The day a future service member reports to Basic Training or Boot Camp is known as their “ship date.” Life circumstances sometimes necessitate considering a delay between signing the enlistment contract and departure. While pushing back this date is possible, it is never guaranteed and requires navigating specific official procedures. Successfully changing the ship date depends less on the recruit’s preference and more on the service branch’s current operational needs and the validity of the reason provided.
Understanding the Delayed Entry Program (DEP)
Recruits who have completed processing at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and signed an enlistment contract but have not yet left for training are enrolled in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). This program bridges the gap between the initial commitment and the start of active duty service, often lasting up to a year. The DEP period allows the recruit time to finalize personal affairs, finish high school, or meet physical standards.
Although a contract exists, the recruit is not yet subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This non-active duty status is the primary reason a ship date can be altered, but any changes must be formally processed and approved through the recruiting command structure before the scheduled departure.
Factors Determining Ship Date Delay Approval
The decision to approve a ship date delay rests with the service branch and is based on institutional requirements rather than the recruit’s personal request. Military planners schedule training cycles and recruit quotas months in advance to ensure a steady flow of personnel into specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). If a requested delay causes the recruit to miss a class start date, the military must determine if a slot exists in a future training pipeline.
Approval is influenced by the current recruitment climate, and high-demand MOS slots are less flexible than others. Ultimately, the military evaluates the request by weighing the administrative cost of rescheduling against the necessity of filling the guaranteed training slot.
Acceptable Grounds for Requesting a Delay
Requests to delay a ship date are most likely to be approved when supported by documentable evidence of an unavoidable conflict or circumstance. The military is more receptive to reasons that are clearly outside the recruit’s control or that directly impact their ability to perform duties upon arrival. Requests based on simple preference or minor scheduling conflicts are frequently denied, as they do not meet the threshold of necessity.
A. Documented Medical Issues
An unexpected injury or illness that requires surgery or a lengthy recovery period is a common and accepted reason for a delay. This includes situations where a civilian doctor’s note specifies a recovery timeline that extends past the original ship date. The delay ensures the recruit is physically fit to begin the rigors of basic training, preventing an early medical discharge.
B. Academic Conflicts
A delay is often granted when necessary for a recruit to complete an academic requirement, such as a final high school semester, an exam, or a college course. Recruits who signed their contracts must provide official school documentation to validate the conflict. This accommodation supports the military’s goal of recruiting individuals with higher educational attainment.
C. Extreme Family Emergencies
Circumstances involving a death in the immediate family or a critical, sudden illness of a parent or spouse may also be considered grounds for a temporary delay. These situations require official documentation, such as a death certificate or a doctor’s letter detailing the family member’s condition. The military recognizes that certain severe family crises necessitate a brief postponement to finalize personal affairs.
D. Processing or Security Clearance Delays
Sometimes, the delay is caused by administrative backlogs within the military itself, such as a hold-up in medical records processing or an extended security clearance investigation. In these instances, the military will initiate the ship date change to align with the completion of the necessary administrative steps. This type of delay is handled internally and requires no action from the recruit beyond cooperation.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Requesting a Change
The process for requesting a change to the ship date is strictly procedural and must begin immediately upon recognizing the need for a delay. The first step is to contact the recruiter directly and professionally explain the situation and the necessity of the change. Delaying this communication can significantly reduce the chances of a successful modification.
The recruit must then provide all supporting documentation to the recruiter, such as doctor’s notes, court orders, or academic transcripts. This evidence substantiates the reason for the delay and is packaged with the formal request the recruiter prepares. The recruiter is responsible for submitting the request up the chain of command to the recruiting battalion or squadron headquarters, which then forwards it to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or the appropriate service command for approval.
Once submitted, the recruit must wait for official notification of approval or denial, which can take several weeks. If approved, a new enlistment contract addendum reflecting the new ship date and any necessary job changes must be signed at the recruiting office.
The Risks of Changing Your Ship Date
Attempting to change a ship date, even for a valid reason, carries several potential consequences. The most common risk is the loss of the specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Rate initially contracted for. Training slots are competitive, and if a delay means missing the next class start, the original job may be filled by another recruit, forcing a switch to a different field.
A financial risk is the potential loss or reduction of enlistment bonuses that were tied to the original date or MOS, as a contract modification can nullify these incentives. Furthermore, if a delay is lengthy, exceeding six months, the recruit may be required to return to MEPS to undergo a new medical qualification.
The most significant risk is the possibility of being discharged from the DEP if the request is deemed unwarranted or if the recruit repeatedly asks for delays. A DEP discharge removes the individual from the program, necessitating a complete re-application process if they decide to join later. The service branch reserves the right to terminate the enlistment contract if the recruit is perceived as unreliable.
Alternatives If a Delay Is Not Possible
If a request for a ship date delay is denied, or the risks associated with a change are too high, recruits have several alternatives. One option is to accept an earlier ship date, often referred to as “shipping early,” if an opening becomes available due to another recruit’s cancellation. This requires a willingness to depart with little notice but secures the original contract terms.
A second alternative involves switching to a different MOS or Rate that has a later, more accommodating training date. This path allows the recruit to maintain their commitment while accepting a different career path. The recruiter can provide a list of available jobs and associated ship dates. If the recruit realizes they cannot meet the commitment, the final alternative is to formally request a discharge from the DEP. This is a non-punitive release from the contract, and no legal penalty is incurred.