COUNTERING MILITARY RECRUITMENT
Delayed Entry Program
What is the Delayed Entry Program?
Most people who enlist are signed up into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), which is also called the Delayed Enlistment Program, for up to a year before they report for active duty training. Sign now, pay later. It's a popular way to sell cars, stereos and military enlistment. The Delayed Entry Program is particularly attractive to high school seniors who are unsure about what to do after graduation. A lot can happen in a year (especially for teenagers!), and many young people change their minds about what they want to do with their lives.
How does someone get out of the Delayed Enlistment Program?
While Delayed Enlistment Program recruits have incurred a legal obligation to the military, getting out of the Delayed Entry Program is simple: write a letter requesting separation that fully explains why the recruit is unable or unwilling to serve. If there is more than one reason, explain them all.
What kinds of reasons are acceptable?
While the military defines specific separation categories, as long as the recruit states clearly that he or she is no longer interested in serving in the military almost any reason is acceptable. Despite occasional threats of involuntary activation from recruiters, the military currently releases all Delayed Entry Program recruits who request a separation. The military's list of discharge categories includes: conscientious objection (a belief that it is wrong to take part in war); pursuit of higher education or vocational training; civilian job opportunity; erroneous enlistment or recruiting error; failure to graduate high school; family issues (marriage, children, hardship or dependency); homosexual conduct; medical or psychological disqualifications; personal problems; failure to report for active duty; and, a catch-all "other."
Where is the separation request sent?
The
recruiter
does not
have the authority to grant separations and will try to re-sell the
military to
the recruit. Therefore, the letter requesting separation should be
addressed to
"Commander" at the recruiting station where the recruit signed up.
You can look up the address of the recruiting station in the phone book
(under
US Government) or look on the enlistment agreement. Keep a copy of the
letter.
What Happens When the Letter is Sent?
The military will review the letter and process the request. The recruit might be asked to appear at the recruiting station for a brief interview but this is not necessary, and, in fact, is not recommended. Once you have sent your separation request letter, there is no need for further contact with the recruiting station. (If the military turns down the initial request, contact the GI Rights Hotline.) When the request has been processed, the military issues a void enlistment or uncharacterized separation that will not affect the recruit's record or career.This information provided by the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors. www.objectors.org
Local contact: Committee for Countering Military Recruitment (CCMR): 485-1755 or countermilitary@yahoo.com
Sample Letter
Delayed Entry Program Discharge
[recruit's
address]
[date]
Commanding Officer [no actual name is required, the title is enough]
[address of recruiting station where recruit enlisted]
Dear Commander,
I am currently a member of the Navy Delayed Entry Program scheduled to enter active duty on [date]. I am requesting complete separation from the Delayed Entry Program and the Navy. I enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program [date] at the West Portal Navy Recruiting Station in San Francisco, where I was recruited by [name of recruiter]. My request for separation is based on the following factor(s):
Since my entrance in Delayed Entry Program, my mother's arthritic condition has worsened considerably. I am the oldest child in my family with two siblings aged 7 and 12. My mother now has great difficulty doing simple household chores and her doctor has informed her that her condition is likely to deteriorate further. She now feels that she must have my help at home to take care of my brothers.
In addition, in the past 5 months I have had a complete change of career plans. I had planned on becoming a technician at the time of joining the Navy, but now I have decided to become a graphic artist. I was hired by Schmidt Advertising on January 19, 1990. They plan to provide me with further training on the job. With this job I will still be able to live at my family home.
Therefore, I request separation from the Delayed Entry Program and the Navy, and I hereby request prompt processing of this separation request. In the event that this separation request has not been fully processed on the date I am scheduled to report for active duty, I request an extension in my delay status until my separation request has been finally decided.
Sincerely,
[recruit's
name and
social
security number]
This information provided by the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors. www.objectors.org
Local contact: Committee for Countering Military Recruitment (CCMR): 485-1755 or countermilitary@yahoo.com