Seattle, WA
Military Entrance Processing Station

The Seattle MEPS is an organization which is the result of many years of evolution and growth. In Seattle, branches of the recruiting services were originally located in the Post Office. The Commanding Officer of the United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) also commanded the examining facilities. In October 1950, the headquarters was located at 110 Union Street with examination conducted at the Ford Plant at 4735 East Marginal Way. At this time, Army and Air Force personnel recruited for either service.

In 1953, the Air Force established its own recruiting service, although processing and enlisting continued under the auspices of the Army. On May 29, 1958, the Air Force and Boeing Aircraft Corporation took over the old Ford Plant. The Army Examining Section was moved to 1519 Alaskan Way South. In 1961, the headquarters moved to 1519 Alaskan Way South. Currently, the Seattle MEPS resides in the Federal Building South (old Ford Plant) with the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, U. S. Marine Corps. Recruiting Battalion, and the Corp. of Engineers

The Seattle MEPS is one of a network of 65 MEPS located nationwide and in Puerto Rico.

A separate Department of Defense (DoD) agency, USMEPCOM is comprised of two geographical sectors and staffed with personnel from all military services.

The mission of USMEPCOM and the Seattle MEPS is to ensure the quality of military and federal service accessions during peacetime and mobilization in accordance with established standards.

Three primary areas are considered in determining an applicant's qualifications for enlistment:

• aptitude for military service
• physical qualification
• background evaluation screening