MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An applicant enlisting in the Army scores a 31 on the ASVAB Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). What is the implication?
- They qualify for all Army MOSs
- They meet the minimum AFQT threshold for Army enlistment (31 for non-prior service) (Correct answer)
- They are disqualified; the Army minimum is 50
- They must retake the ASVAB immediately
Correct answer: They meet the minimum AFQT threshold for Army enlistment (31 for non-prior service)
The U.S. Army requires a minimum AFQT score of 31 for non-prior service applicants enlisting with a high school diploma.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the orthopedic portion of the MEPS physical examination?
- To assess cardiovascular fitness through treadmill testing
- To evaluate the musculoskeletal system for conditions that could limit military duty (Correct answer)
- To screen for color blindness
- To measure lung capacity with a spirometer
Correct answer: To evaluate the musculoskeletal system for conditions that could limit military duty
The orthopedic exam checks range of motion, joint stability, and structural integrity to identify conditions like scoliosis, flat feet, or prior injuries that may affect duty performance.
Question 3: Under what circumstance can a recruiter accompany an applicant into the medical examination area at MEPS?
- Whenever the recruiter requests it
- Never — recruiters are prohibited from the medical examination area (Correct answer)
- Only if the applicant is a minor
- Only with written approval from the MEPCOM commanding general
Correct answer: Never — recruiters are prohibited from the medical examination area
DoD policy strictly prohibits recruiters from the medical examination area to ensure applicants can disclose conditions without fear of recruiter pressure or influence.
Question 4: What is the 'Future Soldier' or Delayed Entry Program (DEP), and how does it relate to MEPS?
- A program where applicants train at MEPS for 90 days before basic training
- A status in which an applicant has enlisted at MEPS but will ship to training at a future date (Correct answer)
- An alternative to MEPS processing for college students
- A reserve-only program with no MEPS involvement
Correct answer: A status in which an applicant has enlisted at MEPS but will ship to training at a future date
After completing MEPS processing and taking the oath, DEP members are technically enlisted in the Inactive Ready Reserve and await their ship date to active training.
Question 5: Which audiometric standard at MEPS would likely result in a disqualifying finding for military accession?
- Pure tone average of 25 dB in both ears
- Hearing loss greater than 30 dB at 500–2000 Hz frequencies in the better ear (Correct answer)
- Any hearing aid use, regardless of corrected hearing level
- Difficulty hearing whispered speech at 5 feet
Correct answer: Hearing loss greater than 30 dB at 500–2000 Hz frequencies in the better ear
DoD 6130.03 sets thresholds based on pure tone averages across speech-critical frequencies; significant loss in the better ear triggers disqualification.
Question 6: When an applicant has a history of asthma diagnosed after age 13, what documentation is typically required for MEPS review?
- No documentation is needed if the applicant reports no current symptoms
- A signed self-declaration that asthma is resolved
- Physician records documenting the diagnosis, treatment, and current status (Correct answer)
- Only a recruiter's written statement
Correct answer: Physician records documenting the diagnosis, treatment, and current status
Asthma diagnosed after age 13 is a potentially disqualifying condition, and MEPS requires objective medical records to evaluate current status before a determination is made.
Question 7: A female applicant discloses she is currently pregnant during MEPS processing. What is the standard outcome?
- She is permanently disqualified from military service
- She receives a temporary disqualification until post-delivery clearance (Correct answer)
- She may still enlist but must waive prenatal care
- The recruiter decides whether to proceed with enlistment
Correct answer: She receives a temporary disqualification until post-delivery clearance
Pregnancy results in a temporary medical disqualification at MEPS; the applicant may return for processing after delivery and appropriate medical recovery.
MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 4
An applicant enlisting in the Army scores a 31 on the ASVAB Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT).
What is the implication?