Answer about the DEP perks is yes. There is a big money enlisted program called CASH, similar to BDCP for enlisted nuke candidates. Great program designed to get guys to take college courses in math and science while in DEP for a nuke or advanced electronics program. Some guys have been taking money in the CASH program and then get picked up for OCS or even BDCP and been able to milk both programs. There is a chance however, that if your ship date comes before acceptance to an officer program they won't wait even a week. You ship to Boot Camp. If your ship date is moved up before you hear back from an officer program, you may be left holding the bag. Generally though, the navy wants everyone to achieve the most they are able. If you qualify for an officer program while in DEP it is practically a rubber stamp at the NRD level. BTW, don't expect anyone to tell you about going CASH to BDCP. It is frowned on at some NRDs. It messes up the projected accessions for enlisted nuke and it is too easy for the applicant to get screwed.