Is it possible to switch to AD and make an MOS switch when my DEP contract ends?

2020-05-14T16:25:40-04:00

Hi, my name is Dalton. I have a huge question. I recently enlisted and all of that in the Delayed Entry Program. I ship out very soon to Fort Jackson. Well, my DEP contract ends in December of 21. I expressed my plans in the Army to my recruiter well before I signed or any of that, but I wanted to get my foot in the door and get experience in the Army ASAP. Well, he told me, when my DEP contract ends I can switch to active duty, and my MOS if I do choose to. Now, he did said it will not be a very easy process, but it is very possible. I’m a 91B, and I was looking to switch for instance to an 11B or 11X, yes high hopes and dreams, but I was just looking for guidance in the right direction or advice.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 14 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-05-14T16:37:42-04:00

I'm not entirely familiar with delayed enlistment programs. Not sure if you have already been to basic or AIT. My advice is to take the vehicle mechanic job! The training and experience sets you up for a post-service job in vehicle maintenance. You can make a good living being a mechanic. My son did so for several years. If you are desperate to be in the infantry, then reenlist for an infantry MOS after your first tour.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2020 5:19 PM

2020-05-14T17:19:58-04:00

Because you enlisted into the DEP and have a ship date, and because you are contractually obligated to the reserves, you would need to complete all IET (basic and AIT) then fill out a DA 368 to be released from the Reserves and enlist onto active duty and request to reclass.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2020 8:06 PM

2020-05-14T20:06:51-04:00

DEP for the USAR is different than DEP for the RA. In the Reserve Component you are already contractually bound when your sign the DD4/1. In fact, I don't think they actually have a DEP. You just have a gap between when you sign and when you ship. People who are signing their first contract for Active Duty sign a DEP contract and then when they ship sign another contract releasing them from DEP onto Active Duty.

From your description, your idea of whay DEP is, is incorrect. If the end date is December 2021, it sounds like you signed a 2 year reserve contract. If at the end of your reserve contract you want to join the AD as an 11B, you will be free to talk to an Active Duty recruiter and do just that.