MEPS Physical Qualification Standards 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following flat-foot (pes planus) presentations is most likely to be disqualifying at MEPS?
- Mild bilateral flat feet with no symptoms and normal gait
- Symptomatic flat feet causing chronic pain that limits prolonged standing or marching (Correct answer)
- Flat feet corrected by custom orthotics with no current symptoms
- Unilateral mild flat foot in the non-dominant foot
Correct answer: Symptomatic flat feet causing chronic pain that limits prolonged standing or marching
Symptomatic pes planus that impairs prolonged physical activity is disqualifying because military duty demands sustained marching and load-bearing.
Question 2: What respiratory condition, if documented by pulmonary function testing showing FEV1/FVC below 70%, would likely disqualify an applicant?
- Mild restrictive pattern from obesity
- Obstructive pulmonary disease such as chronic asthma or COPD (Correct answer)
- Transient reduction due to a recent upper respiratory infection
- Slightly reduced FVC with normal FEV1/FVC ratio
Correct answer: Obstructive pulmonary disease such as chronic asthma or COPD
An FEV1/FVC ratio below 70% indicates airflow obstruction consistent with asthma or COPD, which is disqualifying due to the demands of military physical training.
Question 3: Under MEPS standards, which of the following tattoo situations would most likely prevent enlistment?
- A tattoo on the upper arm that is not visible in the dress uniform
- A tattoo on the face or neck that cannot be covered by the uniform collar (Correct answer)
- A tattoo commemorating prior military service on the forearm
- A tattoo in a language other than English on the back
Correct answer: A tattoo on the face or neck that cannot be covered by the uniform collar
Face and neck tattoos that are visible above the uniform collar violate military appearance standards and can be disqualifying depending on branch policy.
Question 4: What is the minimum height requirement for most male military enlistees at MEPS?
- 58 inches (4'10")
- 60 inches (5'0") (Correct answer)
- 62 inches (5'2")
- 64 inches (5'4")
Correct answer: 60 inches (5'0")
The minimum height for male enlistees in most U.S. military branches is 60 inches (5 feet), with a maximum of 80 inches.
Question 5: Which of the following past substance use histories is most likely to result in permanent disqualification at MEPS without a waiver?
- Experimental marijuana use twice in high school
- Prior conviction for drug distribution or trafficking (Correct answer)
- Use of a prescription stimulant prescribed by a physician
- Alcohol use before age 21 with no legal incidents
Correct answer: Prior conviction for drug distribution or trafficking
A drug distribution or trafficking conviction reflects criminal conduct and intent that is generally permanently disqualifying for military service.
Question 6: Which of the following conditions involving the spine would most likely disqualify an applicant at MEPS?
- Mild scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 10 degrees and no symptoms
- Scoliosis with a Cobb angle greater than 30 degrees causing functional limitation (Correct answer)
- A single vertebral compression fracture fully healed 10 years ago
- Mild lordosis with no pain or range-of-motion limitation
Correct answer: Scoliosis with a Cobb angle greater than 30 degrees causing functional limitation
Scoliosis with a Cobb angle exceeding 30 degrees, especially when associated with pain or functional limitation, is disqualifying due to the physical demands of service.
Question 7: What does a MEPS physician mean when they assign a 'DQ' status to an applicant?
- The applicant is 'Deferred for re-Qualification' pending test retake
- The applicant is 'Disqualified' from military service based on a medical finding (Correct answer)
- The applicant requires a 'Dual Qualification' review by two physicians
- The applicant is cleared for 'Duty Qualification' at all military occupational specialties
Correct answer: The applicant is 'Disqualified' from military service based on a medical finding
'DQ' at MEPS stands for Disqualified, meaning the examining physician found a condition that does not meet the medical standards for military service.
MEPS Physical Qualification Standards 5
Which of the following flat-foot (pes planus) presentations is most likely to be disqualifying at MEPS?