact a recruiter from the branch of the military you're interested in. This person will explain the different careers, benefits, and training opportunities available.

2. Physical and Mental Screening: After this, you'll visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) where you'll get a physical exam and take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine your job qualifications.

3. Choose a Career and Swear In: If you pass the physical and ASVAB, you'll meet with a career counselor to choose a career path. After that, you'll take an oath of enlistment. This is when you "swear in".

4. Delayed Entry: Once you've taken the oath, you enter the DEP. This means you're committed to the military, but your active duty (or active reserve status, if you choose the reserves) won't start until you go to Basic Training, which often happens after high school graduation.

Remember, it's a significant commitment to join the military, so it's essential to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. Reach out to a local recruiter, your high school counselor, or someone you know who's served in the military for more guidance.