The delayed entry program allows you to gain rank before you get to basic training. In the delayed entry program you will be taught how to salute, march, etc. before you get to basic training. Since you will go into basic training not needing to be taught these things, they reward you with an increase in rank.

The delayed entry program is a great option for students that still have to finish high school. The only requirement is that you must be at least 17 years old. In order to be a part of the program, you will have to take the ASVAB military test and go to a military entrance processing station to do a physical and pick the job you want in the Army. It is a great advantage to pick your job well in advance to make sure you are reserved a seat in advanced individual training(AIT) since some jobs have a limited numbers of openings.

Your recruiting station will determine when and how often they will hold DEP meetings. Our recruiting station has a DEP meeting every week to help our DEP members complete the pre-basic training tasks list. Usually there is a mandatory DEP meeting held every month.

Pre-Basic Training Task List
To get promoted in the delayed entry program, you must complete the pre-basic training tasks list. It consists of these tasks:

Military Time
Drill and Ceremonies
Recite General Orders
Identify Rank Structures
Phonetic Alphabet
First Aid
Land Navigation
Army Physical Fitness test

Each task is usually completed in one meeting, and sustainment training is performed every few meetings so you do not forget what you learned.

The Army recently created a website dedicated to the delayed entry program. I highly recommend that all DEP members visit the site, as it's packed with information on the delayed entry program. Visit their pre-basic training tasks page to learn about all the tasks that make up the list. Click here to access their homepage.

DEP & DTP Referral Program
The referral program allows you to earn your first promotion to Private (E-2). This is accomplished by referring friends, relatives and acquaintances who subsequently enlist in the Delayed Entry Program or the Delayed Training Program, prior to your leaving for Basic Training.

There are a number of ways you may accomplish this:

Provide your recruiter with names and numbers of anyone you know who is considering joining the military.
Obtain the names and numbers of people who work with you or attend places you frequent and the best time to talk to them.
Obtain the names and numbers of friends or acquaintances who sit with you in classes.
Help your recruiter by screening his/her lists.
Accompany your recruiter to places your friends normally hang out and make introductions.

You will get promoted to Private E-2 before you leave for Basic Training if your referrals lead to:

Enlistment of one soldier who scores 50 or higher on the ASVAB, and meets certain educational requirements.
Enlistment of two soldiers who score 31-49 on the ASVAB and meet those educational requirements.

A promotion to E-3 is possible if your referrals lead to:

Enlistment of two soldiers who scores 50 or higher on the ASVAB, and meets certain educational requirements.
Enlistment of four soldiers who score 31-49 on the ASVAB and meet those educational requirements.