MEPS Medical Examination Process 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) sometimes performed at MEPS?
- It is mandatory for all recruits to establish a baseline
- It detects cardiac abnormalities that could pose risk during military service (Correct answer)
- It measures blood oxygen saturation
- It is only used for recruits over age 35
Correct answer: It detects cardiac abnormalities that could pose risk during military service
An EKG is ordered when the physician suspects cardiac abnormalities; it is not a universal requirement for all applicants.
Question 2: How is the MEPS medical examination record typically transmitted to the recruit's gaining military branch?
- The recruit hand-carries a sealed envelope to basic training
- It is transmitted electronically through the USMEPCOM system (Correct answer)
- The MEPS physician mails records directly to the drill sergeant
- Records are uploaded to the recruit's personal email
Correct answer: It is transmitted electronically through the USMEPCOM system
MEPS uses the USMEPCOM (United States Military Entrance Processing Command) electronic system to transmit records to the branches.
Question 3: A recruit has a history of asthma diagnosed after age 13. Under DoDI 6130.03, this is generally considered:
- Automatically disqualifying with no waiver possible
- Potentially disqualifying and may require pulmonary function testing or a waiver (Correct answer)
- Not a disqualifying condition under any circumstances
- Only relevant if the recruit used an inhaler in the past 30 days
Correct answer: Potentially disqualifying and may require pulmonary function testing or a waiver
Asthma diagnosed after age 13 is a potentially disqualifying condition; pulmonary function tests and possible waivers determine final eligibility.
Question 4: What type of immunizations may be administered or verified at MEPS or shortly after enlistment?
- No immunizations are given until basic training
- Immunization records are reviewed and missing vaccines are documented for later administration (Correct answer)
- All required military vaccines are given on the first MEPS day
- Immunizations are only given to recruits going overseas
Correct answer: Immunization records are reviewed and missing vaccines are documented for later administration
MEPS reviews immunization records; required vaccines are typically administered upon arrival at the recruit training command, not at MEPS itself.
Question 5: Under which condition might a MEPS physician grant a same-day medical clearance rather than requesting additional records?
- When the recruit self-reports no medical history
- When a minor, clearly resolved condition is well-documented in records already presented (Correct answer)
- When the recruiter vouches for the recruit's health
- Same-day clearance is never permitted
Correct answer: When a minor, clearly resolved condition is well-documented in records already presented
If the recruit brings complete documentation showing a condition is minor and fully resolved, the physician may clear the recruit on the same visit.
Question 6: What does a MEPS 'Report of Medical History' form require the applicant to disclose?
- Only conditions diagnosed in the past two years
- All past and present medical conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations, and medications (Correct answer)
- Only hereditary conditions
- Only physical injuries, not mental health history
Correct answer: All past and present medical conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations, and medications
The form requires full disclosure of all medical history, including mental health, surgeries, hospitalizations, and current medications.
Question 7: What is the role of the MEPS Chief Medical Officer (CMO)?
- To administer the ASVAB test
- To make final medical qualification determinations and review complex cases at the MEPS facility (Correct answer)
- To coordinate recruiter quotas
- To perform all physical examinations personally
Correct answer: To make final medical qualification determinations and review complex cases at the MEPS facility
The CMO is the senior physician at MEPS responsible for final medical qualification decisions and oversight of complex or borderline cases.
MEPS Medical Examination Process 5
What is the purpose of the electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) sometimes performed at MEPS?