MEPS Introduction 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What happens to an applicant who fails a portion of the MEPS medical examination?
- They are permanently disqualified from military service
- They may be granted a waiver or given time to address the disqualifying condition (Correct answer)
- They are automatically reassigned to a non-combat role
- They must immediately appeal to the Secretary of Defense
Correct answer: They may be granted a waiver or given time to address the disqualifying condition
A disqualifying medical finding does not always mean permanent rejection; applicants may receive a waiver or have the condition re-evaluated after treatment.
Question 2: Which branch of the military does NOT use MEPS for the processing of its enlisted applicants?
- Army
- Navy
- Coast Guard
- All branches use MEPS (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All branches use MEPS
All branches of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—use MEPS to process their enlisted applicants.
Question 3: What is a 'Future Soldier' or 'Delayed Entry Program (DEP)' in relation to MEPS?
- A recruit who failed MEPS and is awaiting a second chance
- A program allowing applicants to enlist and delay their ship date for up to a year after MEPS processing (Correct answer)
- A special MEPS track for recruits with prior military experience
- A mentoring role assigned to senior enlisted soldiers at MEPS
Correct answer: A program allowing applicants to enlist and delay their ship date for up to a year after MEPS processing
The Delayed Entry Program (DEP) lets recruits complete MEPS processing and officially enlist while delaying their report date for up to 12 months.
Question 4: What is the typical duration of a standard MEPS processing appointment?
- A few hours in a single morning
- One to two full days (Correct answer)
- An entire week
- Three to four weeks
Correct answer: One to two full days
MEPS processing typically takes one to two full days, covering medical exams, the ASVAB, and administrative steps.
Question 5: Which of the following is a valid reason an applicant might be temporarily disqualified at MEPS?
- Having a college degree
- Being under 17 years of age (Correct answer)
- Owning a business
- Having a sibling who served in the military
Correct answer: Being under 17 years of age
Applicants must be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) to enlist; those under the minimum age are temporarily disqualified.
Question 6: What role do MEPS physicians (CMOs) play in the processing of applicants?
- They administer the oath of enlistment
- They review all medical exam results and make final medical qualification determinations (Correct answer)
- They conduct background investigations for security clearances
- They score the ASVAB and report results to recruiters
Correct answer: They review all medical exam results and make final medical qualification determinations
MEPS Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) review all medical data and make the final determination on whether an applicant is medically qualified for service.
Question 7: What transportation is typically provided to MEPS applicants from the recruiter's office?
- Applicants must arrange and pay for their own transportation
- The military typically arranges and funds transportation to and from MEPS (Correct answer)
- Applicants receive a government vehicle to drive themselves
- Transportation is provided only for applicants who live more than 500 miles away
Correct answer: The military typically arranges and funds transportation to and from MEPS
The military generally arranges and covers the cost of transportation for applicants traveling to and from MEPS.
MEPS Introduction 3
What happens to an applicant who fails a portion of the MEPS medical examination?