MEPS Medical Examination Process 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At MEPS, what is the Body Mass Index (BMI) primarily used for?
- It replaces the weight-for-height table entirely
- It is used as a secondary screening tool alongside branch weight and height standards (Correct answer)
- It determines the recruit's fitness score
- It is only used for female recruits
Correct answer: It is used as a secondary screening tool alongside branch weight and height standards
BMI is a secondary tool; each branch has its own height and weight standards that are the primary enlistment screen.
Question 2: Which condition related to the spine is specifically evaluated during the MEPS physical exam?
- Scoliosis (Correct answer)
- Arthritis only
- Herniated discs only
- Osteoporosis
Correct answer: Scoliosis
Scoliosis is among the spinal conditions evaluated; significant curvature can be disqualifying under DoDI 6130.03.
Question 3: What occurs during the HIV blood test administered at MEPS?
- It checks only for HIV-1 antibodies
- It screens for HIV-1 and HIV-2 using a combination antigen/antibody test (Correct answer)
- It is optional and requires recruit consent
- It screens for hepatitis only
Correct answer: It screens for HIV-1 and HIV-2 using a combination antigen/antibody test
MEPS uses a fourth-generation HIV combination test detecting both HIV-1/2 antibodies and the p24 antigen.
Question 4: What is the significance of the 'DQ' designation at the end of a MEPS medical review?
- Delayed Qualification — the recruit must take additional tests
- Disqualified — the recruit does not meet medical standards at that time (Correct answer)
- Deferred Qualification — the recruit is sent to a specialist
- Data Query — records are requested from civilian physicians
Correct answer: Disqualified — the recruit does not meet medical standards at that time
DQ means Disqualified; the recruit does not currently meet the medical standards required for military service.
Question 5: Which organ system is checked when MEPS staff examine a recruit's thyroid?
- Cardiovascular system
- Endocrine system (Correct answer)
- Lymphatic system
- Nervous system
Correct answer: Endocrine system
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system; enlargement or nodules can signal disqualifying hormonal disorders.
Question 6: What is a 'DEP' waiver in the context of MEPS medical processing?
- A waiver for recruits already in the Delayed Entry Program who develop a new medical condition (Correct answer)
- A special waiver for dental deficiencies only
- A Department of Education Partnership waiver
- A waiver for drug exposure prior to enlistment
Correct answer: A waiver for recruits already in the Delayed Entry Program who develop a new medical condition
DEP waivers address new medical conditions that arise after a recruit has already entered the Delayed Entry Program.
Question 7: What does the color vision test at MEPS assess, and why does it matter for military service?
- It checks for blindness and has no MOS restrictions
- It detects color vision deficiency, which can restrict eligibility for certain MOS or ratings requiring accurate color discrimination (Correct answer)
- It only matters for the Air Force pilot track
- It replaces the standard Snellen eye chart test
Correct answer: It detects color vision deficiency, which can restrict eligibility for certain MOS or ratings requiring accurate color discrimination
Color vision deficiency (e.g., red-green color blindness) can restrict a recruit from aviation, certain combat roles, and technical ratings.
MEPS Medical Examination Process 4
At MEPS, what is the Body Mass Index (BMI) primarily used for?