Headed to MEPS soon? It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and pre-test nerves before your processing day. From early-morning medical checks and the ASVAB to sitting down with a counselor to lock in your military career, MEPS sets the stage for your entire enlistment. To help you show up prepared and eliminate surprise delays, we’ve broken down exactly what happens during every phase of the process.
Key Takeaways
- MEPS screens recruits’ medical, aptitude, and moral qualifications; process includes ASVAB, physical, counseling.
- Bring ID and medical records, remove jewelry, wear underwear, sleep well, and study for the ASVAB.
- MEPS can take up to two days; you may sign an enlistment, enter DEP, or ship to basic training.
About MEPS
MEPS is a Department of Defense organization staffed with military and civilian professionals. MEPS personnel determine applicants’ physical qualifications, aptitude and moral standards, as set by each branch of the military service.
Once you have gone through initial questioning with your recruiter, they will make an appointment for you to go to the nearest of the 65 MEPS across the country. The government will pay for lodging, meals, and transportation to and from MEPS. Generally, you will share a room with another applicant, and are expected to be considerate of other guests and hotel property. You will pay only for extras.
Here you will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and have a physical. If you pass your physical, and get the minimum ASVAB score needed to join the military branch you have chosen, you will finalize the details in your enlistment contract such as your military specialty, length of enlistment, and any bonuses or incentives you qualify for.
Everything together should take two days, though some situations may make things shorter or longer. Some people will go into their branch’s Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and go home after MEPS to wait until their ship-out date. Others will ship out to basic training immediately after MEPS. Remember, you have not joined the military before going to MEPS, but by the end of it, you will be asked to sign your enlistment contract and take the oath of enlistment.
Here are some helpful hints for before you go to MEPS:
- Discuss any childhood medical problems with your parents, and bring documentation with you.
- Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate and driver’s license.
- Remove earrings (they obstruct the headset used for the hearing test).
- Wear neat, moderate, comfortable clothing. Do not wear clothing with profanity and/or offensive wording or pictures.
- If you wear either eyeglasses or contacts, bring them along with your prescription and lens case.
- Bathe or shower the night before your examination.
- Wear underwear.
- Get a good night’s sleep if you are taking the ASVAB.
- Do not bring headphones, watches, jewelry, excessive cash or weapons.
- Ask your recruiter for a list of recommended personal items to bring to basic training.
What Happens at MEPS
The MEPS process can take up to two days, depending on whether you require all parts of the enlistment process.
When I enlisted in the Air Force, my recruiter administered the ASVAB in his office. So, when I made my visit to MEPS, I just had to complete the medical exam, and work with a counselor to secure my job as a Financial Management Specialist. Once I signed my contract and took the oath, I entered the DEP for 10 months while I completed high school. I then headed off to Air Force basic training.
Here is a general overview of what happens at MEPS:
ASVAB Test
Each applicant for military service must take the ASVAB, which measures aptitude in a broad range of career fields. Each service combines the test section results to produce its own unique scores for various career fields.
You may already have taken the ASVAB in high school or for enlistment purposes. If so, tell your recruiter or your test administrator, because you may not be required to take the test again.
Check the links below to see which jobs you will qualify for.
MEPS Physical
Physical examinations are vitally important because everyone entering the armed forces must be in good health to endure the challenges of basic training and military service. You will have to remove your outer clothing during parts of the examination. Your physical examination consists of:
- Height and weight measurements
- Hearing and vision examinations
- Urine and blood tests
- Drug and alcohol tests
- Muscle group and joint maneuvers in underwear (Not exercises and running. Just a few simple flexibility and balance tests to make sure you have proper ranges of motion.)
- Complete physical examination and interview
- Specialized tests if required. For example: a fat percentage test (if you’re overweight)
- Secondary vision and hearing tests; other tests if you have an unusual medical history
Remember that many conditions can be waived, but you must provide appropriate documentation. Check with your recruiter before you go: You will need to bring all documents with you. If you forget, or do not have documentation, this may delay your enlistment until you are able to produce information needed to apply for a waiver. Failure to produce the documentation may disqualify you for service.
The MEPS will provide a drape or gown for you during the physical examination. Your visit with the physician will be in a private room. Underwear is required during your physical.
For female applicants, a female attendant will accompany you when you must remove your clothing. You also will be given a pregnancy test.
Medical History
Medical technicians will review your medical questionnaire completed with your recruiter to review your medical history before the physical examination begins. You may find it helpful to talk with your parents about any childhood diseases or medical problems you have experienced before going to MEPS.
Pro Tip: Make sure that you are completely honest when completing your medical questionnaire. MEPS uses a database that has access to most or all of your medical records, and will compare your answers with their database.
Job Selection and Counseling
You may have already worked with your recruiter on possible career fields that interest you, or are aligned with your aptitude. So, after you have met the physical and ASVAB standards of the branch of service you have selected, a service liaison counselor will tell you about job opportunities and the enlistment contract. You are making important decisions and need to be informed. Service liaison counselors can explain each program and answer your questions. When in doubt, ask!
Sign Your Enlistment Contract and Take the Oath
After you find a career specialty that fits, you are fingerprinted for an FBI check, and go through a pre-enlistment interview before you take the oath of enlistment. Members of your family are welcome to watch you take the oath. A waiting room is available for them. Your family may take photographs of you with the military officer administering the oath.
If you are entering the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) or not enlisting at this time, return transportation to your home will be coordinated by your recruiter. Those of you entering active duty will receive instructions on your transportation arrangements to basic training.
Final Thoughts
- Check with your parents/guardians about any medical conditions in your past.
- Check with your recruiter about all of your medical history. Talking with your recruiter in private does not disqualify you from the service, lying does. Remember, waivers exist for many things.
- Bring all medical documentation with you to MEPS.
- Get a good night’s sleep. You’ll be waking up early.
- Prepare well for the ASVAB. Taking time to study can make a world of difference for your entire military career.
- Bring a book to read during MEPS. There is a lot of waiting.
- Wear normal underwear. You will be sorry if you don’t.
- Listen to directions. There are lots of them.
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