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The Global Insight

Can you back out of Navy DEP?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 22, 2026

To be clear: There is NO penalty for withdrawing from the DEP. People who change their minds about joining the military are under NO obligation to report to active duty.

Can you back out of the DEP?

How does someone get out of the Delayed Entry Program? One easy way to get out of the DEP is to do nothing. Simply not reporting on the day the person is scheduled to ship out sends the strongest signal to recruiters and military personnel that the person is no longer willing to become a member of the armed forces.

What is DEP in Navy boot camp?

Most recruits today join the military through the DEP. This means that you sign a contract, sometimes while still in high school, promising to enlist in the military at some future date, up to one year away.

Does DEP count as military service?

The time in the Delayed Entry Program does not count towards Military service until you sign and begin your active duty contract. To leave the DEP you must follow the Department of Defense Instruction 1332.14 which states that you have the right to leave if you do not meet enlistment standards.

Are Navy DEP meetings mandatory?

Are Navy DEP meetings mandatory? While your Future Sailor waits for their active duty date, we encourage you to become familiar with the Navy by attending the local recruiting station’s DEP meetings. These meetings are mandatory for Future Sailors and they are designed to help them get ready for recruit training.

Can you get a tattoo while in the Navy DEP program?

If you are in the DEP, you should have been “advised” not to get any more tattoos until after you are on active duty. While it is not prohibited to get another tattoo, it is discouraged for several reasons: 1. Infections or still healing tattoos can delay your ship date if the MEPS doctor doesn’t clear you to ship.

Are DEP calls mandatory?

Yes, they are mandatory. I dep discharged many future Sailors for not attending mandatory dep meetings. You can schedule a make-up in advance for an occasional meeting you’re going to miss but that is a once in awhile thing not a every meeting thing. Talk to your recruiter and dialogue with them.

Can you enlist after DEP discharge?

A discharge from the DEP has no negative effects if you later wish to enlist in different military service—only if you wish to enlist in the same service that discharged you from the DEP.

How does Navy DEP work?

When you sign up for DEP, you have committed to ship out to boot camp on or by a certain date. You have signed legally binding documents that commit you to basic training, but until you actually graduate from basic training or boot camp, you have the option to change your mind at any time.

Can you back out after you swear in at MEPS?

If you went through all the motions of signing up for a military service only to decide it is not right for you and you have NOT been to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and have NOT taken an Oath of Enlistment, you are free to quit the process at any time.

Is there a Navy start guide for DEP?

The Navy has a “Start Guide” that is provided to recruits who join the DEP. This guide includes information on what to expect, etiquette, physical readiness, code of ethics, Navy terms, Rank information and more. A copy of the guide can be found here.

How does the Delayed Entry Program ( DEP ) work?

Personnel in the Delayed Entry Program will complete all of the enlistment steps, but have a lapse in time between when they sign their enlistment contract and ship to Basic Training. The Delayed Entry Program (DEP) is used for a variety of reasons.

When do you get separated from the Navy?

Members in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) (inactive reserve status) will be separated prior to coming on active duty if they no longer meet the qualifications for enlistment …, or by Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (COMNAVCRUITCOM). … 3. Characterization of Separation.

Can you change branches while in the DEP?

Can you change branches while in the DEP? Yes and no. If you are in the Delayed Entry Program and wish to join another branch of service, you must first submit request to exit the Delayed Entry Program of the service you are in. So, while you can enter into another branch, there is not currently a process to switch to another service.