Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt visits with members of the Coast Guard Recruiting Command in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 16, 2013, to speak about the status of the service and what can be expected in the near future. ( Petty Officer 2nd Class Annie Elis/U.S. Coast Guard)
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Keep in mind that the services offer two basic ways of joining: standard enlistment, in which you sign up and get started immediately, and delayed entry, in which you can sign up but postpone joining the military for a certain period (up to a year in most cases). Individual services also may offer other options, so check with your local recruiters for the latest options.
Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
College First Enlistment Program in which you can complete up to two years of full-time schooling, with no federal mobilization/deployment.
Split-option enlistment -- As a junior in high school, you can enlist in the Army National Guard and not interrupt your high school education. You start by attending basic training the summer after your junior year. You will return home in time for your senior year in the fall.
Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
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