SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 – People join the Navy for a variety of reasons. Some join to get money for college, some join to travel the world, and some hear the call to serve our country. But for future Sailor Estrella Hernandez, her decision to join came from a different purpose.
“I signed up to be a Hospital Corpsman,” said Hernandez. “I have always had a passion for helping people.”
Before Hernandez can help anybody stay fit and healthy, she must face the first challenge any Sailor tackles when joining the Navy- Boot Camp.
But before she ships out next year, she’s learning the ropes in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).
The DEP is designed to allow future Sailors to be able to learn some of the basics of boot camp before they ship out, including marching, facing movements, the chain of command and more.
“I thought the military was just a bunch of physical exercising,” said Hernandez. “[DEP] has actually helped me a lot, it has made me more prepared and made me feel more serious about my future in the Navy. It’s not all about running and jumping.”
“I’ve always challenged myself ever since I was a little kid,” said Hernandez. “But I’m really excited to get challenged and for [Recruit Division Commanders] to push me a lot more. And if things get tough, I’ll always remember my mom is waiting for me to come home, so I’ll push myself to when I can see my mom again.”
Joining the Navy can be a massive milestone, but Hernandez thinks that the challenge is more than worth it.
“I feel like I am pushing myself more than other people and I’m going to get to see more than a civilian would,” said Hernandez. “If someone is unsure about what they want to do, they should join the Navy. If they want to travel, talk to more people, or create a different version of themselves, they should join the Navy.”
Navy Talent Acquisition Group Phoenix manages more than 37 enlisted and officer recruiting stations throughout 250,000 square miles of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. For more news and content from NTAG Phoenix, follow us on Instagram (@100degreeSailors), Facebook (www.facebook.com/americasnavyjobsarizona), or YouTube (www.youtube.com/@100DegreeSailors).
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Charles J Scudella III
Navy Talent Acquisition Group Phoenix