Youth Outreach: Delayed Enlistment

Have you signed up for the DELAYED ENLISTMENT PROGRAM but now changed your mind about joining the military?

You may not have to go. No matter what your recruiter says, until you report for Basic Training, you are not technically in the U.S. Military. (Note: The National Guard and Reserves do not use DEP. If you have enlisted in the Guard or Reserves get advice from the GI Rights Hotline on your options before you go to Basic Training.)
DEP enlistees have taken on a legal obligation to the military, but for those who have changed their mind and are unable or unwilling to serve, it is official policy to allow requests for separation from DEP.  Most are approved.  Write a letter requesting separation that fully states why you are unable or unwilling to serve in the military.  If there is more than one reason, state them all. It is official policy to allow such requests.  Most are approved.

Address the letter to “Commander” at the recruiting station where you signed up.  (A recruiter does not have the authority to grant separations and will try to change your mind.)   Find the address in the phone book under U.S. Government or look on your enlistment agreement. Keep a copy of the letter. The military will review the letter and process the request. If the military does not respond or turns down your first request, contact the GI Rights Hotline.  Army Recruiters are not allowed to: “Threaten, coerce, manipulate or intimidate D.E.P. members, nor may they obstruct separation requests (USAREC Reg 601-56§3-1.c)…

At no time will any recruiter tell a D.E.P. enlistee he or she must ‘go in the Army or he or she will go to jail’ or that ‘failure to enlist will result in a black mark on his or her credit record’ or any other statement indicating adverse action will occur if the applicant fails to enlist” (USAREC Reg 601-45§3-1b. ; see also USAREC Reg601-452-3.h.)  Each service branch has similar regulations.

For information & support contact the GI Rights Hotline. They can provide sample letters, support and advice about this issue.

www.girightshotline.org