For all potential Marine recruits I would strongly suggest entering the D.E.P (Delayed Entry Program). The extra PT (Physical Training) not only helps prepare for boot camp but also helps instill a certain mental discipline to never quit. Having the mentality of never quitting can help with work or school, more importantly going into boot camp with the never quit mind set will boost your chances on overcoming the challenges of Marines boot camp. Another Crucial component that the D.E.P teaches you is comradeship. Without comradeship there can be no teamwork and without teamwork there can be no success in boot camp.

Other than those two key ingredients The D.E.P gives you a sense of pride for just being a Marine recruit. Also recruiters give you a slight taste of what life in the military will be like and general knowledge that will be useful in the Marine Corps. Don’t let the sound of military life scare you being with fellow recruits and learning the amazing tricks and trades of the business is incredible fun.


What to Expect

While enlisted into the United States Marine Corps Chances are you will be entered into the D.E.P. This program is designed to mentally and physically help, not push you, into a better position for boot camp. For starters once a week normally on Monday you must check in with your recruiter. Checking in with your recruiter is not a painfully boring experience and its not to intimidate you, its simply just to make sure your still alive and to get to know you better on a more personal level. Another task you must undergo is a weekly meeting to go over some general knowledge and do PT. The weekly meeting can be challenging during PT but yet again don’t let that scare you its not boot camp and your recruiter will not treat it like it is either.