Dep

[ArchAngel]

What do you guys recommend for me; turning 18 and just joining the Marines or doing the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) when I get into my senior year of highschool?

I don't know if it's a good thing to do or just something you can do.

[Vulture6]

Weigh your options. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each as they fit your personal situation?

Advantages of DEP:

1. You have made a commitment and will have the attention and support of your recruiters and your peers.

2. You will "get a taste" of what to expect, get your hands on some good knowledge to have before you ship, and be part of a PT program (of course, a lot depends on how your DEP is run).

3. You will know some people that you ship with, and that can help.

4. You are no longer a big question mark for the recruiter (maybe still a little question mark!)


Advantages of not going in DEP:

1. You can still change your mind.

2. No early Saturday morning PT / Poolee meetings.


I'm sure that there are other advantages and disadvantages, you may already know some, and others on this board may be able to offer some as well.

From my standpoint, not knowing much about you, I would encourage the DEP if your mind is made up. A well run DEP program can make boot camp better.

[ArchAngel]

So, if I go do DEP and then I decide I don't want to join, is that allowed?

[SpongeJuan]

Yes it is. The gov't doesn't "own" you till you get on that bus to be welcomed by a DI.

[Grimmy]

Arch:

It's time you start stepping up and making those life decisions. My advice is for you to sit yourself down and really think this thru. Work it all out in your head, what you really want for yourself. Seperate out all the "what you want others to think" and all that stuff and really, seriously, think it all thru for yourself.

You're comming to that age where the decisions you make will have at least some affect on the rest of your life.

So, again, my advice is to simply find a quiet spot, away from distraction and think it all thru then make a decision. Once you decide, honestly and for real, yes or no, then act on it. But do make the decision for yourself.

[ArchAngel]

I know man. I was just asking here because I'm not really sure if the DEP is needed or even essential when joining. I've already made up my mind, DEP or not, I'm going into the Marines, that's something that is not gonna change.

Trust my Grimmy, I've done ALOT of quiet thinking, lol.

[Grimmy]

Good

You'll be rather sadly suprised by how many end up in bootcamp without any real thought going into the decision and end up regretting and/or resenting their entire time in the Corps.

[ArchAngel]

Yeah, I know what you mean. Makes me think of this movie Jarhead that's coming out. Looks like a GREAT movie, good actors and just gotta love that they're making a movie about the Corps. But I read the book about 6 months ago before I knew the movie was even coming out and it was a good book, but it seems like the main character only complains the whole time about how the Corps is great but sucks and blah blah blah.

I'm hoping it's not bad, the book was good, I loved it, but didn't like the attitude of the guy. His picture in the back of the book makes him look like a fudge packer anyways, lol.