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How To Help Delayed Entry Program Members Out
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Say "No Mas" to Militarism and Colonialism: Navy Out of Vieques Now!
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How To Help Delayed Entry Program Members Out
-- Alex Doty and Eric M. LeCompte
Last year, nearly two hundred thousand people enlisted in the United States Military. The majority did so by entering the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) up to a year before reporting for active duty. Most were told, when and if they approached their recruiter with reservations about enlisting, that once in Delayed Entry Program, there is no way out.
Nothing could be further from the truth. But since recruiters are under significant pressure to produce results, they aren't above lying. Recruiters become very creative when threatening Delayed Entry Program members who want out. Recent callers to the Hotline have been told they would be considered AWOL and face up to five years in jail, would have to pay a $10,000 fine, or that a separation from the Delayed Entry Program would be a mark on a person's social security record for 53 years. Unfortunately, most young people believe these lies and report for active duty.
When Delayed Entry Program members contact us, by phone or internet, we give them proper regulation-based advice that will officially "separate" or discharge them from the military. With those who reach us, we have a 100% success rate.
So how do we let more young people know they can leave the Delayed Entry Program? With your help. If readers spend a few minutes acting on one or a couple of the following suggestions, CCCO can dramatically increase the number of Delayed Entry Program separations.
GI Rights Hotline Cards
You can hand out business-card-size GI Rights Hotline cards at recruiting stations or Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). It's easy to find out when recruiting stations send groups to MEPS. (See CCCO Covert Operations: CCCO intern Eric LeCompte discovers how to reach recruits on their way to boot camp.) Meeting these groups with hotline cards is a strong way to get options into their hands. You can also ask to leave a stack of cards at your local high school guidance counselor's office, at youth centers, and any other place youth hang out. You find the place and we'll provide you with the cards!
High School Newspapers
Placing an ad in a high school newspaper can cost as little as a tank of gas. To place one, call your local high school and ask for the name of the student editor or faculty advisor. Contact them and ask for an advertising rate sheet. Download camera-ready ads, or email or call the office at (888) 236-2226.
Guidance Counselors
Many high school guidance counselors are regularly contacted by Delayed Entry Program members about getting out. Most counselors are not aware that these students have options. We can provide you with Delayed Entry Program information packets as well as talking points to use with guidance counselors. With fact sheets and Hotline info, counselors can properly counsel Delayed Entry Program members.
The Web
Recruiting stations are starting to put the name, a picture and high school information of new Delayed Entry Program members on the web. If you find one of these web sites, look up the recruit's address and send them a letter about the Hotline. Sample letters and tips for searching for these sites are available.
Remember, anyone who wants to leave the Delayed Entry Program can. Help us spread the word!¦ |