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Delayed entry program participants and 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen pose in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. DEP recruits were introduced to Air Force career fields firsthand and had the opportunity to learn directly from the Airmen who perform these missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caleen Gomez, Junior Enlisted Council professional development coordinator co-chair, briefs delayed entry program participants at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. DEP participants toured MacDill AFB to learn about various Air Force career fields and gain firsthand insight into what to expect as future Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicole King, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Airman dorm leader, briefs delayed entry program participants about living in the dormitories at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. DEP participants toured MacDill AFB to learn about various Air Force career fields and gain firsthand insight into what to expect as future Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Trenton Scalf, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief section lead, briefs about the refuel aircraft maintenance career field at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. It’s the job of the refuel aircraft maintenance specialists to inspect, troubleshoot and repair aircraft structures, engines and hydraulic systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Trenton Scalf, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief section lead, briefs delayed entry program recruits about the refuel aircraft maintenance career field at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. Crew chiefs do everything from removing and installing engine components, to identifying corrosion for prevention and repair that ensures safe and full operational capacity of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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Delayed entry program participants are briefed about the refuel aircraft maintenance career field at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. The DEP is the waiting period between swearing into the U.S. Air Force at a Military Entrance Processing Station, and shipping out for Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Trenton Scalf, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief section lead, briefs about the refuel aircraft maintenance career field at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. Aircraft maintenance specialists inspect, troubleshoot and repair aircraft structures, engines and hydraulic systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kyle Lee, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels superintendent, speaks about the fuels management specialist career field at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. Fuels Airmen master roles such as agile fuel systems operator, laboratory technician and cryogenics specialist, ensuring airpower globally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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DEP recruits explore careers and military life at MacDill

Published Sept. 7, 2026
By A1C Helen Ly
6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Delayed entry program participants and 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen pose in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. DEP recruits were introduced to Air Force career fields firsthand and had the opportunity to learn directly from the Airmen who perform these missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Helen Ly)

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