DEP enlistees learn about AF programs, benefits

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  • By Staff Sgt. Minnette Mason
Twenty-two of the newest Air Force Reserve enlistees received several base agency briefings to learn what benefits they're entitled during a monthly meeting at the Craig Road Air Force Reserve Recruiting station Aug. 7.

The enlistees are local to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and are members of the Delayed Entry Program, where they've enlisted into the Individual Ready Reserve component while awaiting to leave for basic training.

"Right now, we have two individuals scheduled to go to [Basic Military Training] on Aug. 17. The rest should receive their dates this week or early next week," said Tech. Sgt. Roberts, Air Force Reserve recruiter with the 926th Group.

While in "DEP status," they are enlisted in the Air Force Reserve but can't participate in drills or annual tours until they complete BMT and technical training school, Sergeant Roberts said.

However, enlistees are entitled to some services and facilities on base, including the fitness center, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Representatives from several agencies attend the monthly meetings, known as DEP call, and vary from month to month.

DEP calls have always been required monthly, said Tech Sgt. Morrison, Air Force Reserve recruiter with the 926th Group. However, the recruiters used to meet with the enlistees one-on-one. They began gathering as a group just a few months ago.

"It can be six to nine months before someone goes out to basic training so it's important for us to keep it interesting," Sergeant Morrison said.

This month, Col. Brunke, 926th Group commander, welcomed the enlistees to the Air Force Reserve. He encouraged them to focus on three concepts once they're fully qualified to participate in drills: job training, medical readiness and physical fitness. He also explained how vital their roles are to the group, as well as the Air Force Reserve.

"You are our future," he said.

Following the commander, Tech. Sgt. Lee, paralegal from the 926th Group judge advocate office, discussed legal services available on base and explained how the Military Clause can be applicable to the enlistees' lease agreements. She also explained the role of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, organization. Sergeant Lee concluded her briefing by giving the enlistees her contact information.

Next, Master Sgt. Ojala, Airman and Family Readiness Center superintendent with the 99th Force Support Squadron, discussed several programs and classes, including financial counseling, Air Force Aid, resume writing, career focus, and transition assistance.

"We have counselors who are experts in their field," he said.

Lastly, he told the enlistees about two annual job fairs the AFRC hosts, and he left a few pamphlets of information for them to take home.

After a short break, the enlistees listened to fitness specialists Senior Airman Bagsby and Senior Airman Corchado, both from the 99th Force Support Squadron, explain several amenities available at the Nellis Fitness and Sports Center.

"You can pay for a membership downtown, but we have a lot available at our gym," Airman Corchado said.

He told the enlistees about several exercise equipments, such as elliptical machines, free weights and other strength-training machines, available for their use, as well as their dependents.

"We also offer several classes," Airman Bagsby added. "Zumba is one that's really popular."

Don Barnum, DEP enlistee, listened attentively as the fitness specialists presented their briefing. He enlisted in January and said he looks forward to participating with his unit, the 555th RED HORSE Squadron, as a structural apprentice.

"My biggest concern is physical training," he commented. "I want to score at least 90 percent [on the physical training test] when I go to basic training."

Jason Rodriguez, also a DEP enlistee, agrees with Barnum. He recently visited the Nellis Health and Wellness Center for guidance and achieved the results he expected, he said.

"I went to the gym and was very surprised of the equipment they have available," he said.

Rodriguez enlisted in March to become to a structural apprentice with the 555th RHS as well. He's lived in the Las Vegas area for 15 years and anticipates taking full advantage of the benefits he'll receive as a Reserve member, he said.

"It's important to understand all the benefits, and it's all free," he said. "Anything that's free is helpful."

Finally, the enlistees had an opportunity to ask recent BMT graduates Airman 1st Class Bragdon and Airman 1st Class Marquez about their experiences at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

"There's so much advice to give before going [to BMT] that could help when you get there," said Airman Bragdon, who graduated from basic training April 7.

"The most important thing to remember is [not to] fret it," he advised. "[BMT] is a small part of your experience in the Air Force."

Airman Bragdon will soon leave for New Mexico to complete his formal training. He will be assigned to the 78th Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. Although he enlisted less than a year ago, he was surprised to see how the DEP call is now organized.

"I will definitely come out to the next one," said DEP enlistee Johanna Brooks. She enlisted in June, and this is the second DEP call she's attended.

"I'm learning so much, and meeting new friends and new people," she said.