Enlisted: Direct Procurement Enlistment Program
If youve served in the military before, this program allows you to potentially re-enlist at a higher pay grade, anywhere from E-3 to E-6, depending on your background. Eligibility for DPEP takes into consideration your:
- Prior experience as a servicemember
- Any qualifying postsecondary vocational or technical training youve received
- Any civilian work and supervisory experience youve attained
S For Joining The Military
Start by doing some research about your options for joining the military. Learn about the six active-duty branches and their part-time counterparts. Know the main differences between officers and enlisted members. And explore the career fields you can enter for each branch.
Once you know which branch youre considering, contact a recruiter. A recruiter will give you an overview and answer your questions about that service. If youre interested in more than one branch, contact a recruiter for each. If youre interested in joining as an officer, the recruiter will explain any options you may be eligible for.
If you decide to enlist, you will report to a military entrance processing station . Youll spend a day or two completing pre-enlistment steps. These include taking the ASVAB, having a physical exam, meeting with a career counselor, and if youre accepted, taking the oath of enlistment. From there youll receive orders for basic training, usually to start within a few weeks. If you enrolled in a delayed entry program, youll go home and get orders for basic training within a year.
Enlisted: Prior Service Reenlistment Eligibility Reserve Program
If you are a recently separated or discharged Navy veteran or Other Service Veteran who is in a closed rating or who would otherwise be ineligible for reenlistment, this program can help you access new opportunities through a change of rating. Note: This program was formerly known as Recruiting Selected Conversion Reenlistment Reserve .
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How Long Are Army Reserve Contracts
US Army Reserve contracts are the same length as active-duty contracts, but they typically contain a stop-loss provision extending the contract for the duration of time needed to complete all active service. For example, an initial contract of three years and four months would be extended for the additional two years for active service..
Do Army Reserves Get Deployed Often

This is a potentially loaded question. Deployment is not a common event for those who have been in the Reserves, but it can and does happen. While the Reserve component of the Armed Forces does not regularly deploy as a unit, there are Reserve units overseas as I write this. You can find a comprehensive list of these on the Web. One of the main reasons for having a Reserve component is to have a pool of trained and seasoned warriors on hand to reinforce the active duty troops in the event of a major crisis or conflict. The Reserves provide immediate manpower, which has proven invaluable in past wars. All the talk in recent years about the global Long War has led to heightened expectations of Reserve deployments in the near future. Ive seen estimates of anywhere from 6 months to 6 years based on the current Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Talk to your command or read your units SOP to find out what your units specific expectations are..
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The Short Answer: Two Years With A Catch
Two years is the shortest amount of time a new enlistee can sign up for active duty, however, there is a catch. You actually have an eight-year commitment but you can perform this commitment as an active duty member, a Reservist, or Individual Ready Reservist .
This is a program but limited in scope compared to the majority of enlistments into the military:The National Call to Service – All of the services also participate in the Congressional – mandated National Call to Service Program. Under this program, following basic training and an advanced training school, a member spends 15 months on active duty , followed by a minimum of two years in the active Guard or Reserves, with the remainder of the total eight-year commitment in the IRR. However, all the services strictly limit the number of folks who can enlist under this program each year.
Can You Quit The Army At Any Time
Getting a Military DischargeThere is no way to simply quit the military once you are on active duty. You are contractually, and perhaps morally, obligated to see your commitment through. However, you could be discharged from duty early if you are physically or psychologically unable to perform your duties.
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What Is The Shortest Term You Can Serve In The Military
Two YearsThe Short Answer: Two Years With a Catch Two years is the shortest amount of time a new enlistee can sign up for active duty, however, there is a catch. You actually have an eight-year commitment but you can perform this commitment as an active duty member, a Reservist, or Individual Ready Reservist .
Recruiter Promises Versus Contract Guarantees
No matter what your recruiter promised you, if it’s not in the enlistment contract, or in an annex to the contract, it’s not a promise. Also, it doesn’t much matter what is in the DEP enlistment contract if it isn’t in your active duty enlistment contract, it’s not a promise. If you were promised an enlistment bonus, for example, it needs to be in the final active duty contract, or chances are you’ll never see that bonus. Once you get out of basic training and job training and go to the personnel office at your first base, they’re not going to give one hoot about what anyone “promised” youthey’re only going to care about what is in the enlistment contract.
In fact, the bottom of the very first page of the enlistment contract contains the following clause:
The agreements in this section and attached annex are all the promises made to me by the Government. ANYTHING ELSE ANYONE HAS PROMISED ME IS NOT VALID AND WILL NOT BE HONORED.
That said, incentives and entitlements which are available to everyone won’t be, and don’t need to be in the contract. This is because military members are already entitled to it by law. For example, medical care, base pay, and the Montgomery G.I. Bill won’t be specified in the contract, because these benefits are available to everyone who enlists in the military.
You do, however, need to make sure all of your desired incentives are included in the final active duty contract .
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Can A 52 Year Old Man Join The Military
It is possible for a man aged 52 to join the military, if he fulfills the minimum age requirement for the service. Anyone who wishes to join the military must meet the minimum standards, which are set according to the needs of the service. The minimum standards are mostly the same for men and women, but the maximum age to enlist is different. For example, males aged 17 to 21 have a maximum age of 35, while females have a maximum age of 40. Similarly, men aged 38 to 40 have maximum age of 57, while women have a maximum age of 53. Military requirements are constantly changing, so it is always best to contact a recruiter or a military officer for more information..
How Do I Break An Army Reserve Contract
You can request for discharge if you are unfit to carry on your assigned duties. You can also leave the Army by request through discharge , dismissal , discharge , discharge , or be discharged by order of the President. You can also request early separation if you are more than 20 years of age and you have served at least one year of active duty. If you are married, you can seek early voluntary separation if you have served at least two years of active duty and your spouse is not an Army member..
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How Long Is A Military Enlistment Contract
Regardless of what military branch you want to join, you must have a basic understanding about military enlistment contracts. How long is a military contract? There are five things you must understand before signing one.
A couple of weeks ago, my hometown had its homecoming football game. It is packed. I drop my son off at the football field. As I was leaving the parking lot, this young man waved me down. I quickly pulled over. The way he was acting I thought something was wrong with my car. Thank goodness it wasnt. He wanted to ask me something.
He asked how long he would have to join the military. It was a simple question and I gave him simple answer. I told him eight years. You should have seen the instant shock come over his face. He explained to me, he was told he would only have to serve three years. The question deepens.
Lets talk about the military enlistment contract. Here are five things you need to know:
I hope you found this information helpful. Please answer the question below. I would enjoy your feedback.
QUESTION: What are your thoughts about the initial eight year military contract?
How Long Is A Term In The Reserves

A standard term is 30 days, but we have always been able to extend the reserve without any problems, so we dont really keep track of time. However, we do try and only reserve books which we think we will need for a few months at least. This means we do turn books back and restock them periodically..
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So What Happens After I Graduate From College And The Rotc Program
A: You begin your service as an Army Officer. You’ll serve for a limited time either on Active Duty or in the Army Reserve or National Guard . You’ll have the opportunity to lead other Soldiers while earning an attractive salary with generous benefits. You’ll grow professionally and personally while serving your country.
Deployment Deferment For Up To Two Years
If you’re a former Navy servicemember , be aware that you can receive guaranteed initial deployment deferment when you affiliate with the Navy Reserve.
- Two-year involuntary mobilization deferment available if affiliating within six months of release from Active Duty
- One-year involuntary mobilization deferment available if affiliating between seven and twelve months after release from Active Duty
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What Is The Rotc Curriculum Comprised Of
A: The ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course focuses on Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout along with an emphasis on basic military skills. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership and command. You’ll learn a great deal. You’ll be well prepared to become an Army Officer, a leader and a member of a team should you choose to complete the curriculum.
Reserve Entrance Programs For Those Who’ve Served Before
There are different programs that allow you to affiliate with the Navy Reserve. Your eligibility for these programs depends upon your prior service background, how long its been since you were discharged from service, and a variety of other factors. As a military veteran, you should refer to the Reserve entrance program that best applies to you.
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How Long Is The Average Military Contract
Recruiters will likely mention the Delayed Entry Program . Today, almost all military recruits sign a contract with delayed entry. By signing this, you promise to report on a specific date in the future. At that time, your active duty time begins. Recruiters are hard-working animals. In fact, recruiters spend more hours in the workplace than almost anyone else in the military. No matter what you`ve heard, recruiters don`t receive a financial bonus for signing up people. You will receive their regular paycheck, whether you sign up or not. If you come without an appointment, don`t be surprised if your recruiter isn`t there. He could take someone to the MEPS that day.
An incentive to conscription differs from a military benefit in that not everyone is eligible and must be included in the conscription contract to be valid. .
Extra Training And Education While Reserve Status
There are other training options you can do as a former Army active duty member while in the National Guard to advance your career. There is an Army Special Forces program that allows for a National Guard member to attend the various schools in the Special Forces pipeline and actually become an Army Special Forces soldier earning the Green Beret. Once you are a member of the 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups you will continue to train and can deploy when needed as an augmentee into an active unit.
Active Reserve and National Guard enlistments are usually for a minimum of six years .
If you are commissioned as an officer through the ROTC or Service Academy college programs, you owe the military five years of active duty service with a two-year option of Reserve Duty or IRR.
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Can The Military Kick You Out For Having Too Much Money
In the past, discharged for being too wealthy was a common practice, but it is no longer a problem today. Nowadays, people with a lot of money have a great chance of being accepted to the military. You can go to a recruiting office and have a discussion with a recruiter about this. He will tell you how much money is too much to qualify for military service..
Bonuses Job Training Promotions

The length of service often gets the most attention in an enlistment contract — and for good reason. But other terms need to be negotiated as well. Make sure the amount and disbursement of any bonus is clearly spelled out. The same goes with specific guarantees of job training and any promotion to an advanced pay grade. While most enlistees come in at the first pay grade , enlistees who are older or who have additional education beyond high school, may be able to enter the military at a higher pay grade . Also, some enlistment contracts may provide first-time enlistees with their choice of locations for their first duty station.
You can also negotiate terms for civilian educational benefits, such as tuition assistance for college or the option to enter an officer commissioning program after a certain period of time. Officer Candidate School and the Reserve Officer Training Corps are the two most common means of obtaining an officer commission. You must have a college degree to be an officer, which you must have before entering OCS or which you can obtain while enrolled in an ROTC program. Many ROTC programs will also offer scholarships for your college education while you earn your commission.
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Army Contracts And Recruiting
If you think the Army might be a good career path, the first step is to visit a recruiter, Military.com says. There’s no risk in doing this as you’re not committed to anything until you sign an enlistment contract. Ask questions about Army life, pay, training and whatever else you’re concerned with. If there’s something you want, such as IT training or money for education, ask whether that’s an option. If you have useful experience or special background, such as ROTC, mention it to the recruiter. This might qualify you for a higher rank and better pay.
Don’t assume there’s no room for negotiating Army contracts. The Army’s a massive operation with dozens of military occupational specialties you might be able to train for. Recruiters want to sign up promising candidates so if there’s something you want an Army three-year enlistment contract, say ask if it’s an option. You can delay your actual enlistment by up to a year so if what you want isn’t currently available, ask if that might change in a few months?
Get an idea of the money that you can receive, and what bonuses are available for the different types of military jobs. This changes constantly, as the Army’s needs fluctuate. The Army Times says that in 2019, for instance, the Army offered bonuses if enlistees entered the infantry, such as $20,000 for an Army three-year enlistment. For six years, you could have landed $40,000.
Can Graduate Level Students Enroll In Army Rotc
A: Yes, Graduate Level students can enroll in Army ROTC. Murray State University’s Army ROTC program has had students seeking Masters Degrees successfully complete the program. Additionally, the Army ROTC program actively seeks students pursuing critical skill areas such as doctors, pharmacists, chaplains and attorneys.
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Army Enlistment Contract Options
Related
Army contracts for new recruits are as binding as contracts in the civilian world. They can set the length of your service, bonuses and the kind of training you receive. A recruiter’s verbal guarantees about your service aren’t legally binding, so you should get your Army enlistment options in writing before you sign up.
Tip
Army contracts are binding legal documents. They can set the length of time you have to serve, your career path, bonuses and other details. Recruiters are eager to sign you up, so don’t hesitate to negotiate. Once you’ve agreed on the enlistment options you want, get them written into the contract. If a recruiter promises a bonus, say, but doesn’t put it in writing, the Army’s under no obligation to deliver.