Free Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) Applicant Processing and Standards 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?

Accepted Answer

The applicant may require a dependency waiver from their chosen service branch to proceed.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the applicant fully understands the terms of their service commitment, including length of service, training program, and any special enlistment incentives.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A fingerprint scan for an FBI background check and a review of the SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The applicant undergoes a body fat assessment using the tape measure method.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Electrician or avionics technician.

Answer

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.

MEPS - Military Entrance Processing Stations Practice Test

MEPS - Military Entrance Processing Stations Practice Test

Free Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) Applicant Processing and Standards Questions and Answers