April 28, 2003
So you think you joined the military, but now don't want to go?  Some facts about DEP

Most young people are recruited into the military via the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).  Recruiters encourage kids to enlist on the spot by promising them a better deal if they do so and relieve the youths' anxieties by telling them they have one full year before they have to report for duty.  However, many youths change their mind between the day they sign up and the day they are scheduled to report for duty.  The good news is they are  legally free to not report for duty as failure to show up at basic training is one reason for a complete discharge from their obligation.  The bad news is that most people who have entered the DEP are not made aware of this fact.

According to the Center on Conscience & War (CCW), it is common for recruiters to misrepresent the facts about DEP.  Recruiters are after all salespeople, and like other salespeople are required to fill quotas.  Anyone who has enlisted via DEP and who has not yet reported for basic training can be discharged from further obligation to the military by simply not reporting for duty.  If your recruiter tells you otherwise he is not being fully honest with you.

If you, or anyone you know, has recently enlisted in the military through the DEP and are having second thoughts about that decision then the best thing to do is find out more information.  Most importantly let them know that until they report for duty they are free to change their minds.  Keep in mind it is much more difficult to be discharged after you have reported for basic training so if you are having second thoughts at all I encourage you to speak with someone familiar with the military regulations and law.

There are several trained draft and military counselors in the Columbia area.  They can provide more detailed information about getting out of the DEP.  Please contact Jeff at 449-4585 or me (Kelly) at 882-4605 to speak with a local counselor.  Much information is available online at the Center on Conscience & War.    Recruits may also contact the GI Rights Hotline at 1 (800) 394-9544.

Peace,
Kelly Lynne Maynard

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