The Air Force Delayed Enlistment Program is a great program for people who don’t know if they want to enlist in the Air Force but want to know more about it. But what is the Air Force Delayed Enlistment Program?
The Air Force Delayed Enlistment Program is a program that allows people unsure whether or not they want to enlist in the Air Force to go to basic training and have responsibilities, but not actually enlist. The trainee goes to basic training and can leave afterward if they decide not to enlist.
Now that you know what the Air Force DEP is, you may be wondering what responsibilities Air Force DEP members have, and what the DEP entails.
What Is the Air Force DEP?
The Air Force DEP is a program that allows people who are unsure whether or not they want to enlist in the Air Force to go to Basic Training and get some experience in the Air Force before they commit to enlisting and serving in the Air Force.
The Air Force DEP also allows you to finish completing all paperwork required to go to Basic Training before you go and before you receive orders if you have enlisted in the Air Force already. It also allows you to think about whether or not you want to enlist in the Air Force before you sign the papers that say you are an Airman.
When you join the DEP, you will sign papers that say that you will go to boot camp. Later on, you will receive orders about when and where you will go to boot camp. When you sign these papers, you are committing to going to boot camp and basic training.
While you are in the Air Force DEP, you are not on active duty in the Air Force and are not considered to be an official member. Instead, you are considered to be part of the Inactive Reserve of the Air Force. When you go to boot camp and Basic Training, you are considered to be a trainee, so you will have a trainee status and rank.
What Topics Are Covered During DEP Meetings?
Many different topics are covered during Air Force DEP meetings. Often, DEP meetings are held once or twice a month by a recruiter in the area, and all DEP members are required to go to these meetings. If you cannot attend a meeting, then you will need to tell your recruiter before the meeting that you will not be able to attend. Each meeting is lead by a recruiter.
What Not to Do While in DEP
During the Air Force DEP meeting, your recruiter will tell you what not to do while in the DEP. They will tell you not to break the law, not to go to crazy parties, not to smoke or do any drugs, etc. They will basically tell you not to do anything that will jeopardize your chances of being enlisted in the Air Force.
What to Expect During Air Force Service
During Air Force DEP meetings, the recruiter will tell you what to expect during boot camp, basic training, and what sort of duties you may have while in the DEP. They will also tell you what it is like to be a service member in the Air Force, what duties you will have while enlisted, what many deployments are like, and what areas you may serve in.
What It’s Like to Be in the Air Force
During Air Force DEP meetings your recruiter will tell you what it is like to be a member of the Air Force. They may bring other service members or former service members to the meetings to tell you about their experiences while serving in the Air Force.
Benefits to Being in the Air Force
During the Air Force DEP meetings, your recruiter will tell you about some benefits to being in the Air Force, such as the retirement fund that you receive and how much you will be paid every paycheck, although the amount will vary depending on your job in the Air Force.
Weigh-In
During the DEP meetings, your recruiter will measure and weigh you to make sure that you have not exceeded or gone below your weight requirements. They will also make sure that you are still the same height that you were at the last meeting. During the weigh-ins and measurements, your recruiter will likely ask you if anything in your life has changed in a way that may prevent you from enlisting in the Air Force.
The video that is linked below is a recording of an actual Air Force DEP meeting.
How Often Do DEP Members Participate in the DEP?
DEP members typically participate in the DEP once or twice a month because of the meetings. However, the amount of time that a DEP member spends on duties related to DEP may vary because some classes and activities are intended to help future Airman get their desired position in the Air Force.
The amount of time that you spend participating in the DEP will also vary depending on how close the date that you are supposed to go to basic training, and how close that date is. If a DEP soldier is supposed to go to basic training or boot camp within the month, their recruiter will likely ask to meet them every week until they leave.
What Happens If You Don’t Show Up to DEP?
Air Force DEP members can stay in the DEP for up to one year. If you decide to leave the DEP after the year, simply do not enlist for active duty in the Air Force. You can also leave the DEP at any time until you graduate from basic training or boot camp. Before you leave the DEP, you will need to tell your recruiter or commanding officer that you will be leaving the DEP. They will try to get you to stay, but you can’t be forced to stay in the DEP.
Now that you know what the Air Force DEP is, it is up to you whether or not you would like to join.