What are the consequences of leaving DEP?

Cristian Nicoles — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 18:07:07 -0400

Good Evening, I couldn't find much info at all on this topic online, thought you folks with experience could help. I signed an 11x Op40 contract, and it looks like whether I make it through RASP or not, they simply wont let me in due to the secret clearance and my dual citizenship, for the record, the foreign citizenship is from a former soviet state. I was thinking about getting out of the DEP, renouncing it and try to join back in, but as far as I read, once you get out, you'll be at the needs of the army when you try to go back, wont be able to choose the MOS or any of the Options. I feel like this is the only chance I will ever get at the 75thRR, however it looks like my dual citizenship renders it useless.
Any feedback will be appreciated, thanks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2019 6:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 18:16:56 -0400

You can request to join the 75th at any point once you've joined the Army. The Option 40 is just a marketing tool. The 75th recruits straight out of Airborne school and you can also apply once you're at your first unit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2019 7:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 19:08:50 -0400

You should have been asked a very specific question when filling out your application. it ask if you've ever held citizenship in another country. this should have been part of your process.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 15 at 2019 10:29 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 22:29:18 -0400

Providing that you have nothing actually in your background that would hold you up from getting a secret clearance other than the dual citizenship it is a rather easy matter to formally renounce your citizenship to whatever country and then inform your recruiter/MEPS.

Also no, your chances at 75th are not shot as they recruit directly but they also recruit from infantry school, airborne, air assault etc and you can always submit a direct request to join.

You need to get with your recruiter about what has occurred and see about getting it handled ASAP. Best to do this prior to ship. As once you ship, arrive at basic then circumstances and potential fallout from it change.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 16 at 2019 8:32 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:32:05 -0400

I know a Ranger who held dual citizenship through his entire time in Batt, including on the line. This was probably a mistake, but it happened. His was not former soviet citizenship. I also knew an IDF Veteran who was stuck in holding the entire time he was in Batt, but I'm not clear on if he had held Israeli citizenship. Anyway, his clearance never went through, and he was eventually RFSed.
Regarding DEP, there are few consequences to dropping out, except that you may have difficulty rejoining. Explaining the citizenship situation may help.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 16 at 2019 12:36 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 12:36:58 -0400

DEP is little more that nice little trick to make sure high schoolers don't get cold feet and bail halfway through senior year. I suggest you get out of it, fix all the other stuff, and then enlist. The Army is struggling to fill vacancies right now. I seriously doubt you will have any problems.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 1:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:47:57 -0400

You signed an OPT 40 contract, which means you were cleared for a secret clearance. Unless someone came back and said you no longer qualify for a secret clearance, what’s the issue?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 1:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:50:07 -0400

On the UF 601-210.10 (security clearance questionnaire ) there is a a question that says are you a dual citizenship holder or hold allegiance to any country other than the US. you would have had to answer that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 2:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 14:14:55 -0400

Have you spoken to your recruiter and his Station Commander about this? A DEP loss is a significant emotional event for them, and if you were enlisted for an option you weren't qualified for its an issue.

If you do get out of the DEP you lose the temporary reservation you have-nothing more. 11x Op 40 may be there if you come back, and it may not be.

Response by Cadet PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2019 6:46 PM

Cadet PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 18:46:29 -0400

I am just wondering what country you are a dual citizen to, as I am a dual citizen to Hungary. Considering Hungary is part of NATO, I never thought I would have any problems with security clearance, which is important to me, since I have been wishing to join the Army (The RGT, similar to you) since a young age. Is this something to worry about, and should I start renouncing my Hungarian citizenship as soon as possible, (though, I really do not want to) ?

Thanks in advance to any replies, and I apologize if this is the wrong place to post this. (First time using this website.)