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10 Steps To Joining The Military

Step 3: Choose the right path

Enlistment Options
 

Keep in mind that the services offer two basic ways of joining: standard enlistment, in which you sign up and get started immediately, and delayed entry, in which you can sign up but postpone joining the military for a certain period (up to a year in most cases). Individual services may also offer other options, so check with your local recruiters for the latest options.

Enlistment Options
U.S. Army
  • Standard Enlistment
  • Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
  • Delayed Training Program (DTP) lets you delay your Basic Training for up to 365 days if you enlist in the Army Reserve
  • for qualified applicants, the U.S. Army offers a two-year enlistment option in addition to your training time
    • U.S. Navy
  • Standard Enlistment
  • Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
    • U.S. Air Force
  • Standard Enlistment
  • Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
    • U.S. Marine Corps
  • Standard Enlistment
  • Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
    • U.S. Coast Guard
  • Standard Enlistment
  • Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days