Your Future Begins Now!
Thank you for your interest
in military service. We'd like to tell
you about the Military Entrance Processing
Station, known as a MEPS, and what you
can expect during your processing.
The MEPS is a Department
of Defense joint-service organization
staffed with military and civilian professionals.
We determine applicant's physical qualifications,
aptitude and moral standards as set by
each branch of military service.
Testing:
Each
applicant for military service is required
to take the CAT-ASVAB, which measures
aptitude in a broad range of career fields.
A product of more than 50 years of research,
the ASVAB is now available in both computerized
(CAT-ASVAB) and traditional "paper
and pencil" versions. Each service
combines the test section results to
produce its own unique scores for various
career fields.
You may have already 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.
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 underclothing
- Complete physical examination and
interview
- Specialized test if required
For Women Only:
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. Underclothing
is required during your physical. A female
attendant will accompany you when you
must remove your clothing. You will also
be given a pregnancy test.
Medical History:
Medical technicians will
give you instructions on how to complete
a questionnaire on 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 the MEPS.
Meals & Lodging:
Meals and/or overnight
lodging accommodations, if needed, will
be arranged for you. Most applicants
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, such as telephone
calls.
Enlistment:
After you have met the
physical and CAT-ASVAB standards of the
branch of service you have selected,
a service liaison counselor will tell
you about job opportunities and the enlistment
agreement. 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!
A final interview, fingerprinting for
a FBI check and pre-enlistment briefing
will be completed 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 who gives you
the oath.
If you are entering the Delayed Entry Program, or not enlisting at this time, return transportation to
your home will be coordinated by your recruiter. Otherwise, you will receive instructions on your transportation
arrangements to basic training.
We hope this information
is helpful. Feel free to ask questions
during any part of your MEPS processing.
Our trained professionals want to help
bring you closer to your goal of joining
the armed forces team.
Reminders:
- 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 all piercings.
- Profanity and offensive wording
or pictures on clothing are not tolerated.
- Hats are not permitted inside the
MEPS.
- 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 underclothes.
- Get a good night's sleep before
taking the CAT-ASVAB.
- Wear neat, moderate, comfortable
clothing.
- Don't bring stereo headphones, watches,
jewelry, excessive cash or any other
valuables.
- Ask your recruiter for a list of
recommended personal items to bring
to basic training.
- Processing starts early at the MEPS
- You must report on time.