Delayed Entry Program

The Delayed Entry Program (DEP), also called the Delayed Enlistment Program (or called the Future Soldiers Program in the Army), is a program whereby individuals going into active duty in the United States Armed Forces enlist first in the DEP before they ship out to Basic Training, or "boot camp." While those who join the DEP have signed an enlistment agreement to report on a certain date for training, they are not yet a member of the United States Armed Forces until they enlist in the regular component of their selected branch on their ship date.