I wanted to write a blog about the Air Force to educate people on the process. Follow me on my exciting journey to becoming an Airman! Each week I will cover a different topic regarding my progress so far.

I’ve taken another big step toward joining the Air Force -— I swore into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) on Dec. 17! The DEP allows recruits to commit to the military ahead of their ship date when they aren’t able to ship out for an extended period.

The process took about three hours. Upon arrival, I went through security and stored all my belongings except my ID and social security card. At my branch office, they explained the process and gave me a questionnaire about my experiences and reasons for joining. Afterward, I completed the questionnaire while waiting for my background check and fingerprints to be taken.

Following that, I returned to the branch office for paperwork and waited about an hour and a half for the final steps. Before swearing in, we were briefed in a conference room and prepared to stand in formation. When the officer entered, we stood at attention (standing up straight with correct posture, heels together forming a 45-degree angle, hands to your side creating a loose fist with your hands), then at ease (move your left foot with your right foot in place making them about shoulder-width apart, arms behind you back interlocking your thumbs with your right hand on top), and were asked a series of questions answering “Yes, sir/ma’am” or “No, sir/ma’am”. Finally, we stood at attention, raised our right hand, and took the Oath of Enlistment.

“I, [Full name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

Afterward, you can have your picture taken, although I couldn’t since I’m a minor. Then, we returned to the conference room, where each of us met with the officer who swore us in to verify our information. Finally, we met with someone from our branch office to sign the paperwork we were given before. Once that was complete, we were done and ready to head home!