Questions about Delayed Entry Program (DEP)

Hey everyone, I'm in my junior year of high school right now and I'm pretty set on going into the military after I graduate. I heard about this thing called the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) that lets you sign up ahead of time. But hypothetically, if something changed in my life and I wanted to switch branches while in DEP, is that possible? Or would I be locked into my first choice right from the start? Would appreciate any thoughts on this matter.

While it's commendable that you have such an early commitment to serving in the military, it's also understandable to want to keep your options open as life unfolds. As for your question, generally, it's not impossible to switch branches while in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), but it can be complicated.

DEP allows future service members to commit to a branch of service while delaying their active duty enlistment for up to a year. Once you're in the program, you're technically enlisted in the respective branch's Reserve component. If you decide to switch branches, the enlistment of the current branch would need to be discharged—this involves a fair amount of bureaucracy and isn’t a guarantee. Generally, it's the military branch you're trying to leave that will have to grant you a discharge, and their reason for either allowing or not allowing it varies.

It's advisable to hold off on enlisting in DEP until you're confident about your branch choice. Think thoroughly about your motivations for joining, your career aspirations, and what each branch can offer in terms of opportunities and experiences. Conduct thorough research, talk to recruiters from different branches, and discuss with individuals who are currently serving or have served before. This will help you make a more informed decision about which branch to enlist in.

Remember, committing to serve in the military is a significant decision carrying heavy weight and responsibility. The choices you make now will serve as the cornerstone for your military career, so take the necessary time to ensure you're making the best decision for your future.