What happens at MEPS
A full processing day: the medical exam, the job counseling session, and the oath of enlistment. What they check, what to bring, and what not to leave unsaid.
- Duration
- 1–2 days
- Stations
- ~65 nationwide
- Covers
- Medical · counseling · oath
- Bring
- Photo ID + records
Quick answer: MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is a 1-2 day visit where you complete a medical exam, take or confirm your ASVAB scores, meet with a career counselor to select your job, and take the oath of enlistment. There are 65 MEPS locations across the United States.
Your MEPS Visit: Step by Step
What to expect from arrival to swearing in.
Arrival & Hotel
If you need to travel, you may arrive the evening before and stay at a nearby hotel arranged by your recruiter. Expect an early wake-up the next morning.
Paperwork
The day begins with administrative forms. Staff will review your medical history and background documents. If something needs clarification, they may ask for additional documentation.
Medical Exam
You'll go through vision and hearing tests, a blood draw, urine test, orthopedic screening, and a full physical exam. The medical portion can take several hours. Patience is key.
ASVAB Testing
If you haven't taken the ASVAB at your recruiter's office, you'll take it at MEPS. If you have, your scores are already on file.
Prepare with our free practice test →Job Counseling
You meet with a career counselor from your chosen branch who shows you which jobs (MOS) you qualify for based on your ASVAB line scores.
See our choosing your job guide for strategy →Contract & Oath
You'll review your contract, select your job, and (if everything clears) take the oath of enlistment. Congratulations: you're officially in the Delayed Entry Program.
What to Bring to MEPS
Come prepared to avoid delays or rescheduling.
Documents: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), Social Security card, birth certificate, medical records (if you have prior conditions or waivers in progress), and any recruiter paperwork. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring your current prescription.
What to wear: Comfortable, modest clothing. Athletic wear or casual clothes are fine. Avoid jewelry, excessive piercings, and anything that could interfere with the medical exam. You'll be moving between stations, so wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. Long waits are common. Dress for a full day.
Common Medical Disqualifiers
What MEPS looks for, and that waivers exist for many conditions.
Vision: Correctable vision is usually fine. Uncorrectable severe vision loss can disqualify.
Hearing: Significant hearing loss may disqualify; some cases are waivable.
Asthma: Recent or active asthma often triggers a disqualification; childhood asthma that's been symptom-free for years may get a waiver.
Broken bones: Must be fully healed with medical clearance. Bring documentation.
Mental health: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and similar conditions are evaluated case by case. Be honest. Concealing conditions can cause problems later.
Drug use: Urinalysis detects recent use. Past marijuana use may require a waiver; harder drugs are more serious. Honesty is non-negotiable.
Height/weight: BMI and body fat standards apply. Being over can mean a "tape test" or temporary disqualification until you meet standards.
Many conditions can get waivers. Don't assume you're disqualified. Work with your recruiter and gather any requested medical records.
Tips for MEPS Success
Simple steps to make your visit go smoothly.
You'll be awake early and processing all day.
MEPS doesn't always provide food immediately. Low blood sugar doesn't help during medical exams.
Discrepancies between your paperwork and what staff find can disqualify you or delay processing.
A granola bar or nuts can make a difference.
Your recruiter will give you a report time. Arrive on time. The schedule is tight.
Hurry up and wait is real. Bring a book or something to pass the time between stations.
Continue the journey
MEPS, quick answers
How long is the MEPS visit?
1-2 days depending on your situation. If you need to stay overnight (e.g., travel distance), you'll typically arrive the evening before and complete processing the next day. Same-day processing is possible if you live nearby and don't need the ASVAB.
Can I fail MEPS?
Yes, mostly for medical reasons. Common disqualifiers include vision, hearing, asthma, broken bones that aren't fully healed, certain mental health conditions, and drug use detected in urinalysis. Many conditions can get waivers. Discuss your situation with your recruiter.
Do I pick my job at MEPS?
Yes. You meet with a career counselor who shows you jobs available based on your ASVAB line scores. This is when you select your MOS, review your contract, and take the oath. Never ship without a guaranteed job in writing.
What happens if I fail the ASVAB at MEPS?
You can retest. The typical retest policy is: wait 1 month after your first attempt, then 1 month after your second attempt, then 6 months after your third attempt. Use the waiting period to study. Check out our free practice tests and study guides.
Build your test-day method
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