MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under DoD Instruction 6130.03, what is the minimum uncorrected distant visual acuity for most military accession without a waiver?
- 20/400 in each eye
- 20/200 in the worse eye (Correct answer)
- 20/20 in each eye
- 20/40 in each eye
Correct answer: 20/200 in the worse eye
DoD 6130.03 generally allows uncorrected vision as poor as 20/200 in the worse eye, provided corrected acuity meets the standard, though specific limits vary by service and MOS.
Question 2: Which processing document formally lists the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or ratings an applicant qualifies for based on ASVAB scores?
- DD Form 4
- Enlistment Eligibility Activity (EEA) printout (Correct answer)
- DD Form 2807-1
- SF-86
Correct answer: Enlistment Eligibility Activity (EEA) printout
The EEA (or equivalent service-specific qualification list) is generated from ASVAB scores and shows every occupational specialty the applicant's scores qualify them for.
Question 3: What body mass index (BMI) or height/weight standard does MEPS use as a disqualifying threshold?
- BMI over 25 is automatically disqualifying
- Each service sets its own height/weight standards enforced at MEPS (Correct answer)
- A single DoD-wide BMI limit of 30 applies to all branches
- Weight is not evaluated at MEPS — only at basic training
Correct answer: Each service sets its own height/weight standards enforced at MEPS
MEPS applies each individual military branch's height/weight tables, so the cutoffs differ between Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Question 4: An applicant arrives at MEPS having slept fewer than 4 hours due to travel. How should this affect processing?
- Processing continues normally; fatigue has no official impact
- The ASVAB may be postponed if the applicant's condition would invalidate results (Correct answer)
- The applicant is automatically disqualified for the day
- Only the physical exam is delayed; testing proceeds
Correct answer: The ASVAB may be postponed if the applicant's condition would invalidate results
MEPS guidance allows postponement of cognitive testing when conditions such as severe fatigue or illness could materially affect performance and validity of scores.
Question 5: Which form documents an applicant's pre-existing medical conditions and history at MEPS?
- DD Form 2808
- DD Form 2807-1 (Correct answer)
- DD Form 4
- SF-86
Correct answer: DD Form 2807-1
DD Form 2807-1 (Report of Medical History) is the self-reported medical questionnaire completed by the applicant prior to the MEPS physical examination.
Question 6: What is the significance of a 'temporary disqualification' (TDQ) at MEPS compared to a 'permanent disqualification' (PDQ)?
- TDQ means the applicant can never enlist; PDQ means they need more documents
- TDQ indicates a remediable condition requiring follow-up; PDQ means the condition is not waiverable (Correct answer)
- TDQ and PDQ are different names for the same status
- TDQ applies only to ASVAB results, PDQ only to medical findings
Correct answer: TDQ indicates a remediable condition requiring follow-up; PDQ means the condition is not waiverable
A TDQ places processing on hold until a correctable issue is resolved (e.g., healing injury), while a PDQ indicates a condition that permanently bars accession without an approved waiver.
Question 7: During MEPS processing, who is authorized to grant a medical waiver for a disqualifying condition?
- The MEPS physician
- The recruiter's commanding officer
- The respective military service headquarters (e.g., Army G-1, Navy BUMED) (Correct answer)
- The MEPCOM Surgeon General
Correct answer: The respective military service headquarters (e.g., Army G-1, Navy BUMED)
Medical waivers are granted by the individual service's headquarters medical authority, not by MEPS staff — MEPS only documents and forwards the waiver request.
MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 3
Under DoD Instruction 6130.03, what is the minimum uncorrected distant visual acuity for most military accession without a waiver?