Before the Navy

You want to become an active member of the Navy but you’re not ready yet. Maybe you’re in high school or you have another commitment right now. Or maybe you’re waiting for your “ship day” (day you travel to boot camp). No problem. The Navy Delayed Entry Program (DEP) allows you to join the Navy (take care of the paperwork and get processed in), but not report for active duty for up to a year later. In the meantime, you can take care of personal business. Start an exercise program in preparation for Recruit Training. (Don’t worry, Recruit Training is not going to require you to run a marathon or swim several miles.) Take some classes. For suggestions on what you could do while in the DEP, contact a recruiter.

Questions? Get answers. Visit the Navy Message Board.

For in-depth information on the DEP, click on the links below.

• Your Recruiter’s Responsibilities to You
• Your Responsibilities to Your Recruiter
• The Navy Referral Program
• Personal Qualifications Standards
• Your Base Privileges

Your Recruiter’s Responsibilities to You

When you get into the Delayed Entry Program, your recruiter has responsibilities to you, such as providing training, assisting you in identifying and attaining your goals, and helping you prepare for Recruit Training.

Your Recruiter is also responsible for:

• Provide Navy guidance for Recruit Training
• Help you determine your personal goals while in the Navy and provide assistance by outlining a plan to help you achieve them while in the DEP and on Active Duty
• Assist you with completing the personal qualification standards for automatic advancement while in the DEP and motivate you to complete your goals
• Provide family members information about Navy life
• Act as a role model and shipmate for you while you’re in the DEP

Your Responsibilities to Your Recruiter

Joining the Delayed Entry Program means you also have responsibilities to your recruiter. Things such as adhering to the entry-level requirements (talk to your recruiter) for your program, attending DEP meetings, and maintaining or improving your physical conditioning.

The Navy Referral Program

The Navy Referral Program can help you advance your career and earn extra cash. All you have to do is provide your recruiter with the names and phone numbers of potential Navy recruits such as friends and relatives. If they enlist and become Sailors, not only can you enter the Navy at a higher rank, but this means increased pay. For complete details on the Navy Referral Program, contact your recruiter.

Personal Qualifications Standards

To help you transition from civilian life to your new role in the Navy, there is a program called the Personal Qualifications Standards (PQS) system. It is made up of two parts: the training phase and the sign-off phase.

During the training phase, you will learn the basics about the Navy at DEP meetings and training. Your recruiter will supply you with study materials and provide you with help if you ask.

In the sign-off phase, you will be tested on the information you learned in the training phase. The PQS is broken up into subjects that you will be tested on individually, not all at once.

Your Base Privileges

DEP members can shop at base exchanges and purchase a wide range of competitively priced items (excluding alcohol and tobacco products), such as jewelry, clothes, and furniture. Larger base exchanges are more like shopping malls, featuring barber and beauty shops, food courts, and gas stations. Base exchanges also feature fitness facilities DEP members can use.