Reducing Attrition and Improving the Recruiting Process through Family Involvement: Delayed Entry Program (DEP) Family Expositions

Abstract : DEP FAMILY EXPO PURPOSE: (1) Designed to help enhance readiness by providing future shipmates and their loved ones with essential information about the Navy to ease their transition to the military. (2) Provide Fleet with better informed Sailors. (3) For Navy Recruiters -- opportunity to show, rather than just tell, their recruits about Navy. DEP FAMILY EXPOS: * MWR has hosted DEP Family Expos for 12 NRDs since October 2002 * On average 15% of DEPpers, at each participating NRD, attended the events * Events held on Naval Installations, as well as one event being held aboard the Intrepid Museum in New York City * Took tours through Navy Exchanges, Commissaries, housing areas, galleys, recreation centers, Naval Hospitals * In some cases, provided view of Naval Warships and/or Aircraft, with personnel being present to talk about their mission.