To view or download the complete regulation, click on the the link to it in the box above these comments. The DEP is sometimes (incorrectly) called the Delayed Enlistment Program or the Future Soldiers Program or the Future Soldiers Training Program, “RA” is “Regular Army”, “USAR” is “US Army Reserve”, “TPU” is “Troop Program Unit”.

“AD” is “Active Duty”, “FSTP” is “Future Soldier Training Program”, also known as DEP.



Here it says that they can't threaten you or delay separation if you request it.

USAREC Reg 601-45 (13 July 2009)

2-3. Specific prohibitions

...

h. Misrepresentation and coercion.

(1) Recruiters will not knowingly mislead or misinform a prospect or applicant regarding any aspect of processing, entitlements, benefits, or other aspects of the Army to entice a prospect or applicant to access or enlist into either the RA or USAR, or transfer to a TPU. This includes “conditional” enlistments in which an applicant enlists based on a recruiter's assurance that the applicant's prospects for selection for another program will improve. Other examples include, but are not limited to, false promises of cash bonus, Army College Fund, Student Loan Repayment Program, regaining custody of dependent children prior to completion of first term of enlistment, overseas assignments, or a specific station of choice.

(2) Recruiters will not threaten, coerce, or intimidate any person for the purpose of inducing a Future Soldier (FS) or FO to report to AD. This includes misrepresenting the likelihood of being apprehended and ordered to AD. It also includes obstructing an FS from being separated from the FSTP or an FO from accessing. Although recruiters may properly attempt to “resell” an FS or FO, they will not unreasonably delay the process of an FS's or FO's request for separation.

USAREC Reg 601-56 (31 May 2006)

3-2. Processing procedures for separations

a. FSs or members of the recruiting force may initiate request for separation from the FSP. In either case, the form will be signed by the applicant. In both cases, the GC must be notified immediately. Upon notification and receipt of signed separation form, the GC will cancel the reservist's school seat through REQUEST.

...

3-3. Failure to report

a. When an FS fails to report on his or her scheduled AD enlistment date, the recruiter must contact the FS to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances which prevented his or her appearance. If the FS has a valid reason for not reporting (such as illness, hospitalization, incarceration), he or she will be promptly extended in the FSP pending determination of eligibility for enlistment or separation.

b. If the FS simply fails to report or cannot be located, and there are no extenuating circumstances, the following actions are required:

(1) The GC must review the enlistment packet to ensure that all required documents are present and properly prepared and they are signed, dated, and witnessed, as appropriate. Should a discrepancy be revealed which affects the validity of the FSs enlistment, the GC will cancel the training seat through REQUEST and the Rctg Bn commander will take action to process as an erroneous and/or fraudulent enlistment and forward the packet to HQ USAREC (RCRO-EE-W) for final disposition.

(2) If it is determined that the enlistment packet contains no substantive discrepancies, the following will be accomplished:

(a) The GC will cancel the training space through REQUEST.

(b) Extend (on dyamic (automated) annex) the member in the FSP to no more than the 365th day in the FSP.

(c) If determined by the Rctg Bn commander that the individual should be separated, process for separation in accordance with instructions in paragraph 3-2.

(d) A copy of the orders will be sent to the individual concerned at the address given on his or her DD Form 1966, and to any other address provided by the individual.

(3) Refusal to enlist in the RA. The same actions outlined in (2) above, must also be taken when a reservist reports for AD, but declines enlistment in the RA and does not formally request separation. (While reservist is present at the MEPS ask him or her to fill out USAREC Form 986.)

To view or download the complete regulation, click on the the link to it in the box above these comments.

Once again, it says that they can't threaten you with jail or anything else.

USAREC Reg 601-95 (15 August 2002)

3-1. General

a. A change in a DEP member's status may occur for various reasons, for example: Failure to graduate, change in short- or long-term goals, failure to report, desire to enlist in another service, and apathy. Other situations that may occur include medical disqualification, acceptance of a scholarship for pursuit of higher education, or death. While a recruiter cannot directly be responsible for a DEP member's conduct he or she can ensure that each DEP member is aware of the Army's expectations such as remaining morally and physically qualified.

b. The command goal is to limit DEP loss to no more than 10 percent of RA gross contracts. Recruiters will make every effort to resell those individuals who request separation from the DEP and are otherwise qualified. If the recruiter is unable to resell the RA, then attempt to sell the USAR. At no time will any member of this command tell a DEP member he or she must go in the Army or he or she will go to jail, or that failure to enlist will result in a blackmark on his or her credit record, or any other statement indicating adverse action will occur if the applicant fails to enlist.

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