Advantage of going DEP

[Apollo]

So anyways, as I indicated in my intro thread I am trying to enlist in the Marines but my parents were being a pain. My mom made a compromise and said I could go in september. My Dad on the other hand met me with a question. "what is the advantage of going DEP when I am 17 versus when I am 18?" I've thought about this question long and hard and I can't think of an answer to it besides that I have a contract saying my job and when I go. All you DEPers and Marines can you help me out with reasons why going DEP is better than going when I am 18?
Thanks for the Help,
---Jon

[2ndplacesucks]

One of my recurters told me that the time you are in dep counts for your reserve time at the end of your enlistment.

[Booyah!]

Well, you learn a lot in the DEP program. Talk to a recruiter to see if you can take the practice ASVAB test and then schedule a time when you can take the ASVAB test. This is to see what jobs you qualify for. Myself personally I am going into the NBC field :)

You get a DEP booklet that has the General Orders, general info, PT tips, and other things as well. You get this after going to the Meps station and passing the medical exam... I spent atleast six hours there!

Not to mention while you are in the DEP program you start PT and learn from the different recruiters.

Saturday mornings is usually when my recruiter picks me up and a bunch of us in the DEP go work out. We learn basic skills and discipline. Just two weeks ago they started having us poolees speak in third person. i.e. "Sir, Poolee (Last name) requests permission to make a head call, Sir!"

[Sixguns]

Let me be brief.

Promotions
Job Guarantees
And Training

If you need me to elaborate, I can. I am sure most in here know what I mean.

Sixguns

[Sixguns]

And DEP time does get deducted from your inactive reserve commitment (portion of the eight year service obligaton not served in uniform, also known as Inactive Ready Reserves IRR) as stated previously.

Sixguns

[Apollo]

Originally posted by Sixguns
Let me be brief.

Promotions
Job Guarantees
And Training

If you need me to elaborate, I can. I am sure most in here know what I mean.

Sixguns
Sir, I was wondering if you could elaborate a little bit on that. If you would prefer to take it to PM that works for me too. My father is a tough nut to crack.
---Jon

[cmbell]

I was in DEP for 3 months before I shipped off to boot camp. I always wished I could have been in DEP longer mainly because it really helped me with PT at the time.

[fulmetaljackass]

Tell your dad the DEP is not actually the Marine Corps. The purpose of the DEP is to prepare you for boot camp. It means more time spent with experienced Marines, i.e. the recruiters. You can always work to prepare yourself, but the more time you spend with your recruiters with them helping you to prepare, the better.

[alanUSMCDEP03]

Ask him this:
If you don't think there's a difference in waiting till I'm 18, then why can't I just go now at 17, since you say what's the difference?

The preparation the DEP gives you for going to Boot Camp is almost priceless. It will help you with everything. That's why they have the DEP, to get you ready and help you be successful in Boot Camp.

[Sixguns]

You can earn a promotion in the DEP, that means going to training as a PFC... more pay, quicker to getting LCpl.

Job guarantees are given out on a first come first serve basis. Some guarantees desired will only be available to folks who enter the DEP with plenty of time in advance of training.

Training from your recruiter to prepare you for training and get you on the road to success. Short DEP time usually means hard times in training.


Sixguns

[DevilDog99x]

The main goal of DEP is to prepare you for boot camp. Like everyone else said, it assures a MOS of your choice if available at the time and also takes time away from your inactive reserve. I went through the same thing with my parents, but if the Marine Corps is for you, go ahead and signup. There is no reason to really wait unless you are unsure of your decision.

[Poolee08/09]

DEP helps ou in all kinds of departments. as SIxguns stated it can help you get promoted in that if you get 2 referals u get PFC instead of Private. thast a good sized pay upgrade. it also helps with your IST scores, it gets you mentally and physically ready for MCRD. ive bene in since sept 10 i leave aug 9 and my scores have improved greatly and i am very close to getting my promotion. Its worth it and it will help you more then not joining DEP. if you want to talk more contact me via AOL: PRKnight36 ICQ:93308187 we can talk all you want ive been in for 6 months and i still have 5 left.