Can someone explain to me how the DEP works and how to get involved?

Go to MEPS the first time, sign your papers, pass all the medical bs, pick your ship date,sign the contract and go home with a t shirt and wait till your ship date, your recruiter will meet you at your doorstep. I believe you have a year from that day to ship.

In the meantime the recruiting station usually holds poolee functions anywhere from once a week to once a month. I heard some stations make them more educational while some (like mine did) take you out to a park and smoke you.

Talk to your recruiter

As a Reservist you can also check into the CAT-P program, ask your recruiter.