abstract:The Delayed Entry Program, also called the Delayed Enlistment Program or--in the Army--the Future Soldiers Program, is a program whereby individuals going into active duty in the United States Armed Forces enlist first in the DEP before they ship out to Basic Training, or "boot camp." While those who join the DEP have signed an enlistment agreement to report on a certain date for training, they are not yet in the Army (or Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard) until they enlist in the regular component of their branch on their ship date.