The time between completing your processing at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and shipping to Basic Combat Training (BCT) varies significantly. It can range from a few weeks to over a year, depending primarily on your enlistment program and job selection.

Key Factors Determining Your Ship Date:

Enlistment Program: Most enlistees join the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). This means you swear in and sign a contract at MEPS but return home to wait for your official ship date to Basic Training. DEP time allows for finishing school, getting in shape, or waiting for a specific job’s training cycle.
Job Availability (MOS): Your assigned Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is the biggest factor. You ship out when the next training cycle for that specific job begins. High-demand or common jobs may ship sooner, while specialized fields with infrequent training classes can involve a longer DEP wait.
Branch of Service and “Quick Ship” Options: Some branches offer “Quick Ship” incentives for leaving within a very short timeframe (e.g., 30 days), often for priority jobs or to fill immediate needs, sometimes with a bonus.

Your recruiter controls your ship date and can provide the most accurate timeline based on your contract. It is not set by MEPS itself.

For related information on conduct during your MEPS visit, you can read about Can I use my phone during MEPS?

For an external, official overview of the enlistment timeline including the DEP, you can visit the U.S. Army’s Step-by-Step Joining Process.