MEPS Medical Examination Process 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'medical waiver' in the MEPS process?
- A document waiving the need for any physical exam
- An exception granted by a military branch allowing enlistment despite a disqualifying condition (Correct answer)
- A form signed by the recruit declining a medical test
- A postponement of MEPS until a future date
Correct answer: An exception granted by a military branch allowing enlistment despite a disqualifying condition
A medical waiver is a branch-specific exception that allows enlistment when a recruit has a condition that would otherwise be disqualifying.
Question 2: What is the primary law governing MEPS medical standards for military enlistment?
- Title 10, U.S. Code
- HIPAA Privacy Rule
- DoDI 6130.03 (Correct answer)
- Military Selective Service Act
Correct answer: DoDI 6130.03
DoDI 6130.03 (Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction) sets the medical criteria used at MEPS.
Question 3: During the MEPS orthopedic exam, why are recruits asked to perform the 'duck walk'?
- To test cardiovascular endurance
- To assess knee, hip, and ankle joint function (Correct answer)
- To measure flexibility of the spine
- To screen for flat feet only
Correct answer: To assess knee, hip, and ankle joint function
The duck walk evaluates the functional range of motion and stability of the lower-extremity joints.
Question 4: Which branch of service may impose stricter medical standards than baseline MEPS requirements?
- No branch can impose stricter standards
- Any branch may apply service-specific standards on top of DoD minimums (Correct answer)
- Only the Army imposes additional standards
- Only special operations units, not regular service branches
Correct answer: Any branch may apply service-specific standards on top of DoD minimums
Each branch and specific MOS or rating may have additional standards beyond the DoD baseline specified in DoDI 6130.03.
Question 5: What does PULHES stand for in the military medical classification system?
- Physical capacity, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing, Eyes, Psychiatric (Correct answer)
- Pulmonary, Urological, Lymphatic, Hepatic, Endocrine, Skeletal
- Physical capacity, Urological, Lymphatic, Hearing, Emotional, Skeletal
- Pulmonary, Upper body, Lower body, Heart, Eyes, Spine
Correct answer: Physical capacity, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing, Eyes, Psychiatric
PULHES is the Army's physical profile system rating Physical capacity, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing/ears, Eyes/vision, and Psychiatric.
Question 6: How long before a MEPS appointment should a recruit typically avoid consuming alcohol?
- 12 hours
- 24 hours (Correct answer)
- 48 hours
- 72 hours
Correct answer: 24 hours
Recruits are advised to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before MEPS to ensure accurate test results.
Question 7: What is the consequence of deliberately concealing a medical condition during the MEPS process?
- The recruit receives a warning only
- It constitutes fraudulent enlistment and can result in discharge or criminal prosecution (Correct answer)
- The enlistment contract is paused for 30 days
- The recruit must pay a fine
Correct answer: It constitutes fraudulent enlistment and can result in discharge or criminal prosecution
Concealing a medical condition is fraudulent enlistment under the UCMJ and can result in discharge and potential federal prosecution.
MEPS Medical Examination Process 3
What is a 'medical waiver' in the MEPS process?