MEPS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MEPS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following factors does NOT typically affect a moral waiver decision? → The applicant's preferred military occupational specialty (MOS)
2. When a recruit enlists into the DEP at MEPS, they technically become a member of which military component? → The Ready Reserve
3. A recruit discloses a civil restraining order during MEPS screening. Why is this relevant to moral screening? → They may indicate a pattern of behavior that raises conduct concerns
4. What is the role of the MEPS 'Operations' section during applicant processing? → Coordinating scheduling, transportation logistics, and the flow of applicants through MEPS
5. During the waiver process, who ultimately approves a moral waiver for enlistment into the Army? → The recruiting battalion commander or higher authority
6. An applicant reports a prior ACL reconstruction surgery completed 18 months ago with full documented recovery. What is the most likely MEPS outcome? → Potential qualification if range of motion and function are fully restored and documented
7. An Air Force applicant needs a minimum AFQT score of how much to enlist with a high school diploma? → 36
8. Besides determining the AFQT score for enlistment eligibility, what is the other major purpose of the various ASVAB subtest scores? → To match applicants with military jobs (MOS/Ratings) they are best suited for.
9. What does the term 'MOS' stand for in Army job classification? → Military Occupational Specialty
10. What happens if a DEP member gains excessive weight and no longer meets military body composition standards? → They must work with their recruiter to return to standards or may face DEP discharge
11. How many years of foreign travel history must typically be reported on the SF-86 for a Secret clearance applicant? → 7 years
12. What is the purpose of the blood pressure check at MEPS? → To screen for hypertension that could disqualify enlistment
13. What is the primary legal authority that governs the conduct of enlisted service members after they take the Oath of Enlistment? → The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
14. A recruit in the Delayed Entry Program wants to leave before shipping. What is the typical outcome? → They are administratively discharged and generally face no criminal penalty
15. How many MEPS locations are there throughout the United States and its territories? → About 65
16. What does a MEPS 'Report of Medical History' form require the applicant to disclose? → All past and present medical conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations, and medications
17. If a recruit's promised MOS is not available when they are ready to ship, what option is the military typically required to offer? → An alternate MOS of the recruit's choosing, or release from the contract
18. Which of the following best describes the 'duck walk' test performed at MEPS? → A physical maneuver used to assess lower extremity mobility and joint function
19. Which branch of service conducts its own separate oath ceremony distinct from joint MEPS ceremonies? → Marine Corps
20. Which city serves as the headquarters location for MEPCOM? → Chicago, Illinois
21. After taking the ASVAB at MEPS, how long are the scores typically valid for military enlistment purposes? → 2 years
22. Which factor, besides AFQT and composite scores, can affect which military jobs an applicant qualifies for at MEPS? → Security clearance eligibility
23. How does MEPS typically handle an applicant who has a confirmed positive test result for cocaine? → Disqualification, though a waiver may be considered after one year
24. Which substance is NOT typically screened for in the standard MEPS urine drug panel? → Alcohol
25. What does 'adjudicative guidelines' refer to in the context of military background investigations? → The 13 factors used to evaluate an applicant's suitability for a security clearance
26. What happens at MEPS if an applicant does not meet the minimum AFQT score for their desired branch? → They can be counseled to retake the ASVAB or explore other service options
27. Which condition discovered during the MEPS eye exam would most likely result in a disqualifying finding for an applicant seeking a combat arms MOS? → Color vision deficiency (color blindness)
28. What must an applicant do if they take prescription medication on the day of their MEPS appointment? → Disclose all medications to MEPS medical staff and bring the prescription documentation
29. Which document must recruits bring to MEPS to prove identity? → A government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
30. Which neurological condition, if present and uncontrolled, is typically disqualifying at MEPS? → Active epilepsy with seizures within the past 5 years