MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is part of the enlistment process where you will take your ASVAB (if you haven't already), and get your medical and physical evaluations done.  Once complete you will list jobs based on what you qualify for and then swear in to the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). 

You will be scheduled for MEPS by a recruiter once you have been pre-qualified, have a qualifying ASVAB, APT, or PiCAT, and your recruiter is certain that you want to enlist. 

When you go to MEPS, you will need an overnight bag and follow the dress code listed below.   You will also need to bring a few documents listed as follows and must be original or certified copies:

• Government issued ID (such as a drivers license)

• Social security card

• Birth certificate

• Education document (high school diploma, GED, college transcripts) for high school graduates.  Juniors and seniors do not need this if you haven't graduated yet.

Pack an Overnight Bag with Clothing for the Next day. You will need to be in dress code both days + hygiene products. * Don't Forget glasses and or contacts/contact solution*

Once you go, your recruiter will provide you a briefing the day before you process on what to expect.

DON’T BRING:

Alcohol or other contraband

Weapons or knives of any type

Valuables such as leather jackets, jewelry, credit cards, lots of cash, etc

You will need to remove all body piercings for the night/day.

DO BRING:

MASK!

WEAR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES! If you wear contacts bring the case and solution. (no colored contacts)

All required processing documents 

An attitude committed to the Air Force lifestyle. (No cursing, fighting, arguing, etc.)

Important Reminders: 

• No Soiled, torn clothes or jeans with holes

• No Open Toed Shoes

• No Dresses or unnecessary exposure of skin/Tank Tops

• No Hats

• No slogans of profanity or in distaste

• Remove ALL jewelry for PHYS & DEP Day

• * MUST Dress Professionally at all times; Polo, slacks & closed toed shoes are recommended 

Before your visit to MEPS (24-48 hours prior):

1. Do not wear headsets or earbuds.

2. Avoid listening to loud music or exposure to excessive/loud noise.

3. Avoid firing any weapons (no hunting, shooting, etc).

4. Avoid video game centers, arcades, concerts, etc. Bottom line – protect your hearing!

5. Make sure your ears are clear of excessive earwax. Do not use Q-tips. Use soap and let the warm water from the shower enter the ear canal to clean your ears (30 seconds each ear).

6. Avoid excessive exercise or sports. IE: basketball, football, jogging, aerobics, baseball, etc. This is to prevent you from getting hurt or injured.

7. No alcoholic beverages.

8. Avoid anything with high sugar or caffeine content (soda, cereal, etc.).

9. Don’t drink more than 4 ounces of any juice IE: orange, apple, grapefruit juice, etc.

10. Avoid high protein food and/or drinks.

11. Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before, so that you will be well rested and alert during your processing.

Dress respectfully but comfortable. You must follow these guidelines. This is a job interview!

MALES: JEANS/KHAKIS (NO HOLES) W/ BOXERS OR BRIEFS, BELT, T SHIRT/COLLARED SHIRT (NO LONG SLEEVES), SOCKS, AND CLOSE TOED SHOES

FEMALES: JEANS/KHAKIS (NO HOLES), BELT, T SHIRT/COLLARED SHIRT (NO LONG SLEEVES), SOCKS, AND CLOSE TOED SHOES. UNDERWEAR NEED TO BE FULL COVERAGE, NOTHING FANCY (BOY SHORTS/ GRANNY PANTIES); BRAS NEED TO CLASP IN THE BACK (NO SPORTS BRAS)

UNAUTHORIZED CLOTHING:

• Flip-flops, sandals or open-toed shoes

• Plain white T-shirts or sleeveless shirts

• Tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, and excessively low cut blouses, and any clothing that exposes the midriff

• Shorts/skirts that are more than 3 inches above the knee. If the applicant is unsure; they should wear pants or a long skirt instead

• Cut-off shorts or rips/tears

• Revealing or see-through clothing

• Yoga Pants

• Pants or shorts worn below the waist

• Military uniforms, to include ROTC uniforms. (Active Duty and Reservists will be allowed to wear clean PT uniforms and Youth Challenge is allowed to wear their uniform of the day.)

• Body piercing or earrings of any sort (males and females)

• Fingernail or toenail polish

The following items must be worn while at the MEPS:

• Closed toe shoes w/socks

• Tops and bottoms

• Underwear for males.

• Underwear and bras for females. Sports bras, thongs, or see-through underwear are not authorized.

Applicants have been sent home on processing day for:

•Wearing a nose ring or body that could not be removed

•Not wearing correct/recommended clothing

•Bringing a knife to process

•They were over/under weightApplicant stated:

•They were currently suing someone

•They take medication for seasonal allergies or they are allergic to foods/animals/medications

•They were allergic to bee because when they were young they got stung and it was swollen.

•They have been stung several time with no complications after

•They went to the emergency room when they were 7 (any age) years old because…

•They had surgery as a child

•They had been to counseling

•They had asthma or bronchitis as a child or used an inhaler even just once

•They had an open law violation (speeding ticket, parking ticket)

•They were currently sick (vomiting, sinus infection, cold)

•They had a permanent retainer and no letter saying when it would be removed

•They took birth control to regulate periods

•They had a history of abnormal pap smears

•They had a mole removed

•They had a rash they were putting lotion on

•Their Mom/Grandmother told them they had psoriasis/eczema/asthma/ADD…not a doctor

•They had a history of ADD/ADHD

•They fell off their bike and bumped their head (and might have had a concussion)

•They had injuries from playing sports

•They had a history of mono

•They were treated for hepatitis

•They said they had migraines and had been taking Excedrin for a year

•They said they had a seizure

•They were treated for tuberculosis

•They had a history of sexually transmitted disease (STD)

•They refused to provide a urine sample

•They had a history of stuttering or speech therapy

•They had a history of heart murmur

•They did not know or refused to swear into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP)

•They were in the hospital for attempted suicide

•They have harmed themselves with a sharp object on any part of the body

•They have an open law violation

•They have bills in collections

•They were having teeth removed soon/or due to poor oral hygiene

The doctor noticed:

•Ingrown toe nail or warts on hands/feet

•Scars on their body that looked like self-mutilation

•They were unable to perform the “duck walk”

•They had a rash

FEMALES: The MEPS will provide a drape or gown for you during the physical examination. Your visit with the physician will be in a private room. Underclothing is required during your physical. A female attendant will accompany you when you must remove your clothing. The CMO will conduct a quick, non-invasive pelvic exam and breast exam. This is NOT a pap smear. You will also be given a pregnancy test. If you are on your menstrual cycle, you will need to take excessive tampons/pads and use the restroom often to keep clean.

The BEST way to avoid this is to talk to your recruiter to try and schedule you for MEPS when you are not on your menstrual cycle. 

The Air Force liaison will review your preliminary physical results and your ASVAB scores. You will also complete the rest of you pre-enlistment documents

Your liaison will inform you of you disqualifications. 

Job Screening: 

The liaison will show you the career fields that you are best qualified for and that the Air Force has a need for. They will assist you in choosing up to 10 jobs that you are qualified and willing to take in the U.S Air Force. DO NOT list jobs that you do want. You will be selected for one of the jobs that you list, and if you deny any of those jobs could PERMANENTLY disqualify you from the Air Force. Remember at this point why you are trying to become a member of the Air Force. We offer a way of life that is tough to beat, no matter what your job is! The more flexible you are the sooner you will be enjoying all the benefits the Air Force offers. The liaison will explain the outstanding opportunities the guaranteed aptitude area offers if you are qualified for one. Your recruiter will review those as well.

Someone will sit down with you conduct an in-depth review of your entire SF 86. 

While at MEPs, you will undergo a security interview. 

You will be asked again if you have "ever been arrested, charged, cited, or held...regardless of the final outcome. This includes juvenile offenses. If you fail to tell your recruiter everything you may be PERMANENTLY disqualified from the Air Force. 

Prior to going to MEPS you will be asked by your recruiter if you agree to the following.

• I have told my recruiter everything dealing with any type of law violations I have had or been involved with. 

• No one has told me i did not have to reveal any charges (i.e. judges, lawyers caseworkers, parents, or recruiters.) because the charges were dropped, dismissed, sealed or expunged after a waiting period. 

• Any past drug usage will be questioned. Again, your recruiter should have already have been told everything about usage if any. 

• You will be asked to reveal any medical problem that you neglected to tell the medical section or your recruiter. Do not wait until MEPS to disclose anything.

 Take the  opportunity NOW to think if there is anything you have not told your recruiter. 

While you are at MEPS you will be fingerprinted. 

Willfully withholding any information can casue you some serious problems including a $10,000 find and/or 5 years in jail. DO NOT be a fraudulent enlistee. 

**Note: Due to COVID your Oath will be live streamed (Only individuals who sign a disclosure will be featured) Family members are not authorized entry into MEPS at this time. **

Taking the oath of enlistment means that you have successfully completed the screening process and you're ready to show your commitment to the Air Force. Taking the oath places you in the Delayed Enlistment program (DEP). You will remain a member of the DEP until you return to MEPS on your Enter Active Duty Date (EAD). This is the date you leave or Basic Military training. DO NOTE TAKE THIS OATH LIGHTLY! YOU ARE PROMISING TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY AS A MEMBER OF THE AIR FORCE! BEING ABLE TO TAKE THE OATH FOR THE AIR FORCE SHOULD MAKE YOU EXTREMELY PROUD.

Most applicants don't make it due to the high qualifications we have. This makes you the top 1% of individuals in the United States.