Posted on May 14, 2020
SSG Squad Leader
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Hi, my name is Dalton. I have a huge question. I recently enlisted and all of that in the Delayed Entry Program. I ship out very soon to Fort Jackson. Well, my DEP contract ends in December of 21. I expressed my plans in the Army to my recruiter well before I signed or any of that, but I wanted to get my foot in the door and get experience in the Army ASAP. Well, he told me, when my DEP contract ends I can switch to active duty, and my MOS if I do choose to. Now, he did said it will not be a very easy process, but it is very possible. I’m a 91B, and I was looking to switch for instance to an 11B or 11X, yes high hopes and dreams, but I was just looking for guidance in the right direction or advice.
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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Because you enlisted into the DEP and have a ship date, and because you are contractually obligated to the reserves, you would need to complete all IET (basic and AIT) then fill out a DA 368 to be released from the Reserves and enlist onto active duty and request to reclass.
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SSG Squad Leader
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Thank you SSG!
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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DEP for the USAR is different than DEP for the RA. In the Reserve Component you are already contractually bound when your sign the DD4/1. In fact, I don't think they actually have a DEP. You just have a gap between when you sign and when you ship. People who are signing their first contract for Active Duty sign a DEP contract and then when they ship sign another contract releasing them from DEP onto Active Duty.

From your description, your idea of whay DEP is, is incorrect. If the end date is December 2021, it sounds like you signed a 2 year reserve contract. If at the end of your reserve contract you want to join the AD as an 11B, you will be free to talk to an Active Duty recruiter and do just that.
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MAJ Military Personnel And Administrative Specialist
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I agree with SFC Boyd, I think there is a misunderstanding between you and your recruiter. There is no such thing as a 2 year contract. There is delayed entry, where you go through MEPS and sign a contract then don't go to basic or AIT unit months later.
It sounds like you committed to a 6 year reserve contract - look over your paperwork!
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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SSG (Join to see) are you still in High school?
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SSG Squad Leader
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Yes, I’m currently home schooled. I’m scheduled to complete High School in November.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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SSG (Join to see) you didn't sign a DEP contract, you signed what's called a split option contract.
When you graduate high school you can approach an active duty recruiter about going to active duty and your NG command about a conditional release from the Reserves
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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I'm not entirely familiar with delayed enlistment programs. Not sure if you have already been to basic or AIT. My advice is to take the vehicle mechanic job! The training and experience sets you up for a post-service job in vehicle maintenance. You can make a good living being a mechanic. My son did so for several years. If you are desperate to be in the infantry, then reenlist for an infantry MOS after your first tour.
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SSG Squad Leader
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Thank you Lt!
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