U.S. Air Force Delayed Enlistment Program HandBook

THE AIRMAN’S CREED

I am an Airman in the United States Air Force, a future leader.  I am proud to serve my country and will conduct myself at all times so as to bring credit upon it.  As an airman, I am an important part of the Air Force team and I can achieve any goal I set for myself.   

I will make every effort to learn the Air Force way of life.  I will learn from my superiors and will carry out their orders to the best of my ability.  I will fulfill my responsibilities and display professionalism at all times.  I will strive to perform beyond all expectations by using my skills and Air Force education to the maximum degree possible. 

I am an Airman in the United States Air Force who shares the great responsibility of preserving the freedom of every man, woman and child in this nation.  An Airman whose loyalty and integrity lies in my faith and devotion to the United States of America.  I will set an example for all to follow. 

I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND… 

You have made a commitment to becoming a member of the United States Air Force, as have thousands of other young men and women before you.  You have met the high standards required for enlistment into the United States Air Force.  You can take great “Pride” in yourself in knowing that you have earned the privilege of serving your country and providing yourself the opportunity for personal growth and development. 

WHAT IS THE DELAY ENLISTMENT PROGRAM (DEP)? 

The time you spend between your initial processing and the date you leave for active duty is called the Delayed Enlistment Program or DEP.  In a nutshell, you enlist today and delay your departure to active duty until a date you have specified.  Under this program, you have entered into a legal contract to enlist in the Regular Air Force and enter active duty on a specific date.  The Air Force guarantees that the aptitude area (AI) or the guaranteed job (GTEP) you selected will be available for you upon entering active duty.  You were administered an oath of enlistment into the Air Force Reserve (AFRES) and will enter active duty on the date scheduled.  You will not be required to participate in any active duty military activities while a member of the DEP, nor will you receive any pay, benefits, or entitlements during this period.  However, your recruiter will require you to attend monthly meetings called “DEP Commander’s Calls”; and your time in the DEP will count toward fulfillment of your 8 year military service obligation.  If your recruiter did not explain how the 8-year military service obligation works, please make a mental note to ask when you see them next.  

WHAT ARE DEP COMMANDER’S CALLS? 

Dep Commander’s Calls provide a monthly face-to-face contact between both you and your recruiter.  They are intended to inform you of upcoming changes in Air Force policy and help prepare you for your transition from the civilian life-style to the Air Force way of life.  You will also have the opportunity to meet other young people with some of the same interests and commitment you’ve made toward serving your country, in the Air Force.  You may meet Air Force members who recently graduated from basic training or technical training school.  These individuals can provide you with valuable information prior to your entrance on active duty and may provide an insight of the many requirements that you will encounter while assigned to basic training and technical training school.   

WHAT ARE MY DEP RESPONSIBILITIES?

1.         Keep in close contact with your recruiter.  As a minimum, you must call your her on the first Friday of every month.  Weeks should not pass without having some type of contact with your recruiter.

2.         Attend DEP Commander’s Calls when scheduled.  These are the third Saturday of every month.

3.         Remain physically and morally eligible for enlistment in the United States Air Force.

4.         Inform your recruiter of any legal problem that may develop prior to your active duty date. (I.e. traffic tickets, arrests, pending court date, etc.)  Simply taking care of the infraction will not suffice.  An offense that may seem unimportant to you could be interpreted differently by the Air Force.  No matter how small the offense, don’t hesitate to inform your recruiter.

5.         Inform your recruiter of any medical problems that occur.  (I.E. any treatment by a doctor, surgery, broken bones, etc.) 

6.         DO NOT get involved with drugs to include marijuana.  If you use any drugs between now and your active duty date, you automatically become PERMANENTLY INELIGIBLE for enlistment in the United States Air Force. 

7.         DO NOT exceed your maximum allowable weight standard.  If you’re not sure what your maximum allowable weight is, ask your recruiter.  If you initially processed within 5 pounds of your maximum, it is recommended that you stay below your processing weight, the less the better.   ANY CHANGE FROM YOUR ORIGINAL PROCESSING STATUS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO YOUR RECRUITER IMMEDIATELY!!!   

8.         Assist your recruiter by referring her to quality young people like yourself who could benefit from the Air Force way of life.  Obviously you think the Air Force is a great place to be or you wouldn’t be here yourself.  I’m sure you have lots of friends and relatives who could use some of the opportunities the Air Force has to offer.  Your recruiter will be happy to provide you with business cards that you can pass along to these people.  Please feel free to bring them to your recruiter’s office or to a DEP Commander’s Call. 

WHAT IS BASIC MILITARY TRAINING (BMT)?   

Basic Military Training is a serious and very important part of Air Force life.  It is your first step in the Air Force training process and helps to make the transition from a civilian way of thinking to the Air Force way of thinking.  From the first day of your arrival through the rest of your Air Force career, you will be expected to abide by the training you received in BMT.  This training will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills required by all members of the Air Force.  Some of the subjects you will study in BMT include: 

Air Force Mission and Heritage

Customs and Courtesies

Military Responsibilities

National Security and Information Security

Career Information

Personal Affairs

Human relations

Substance Abuse

Self Aid and Buddy Care

Physical Conditioning

Fitness and Nutrition

Sex Education

Air Force Core Values

Dependent Care Responsibilities

Combat Arms Training 

WHEN AND HOW WILL I TRAVEL TO BMT? 

Everyone leaves on the Tuesday of the week of his or her active duty date.  On Wednesday, you will be required to report to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to enter active duty.  You will go through a short inspection in the morning to make sure you are still eligible for the Air Force.  This inspection will include a height and weight check, simple questions pertaining to any changes in your status while in DEP and a pregnancy test for women.  Should any problems be found, you may be held over until Thursday to fix the problem or you may be disqualified altogether.  As stated earlier in the handbook, inform your recruiter of any changes to make sure there are no problems on your active duty date.  Once you clear the inspection, you will swear into active duty and later in the afternoon you will be driven to Milwaukee Airport and fly to San Antonio, TX.  You will be given a Bus ride to Lackland AFB and assigned to your BMT Flight.  Lackland AFB will be your home while you are in training.  You will be assigned to a training flight with about 50 other newly arrived airmen.   

NO SMOKING POLICY. 

REMEMBER:  The use and purchase of any and all tobacco products by basic trainees while assigned at Lackland AFB is PROHIBITED. 

WHAT ABOUT PAY? 

You should bring at least $40 with you.  During your arrival week, you will get a partial pay of $250 but you may have some unexpected expenses before you receive it.  This payment is an advance on your total pay and is to be used to buy the items needed during BMT.   A BANK ACCOUNT IS MANDATORY.  You must have a bank account prior to leaving for BMT.  It doesn’t matter whether it is savings or checking, as long as you have a way of accessing your funds whether that is an ATM card or checks.  All Air Force pay is done by direct deposit into your account.  This allows your pay to be in your account on payday without fail, without the worry of a paper check possibly getting lost in the mail.  No matter where you are, you can rest assured that your pay will be deposited and you will have instant access to it.  Your initial partial payments will be in the form of a debit card but the remainder of your pay at the end of BMT will be directly deposited into your account; hence the need for an active account prior to leaving for BMT.  Be sure to take your checkbook and direct deposit form from your bank with you to BMT. 

WHAT CAN BE DONE IN MY SPARE TIME? 

During the first weeks of training, you will have very little spare time.  However, as your flight progresses in training, you will be permitted more time to enjoy the excellent facilities at Lackland AFB.  This includes five chapels with services in most faiths, recreation centers and the Base Exchange or BX, which is similar to a department store. 

WHAT ABOUT MY MAIL?

Your specific mailing address will be determined after your arrival at Lackland AFB and you are encouraged to write your family and friends as soon as possible to give them your mailing address.  You will have mail call everyday but may not be able to use the phone until you are further along in your training. Letters may be the only way to communicate with family and friends during the early part of your training so encourage them to write to you often.  

WHAT IS RECYCLING? 

Occasionally a trainee may miss various phases of training due to medical problems, a lapse in physical or academic standards or a failure to achieve a satisfactory performance rating.  If a substantial loss in training occurs, the trainee is normally recycled to a basic training flight that is in an earlier phase of training so that they can complete the phase of training they missed or had difficulty with.  Being recycled isn’t normally used as a form of discipline or punishment; it is done to ensure each trainee absorbs basic training and is fully prepared to accept further training and assignment in the Air Force. 

WHAT DO I DO IN CASE OF A FAMILY EMERGENCY? 

Should serious illness or death occur in your immediate family after you enlist, your family should immediately contact the nearest office of the American Red Cross and provide them with the nature of the emergency, your full name, social security number and basic training address.  They have trained personnel who can contact the proper officials at Lackland AFB so the appropriate action can be taken.  This office is open 24 hours a day.  Calls to the Air Force Recruiting office or to your basic training commander will only result in unnecessary delays and expenses. 

PREPARE YOURSELF PHYSICALLY, FOR BASIC TRAINING. 

If you haven’t already developed a physical-conditioning program, we recommend you develop a program which includes strengthening and stretching exercises followed by aerobic activity.  Several sets of exercises should be used for warn-ups prior to walking, jogging, running or bicycle riding, while pushups, pull-ups and sit-ups will help improve your abdominal and upper body strength.  Conducting your exercise program at least three times each week, 6 to 8 weeks prior to basic training will significantly enhance your overall physical conditioning and get you ready for the challenges of Air Force duty. 

WHAT IS THE BASIC TRAINING PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM? 

Normally, on the first Saturday of training you will be tested with a 2-mile run at your own pace.  When the run is completed, you will be tested on how many push ups and sit-ups you can do.  Physical conditioning will be done 6 days a week and you will be required to pass a physical evaluation prior to graduating from basic training.  You will be evaluated weekly on your progress to ensure that you are prepared to pass your fitness test.  Currently the requirements to pass the fitness evaluation are: 

2 Mile Run – Males/18:00 or less; Females/21:00 or less

Sit-ups – Males/45 in 2 minutes; Females/30 in 2 minutes

Push-ups – Males/30 in 2 minutes; females/14 in 2 minutes

Along with fitness, you will be required to do a lot of marching during your stay at Lackland AFB so you will definitely be in shape when you leave.  Most people are not used to all the physical activity of Basic Training.  It is highly recommended that you start now by slowly preparing yourself for the physical requirements of BMT.  If you can meet the requirements now it will be no problem while you are at basic.  You know what they are, make it happen for you! 

WHAT ITEMS SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO BASIC TRAINING?   

You need to only bring enough clothing and undergarments for a maximum of 3 days.  You are prohibited from bringing expensive jewelry to basic training and you should limit you baggage to one average size suitcase/overnight bag/dufflebag. 

Male enlistees are advised to dress casually and comfortably according to the weather.  Long pants, shirts with sleeve (no tank tops) and maybe a light jacket is recommended.  You will be required to wear appropriate undergarments and covered shoes (no sandals or shoes with heels such as cowboy boots). 

Female enlistees are advised to dress modestly, casually and comfortably according to the weather.  Slacks or jeans with a blouse or shirt with sleeves (no tank tops, halters or middies) and a light jacket is recommended.  You are also required to wear appropriate undergarments (panties and bra) and comfortable covered/closed shoes (no sandals, high heels or platforms). 

If you are taking medication which has been prescribed by a doctor, bring it and your prescription; this includes birth control pills.  Also bring all prescribed eye wear (prescription glasses and/or contact lenses with case and solution) with you.  Contact lenses will not be worn during training due to the possibility of eye infections caused by inadequate time for proper cleaning.  You will be issued prescription glasses, which must be worn in training.  Contact lenses may be worn only until receipt of military glasses.     

ITEMS REQUIRED ON DEPARTURE TO BASIC TRAINING. 

IMPORTANT:  The items you take will be inspectable items so the easier they are to clean and maintain, the easier it will be for you. 

FEMALE 

Soap – Liquid soap or shower gel.  Best is all-over soap for body and hair.

Deodorant – Spray

Toothbrush and Travel Case – Case should be 2 pieced and square shaped.

Toothpaste – Pump toothpaste in a hard case that stands on it’s end.

Sanitary Napkins/Tampons – 1 box

Underwear – 6 pair.  Plain white cotton type.

Bras – 6 pair.  Plain white sports bras are best.

Ballpoint pen – 2/BLACK INK ONLY!

*Shower shoes* - 1 pair.

Package of disposable razors and small can of shaving cream.

Brush/Comb

Hairpins (as needed)

MALE 

Soap – Liquid soap or shower gel.  Best is all-over soap for body and hair.

Deodorant – Spray

Toothbrush and Travel Case – Case should be 2 pieced and square shaped.

Toothpaste – Pump toothpaste in a hard case that stands on it’s end.

Underwear – 6 pair.

Ballpoint pen – 2/BLACK INK ONLY!

*Shower shoes* - 1 pair.

Package of disposable razors and small can of shaving cream.

Many items will be issued to you during your training and any additional items can be purchased at the Base Exchange.

Your storage area is very limited so don’t bring huge economy size items.  Basic training is very strict so don’t bring items like CD players, playing cards. Magazines/books, condoms, or pornographic materials.  You may bring things like a small address book/organizer, single photos/a small flip photo booklet or a small bible.  Any items deemed unnecessary will be stored with your luggage until the end of basic training so there is no need to bring these items in the first place.   

DOCUMENTS NEEDED WHEN REPORTING TO BMT. 

1.         Social Security Account Card.

2.         Current Drivers License if issued.

3.         High School Diploma if swore into DEP as a High School student.

4.         High School or College transcripts.

5.         Certificates required to verify qualification for accelerated rank. 

IE:  NJROTC/College ROTC certificate or letter from detachment commander indicating 2 or more years of training, Civil Air Patrol certificate or Boy or Girl Scout certificate.

6.         Original or certified copy of marriage certificate and birth certificate for you and your dependents, if married.

7.         Original or certified copy of divorce decree, legal separation agreement or court order, if applicable.

8.         Naturalization certificate, INS forms I-151 or I-551; if applicable.

9.         Checkbook and Direct Deposit Form. 

The following information may also be needed during BMT for security clearance background checks:

A:  Names, addresses and telephone numbers of your immediate family members, and your mailing addresses for the past 5 years or since your 16^th birthday.

B:  All periods of employment, unemployment or self-employment.  The names of businesses complete addresses and names of supervisors.

C:  Names, addresses and telephone numbers of 5 character references.  Must be good friends, colleagues, classmates, etc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 

TUITION ASSISTANCE 

The Air Force has many education programs available.  One such program frequently used for furthering education is the Tuition Assistance Program.  Through the Tuition Assistance Program, the Air Force pays 75% of your tuition costs.  You are responsible for the other 25% and any additional fees and costs for books.  This program is used while you are on active duty in the Air Force. 

THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL 

One of the other educational programs is the Montgomery GI Bill.  This is a voluntary education assistance program where you and the Veterans Administration (VA) contribute money to the education fund.  You will contribute $100 a month for the first 12 months you are on active duty and the VA will contribute the remainder.  The fund goes up each year with the economy but as an example: For fiscal year 1999, the total fund amount was $19,008.  This was comprised of $1,200 from the individual and the remaining $17,808 coming from the VA.  The GI Bill is used primarily to offset the cost of education when honorably discharged from the military.  The GI Bill funds can be used for up to 10 years after your discharge.  The GI Bill can be used while on active duty once 3 years of service have passed.  

COMMISIONING OPPORTUNITIES 

If you are considering becoming an officer one day or possibly being a pilot, you must have a 4 year Bachelors degree.  The Air Force has numerous programs available to assist you in realizing that goal.  There are active duty appointments to the Air Force Academy and for ROTC scholarships.  Some of these programs offer immediate appointment to Officer’s Training School (OTS) while some require an additional application.  No matter what your educational goals are, the Air Force can assist you in meeting them.  

BMT and TECHNICAL SCHOOL

A FEW FINAL NOTES: 

You should arrive at BMT on Wednesday or Thursday.  Once you arrive at BMT and have an opportunity, write your friends and loved ones to let them know that you arrived safely. You will receive a chance to make one phone call to your loved ones.  You will receive only enough time to give them your address.  When you first report to BMT on Wednesday or Thursday, the remainder of that week is called zero week but doesn’t count towards your six weeks.  These days are for initial processing such as pay, uniform issue, additional medical clearances and immunizations (shots).  Your official six weeks starts on the following Monday.  BMT is a total of 30 training days, holidays and weekends do not count.  You will graduate BMT on the Friday of the last week.  Your family will receive a letter explaining when and where graduation will be so they can plan accordingly to join you on your day.  There is no break after BMT so on the Monday following graduation, you will be enroute to your technical school. 

After BMT, your military training continues at an Air Force Technical School where you will learn your Air Force skill.  Every student will enter the military training standard for enlisted (MTSE) program.  The MTSE program continues the transition of individuals into the Air Force way of life that began at basic training.  This program goes through several phases and the longer you are in the school, the less restrictive each phase becomes.  Upon completion of technical training, you will be assigned to your first permanent duty station. 

Following your technical school, you will be allowed to come home to spend some time with your loved ones before departing to your base.  The length of time you will be able to stay, depends on whether you are being assigned stateside or overseas.  Should your technical school overlap a major holiday, the school normally closes down and you are given the opportunity to stay there and save your vacation time or possibly come home.  REMEMBER:  If you come home in between, your leave days after technical school will be shortened or denied altogether. 

RECRUITERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RAP)

The RAP program is a program that allows you the opportunity to return to work with your recruiter after technical school and before reporting to your first base.  You may participate in the program for up to 12 days, and it is not charged against your leave time.  Should you apply and get accepted, you will be contacting and assisting in the recruitment of high quality people like yourselves.  In essence, you will be a junior recruiter and will assist your recruiter in recruiter activities such as school visits, phone prospecting and interviews.  Approval of the program is not guaranteed and many things can affect it such as disciplinary problems during BMT or technical school, or someone else is already scheduled for the time you are applying for.  If this is something you would like to be a part of, contact your recruiter upon arriving at technical school and he or she will provide you with the RAP application.  It is then routed through your technical school supervisor and submitted to the recruiting squadron commander.    

You have made the commitment to being part of the world’s greatest Air Force.  You will soon start your Air Force training and career and will be an integral part of the team.  The time you now spend waiting to leave should be spent wisely.  First and foremost, maintain your eligibility, start a physical conditioning program so that you will be better prepared when you get there and maintain close contact with your recruiter and inform him or her of any changes in your status.  I have enjoyed being your recruiter and I’m sure you will do well in the Air Force.  When you leave for BMT, make sure you have one of my business cards just in case you want to write to let me know how you’re doing or maybe you will need to contact me for a RAP application. 

GOOD LUCK AND REMEMBER…

IN ALL YOU DO,

AIM HIGH!