Free Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) Applicant Processing and Standards Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 20-year-old applicant at MEPS reveals they are the sole legal guardian of their 16-year-old sibling. How does this information typically affect their enlistment eligibility?
- The processing is paused until the sibling turns 18 years old.
- The applicant may require a dependency waiver from their chosen service branch to proceed. (Correct answer)
- It has no impact on eligibility as long as the applicant is over 18.
- The applicant is immediately disqualified with no chance for a waiver.
Correct answer: The applicant may require a dependency waiver from their chosen service branch to proceed.
Military services have specific regulations regarding dependents. Being a single legal guardian of a minor typically requires a dependency waiver. The service branch must be assured that the applicant has a solid family care plan in place before they will approve the waiver and allow enlistment.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the enlistment contract briefing conducted by MEPS staff before an applicant signs the DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document?
- To assign the applicant their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
- To administer the Oath of Enlistment.
- To ensure the applicant fully understands the terms of their service commitment, including length of service, training program, and any special enlistment incentives. (Correct answer)
- To conduct a final medical check before the applicant departs for basic training.
Correct answer: To ensure the applicant fully understands the terms of their service commitment, including length of service, training program, and any special enlistment incentives.
The DD Form 4 briefing is a critical step to ensure transparency and understanding. A briefer reviews every section of the contract to confirm the applicant understands their legal commitment, the length of their enlistment, their chosen training path, and any promised bonuses or incentives.
Question 3: Which of the following is a key component of the initial security screening conducted at MEPS?
- A review of the applicant's social media profiles.
- An interview with a federal security clearance investigator.
- A full polygraph examination for every applicant.
- A fingerprint scan for an FBI background check and a review of the SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A fingerprint scan for an FBI background check and a review of the SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions.
All applicants are fingerprinted at MEPS. These fingerprints are submitted to the FBI for a criminal background check. The Standard Form 86 (SF-86) is the primary document used to initiate the security clearance investigation process for positions requiring access to classified information.
Question 4: An applicant exceeds the maximum allowable weight for their height according to the screening table. What is the immediate next step in the MEPS processing pipeline to determine their eligibility?
- The applicant undergoes a body fat assessment using the tape measure method. (Correct answer)
- The applicant is immediately sent home and told to lose weight.
- The applicant must perform a physical fitness test to prove they are in shape.
- The applicant is granted a temporary waiver and allowed to ship to training.
Correct answer: The applicant undergoes a body fat assessment using the tape measure method.
Exceeding the weight-for-height screening table does not result in automatic disqualification. The next required step is a body composition assessment, typically using a specific taping method (e.g., neck and waist circumference), to determine the applicant's percentage of body fat. If their body fat percentage is within the allowable limits for their service branch, they can proceed.
Question 5: During the MEPS medical screening, an applicant is tested for color vision. An inability to correctly identify the patterns in the pseudoisochromatic plates (PIP test) would most likely disqualify an applicant from which type of military career field?
- Food service specialist.
- Electrician or avionics technician. (Correct answer)
- Infantry or ground combat roles.
- Administrative and clerical roles.
Correct answer: Electrician or avionics technician.
Normal color vision is a critical requirement for many technical jobs, especially those involving electrical wiring, electronics, and aircraft systems (avionics), where components are often color-coded for safety and proper function. While some combat roles also have requirements, it is a strict prerequisite for most electrical and avionics fields.
Question 6: An applicant has successfully completed all medical and aptitude testing at MEPS and is fully qualified. Who is the primary individual responsible for counseling the applicant on available service-specific jobs, training programs, and enlistment incentives?
- The MEPS Medical Officer.
- The ASVAB Test Administrator.
- The Service Liaison or Guidance Counselor. (Correct answer)
- The MEPS Commander.
Correct answer: The Service Liaison or Guidance Counselor.
Each military branch has its own Service Liaisons (also called Guidance Counselors) stationed at MEPS. Their role is to work directly with qualified applicants to match their qualifications and interests with the needs of the service, explaining job duties, training requirements, and available enlistment options.
Free Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) Applicant Processing and Standards Questions and Answers
A 20-year-old applicant at MEPS reveals they are the sole legal guardian of their 16-year-old sibling.
How does this information typically affect their enlistment eligibility?