MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Station Commander's briefing given to applicants at the start of MEPS processing?
- To administer the oath of enlistment
- To explain the MEPS process, applicant rights, and the importance of truthful disclosure (Correct answer)
- To conduct an initial physical fitness assessment
- To assign applicants to their specific service branch
Correct answer: To explain the MEPS process, applicant rights, and the importance of truthful disclosure
The Station Commander's briefing orients applicants to MEPS procedures and emphasizes that concealing medical or legal history can constitute fraud and jeopardize service.
Question 2: Which document, signed at MEPS, formally commits an applicant to military service and outlines service obligations?
- DD Form 2807-1
- DD Form 1966
- DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document) (Correct answer)
- SF-86
Correct answer: DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document)
DD Form 4 is the official enlistment contract that specifies the branch of service, enlistment term, bonuses, and other terms agreed upon by the applicant and government.
Question 3: An applicant reveals a DUI conviction from three years ago that was not disclosed to the recruiter. How does MEPS handle this?
- MEPS ignores convictions older than five years
- The recruiter is asked to leave and MEPS documents the conviction for moral waiver evaluation (Correct answer)
- The applicant is automatically enrolled in a substance abuse program
- Processing halts permanently with no path to enlistment
Correct answer: The recruiter is asked to leave and MEPS documents the conviction for moral waiver evaluation
Undisclosed legal history discovered at MEPS is documented by MEPS staff independently of the recruiter, and a moral/conduct waiver may be required before enlistment can proceed.
Question 4: What is the minimum age to enlist in the U.S. military without a parental consent waiver?
- 16
- 17
- 18 (Correct answer)
- 21
Correct answer: 18
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to enlist without parental or guardian consent; 17-year-olds may enlist with written parental consent.
Question 5: Which condition discovered during the MEPS eye exam would most likely result in a disqualifying finding for an applicant seeking a combat arms MOS?
- Corrected visual acuity of 20/20
- Color vision deficiency (color blindness) (Correct answer)
- Myopia correctable to 20/20
- Astigmatism corrected with glasses
Correct answer: Color vision deficiency (color blindness)
Color vision deficiency disqualifies applicants from many combat arms and aviation MOSs because distinguishing signal colors is operationally critical.
Question 6: If an applicant fails the ASVAB at MEPS, how long must they typically wait before retesting?
- 24 hours
- One month after the initial test, then one month after the first retest (Correct answer)
- Six months after any failed attempt
- Retesting is not permitted — one score stands permanently
Correct answer: One month after the initial test, then one month after the first retest
DoD policy requires a one-calendar-month wait after the initial test and after the first retest; subsequent retests require a six-month wait.
Question 7: What is the role of the MEPS 'Operations' section during applicant processing?
- Conducting urinalysis testing
- Coordinating scheduling, transportation logistics, and the flow of applicants through MEPS (Correct answer)
- Performing background investigations
- Administering the ASVAB examination
Correct answer: Coordinating scheduling, transportation logistics, and the flow of applicants through MEPS
The Operations section manages the daily schedule of applicants, coordinates hotel and transportation arrangements, and ensures processing moves efficiently through each station.
MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 5
What is the primary purpose of the Station Commander's briefing given to applicants at the start of MEPS processing?