The waiting period in the Delayed Enlistment Program is probably the hardest thing about the enlistment process. The Air Force recruits for several months in advance. Depending on job and training availability, you may have to wait for several months to ship out to basic training (I've known folks who have spent over a year in the Air Force DEP).
If you're in a hurry to get out of town, ask your recruiter about the possibility of being placed on the "quick ship" list. At times, there are recruits who drop out of the DEP at the very last moment. In order not to waste a scheduled job/training slot, the recruiting service maintains a list of those who agree to take the place of such individuals. The only problem is that you would have to accept the same job (or aptitude area) of the person dropping out, be of the same sex (usually), and keep your bags packed, as you may only get a day's notice.
While waiting in the DEP, you'll meet with your recruiter periodically (usually once per month). Often these meetings take place in the form of a "Commander's Call," where all the DEPpers attend a group meeting. Often the recruiter will arrange for guest speakers, such as recently graduated recruits, or senior recruiting officials. Your recruiter will also use these meetings to help get you ready for basic training and your Air Force career.
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