How long does MEPS processing typically last?

2020-05-03T20:38:57-04:00

My medical paperwork has been in processing with MEPS since April 21st of this year and I was wondering about how long it takes for them on average for them to go through it and schedule a physical date with your recruiter. I know it may be a little longer right now with this coronavirus stuff going on, but I was looking for a rough estimate.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made May 3 at 2020 8:51 PM

2020-05-03T20:51:46-04:00

I would guess that even a rough estimate changes daily.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 9:00 PM

2020-05-03T21:00:06-04:00

I had to go back last year when I was considering commissioning. It took 3-4 weeks for me. I would guess it is much longer right now due to corona.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 3 at 2020 9:55 PM

2020-05-03T21:55:44-04:00

As long as it takes- learn to enjoy it.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made May 3 at 2020 11:34 PM

2020-05-03T23:34:07-04:00

Which brings up another point. I wonder how the Army is going to deal now with split options and the modified school year states are rolling out now. School year starts in August. That has to be a big mess rearranging all the split option scheduled training. Wow, just thought of that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 12:20 AM

2020-05-04T00:20:38-04:00

Welcome to the world of hurry up and wait! With all this COVID nonsense going on, it’s not surprising things are moving a little slow right now

Response by MSG John Joseph made May 4 at 2020 10:21 AM

2020-05-04T10:21:21-04:00

Advice on this. Dont walk out unless you get want you want and qualify for. Even if it means starting at a later date. Hate to say it but they'll try to fill slots up and sell less stellar career fields even if you qualify for others. Its extremely difficult to change once your in and seen alot of soldiers leave after their 1st enlistment. I understand you may not have the option for your duty station of choice but it'll come around later as you progress.

Response by SR Eddie Reyes made May 4 at 2020 10:33 AM

2020-05-04T10:33:04-04:00

I don’t know how MEPS is now, but in ‘96 it was 4hr. Physical. My Brother went to the National Guard. He was overweight and for him it was a 6 month wait till he cleared.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 11:09 AM

2020-05-04T11:09:44-04:00

Not enough info. Whys is MEPS looking at paperwork if you haven't already processed at MEPS? Even if you need a waiver, physical and admin are first step. If they uncover issues you either disclosed or they discovered, then there may be a delay for consult or clarification. Recruiters don't do physicals. Some have tried and it didn't end well for them. The process of enlistment only takes one day provided all goes well. Physical and background check (ENTNAC) in the morning, then negotiate with Service rep to finalize contract. Finally the oath that keeps you in inactive reserves until you report to ship. Then you take another oath to go active and head for training. If you're shipping to boot camp the same day there's only one oath. I hope this helps and feel free to inquire. Good luck.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made May 4 at 2020 11:44 AM

2020-05-04T11:44:42-04:00

Get used to the waiting...it's what the military does best. Hurry up ...wait.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2020 12:29 PM

2020-05-05T12:29:13-04:00

There are a lot of factors in play. The biggest ones are: how many pages of medical documents are submitted, and how high the medical waiver had to go. If it was three or four pages, and approved at your local MEPS, you should have gotten an answer back already. But if it was 40 pages and had to get approved at DA (the highest level), you could be waiting for a while.
To get the best answer, you should talk to your recruiter and their station commander.

Response by Michael Gilbert made May 5 at 2020 1:32 PM

2020-05-05T13:32:02-04:00

OKAY SO, I just got a message back from my recruiter and was told it can take up to 30 days to hear back from them. So I guess I will be waiting until at the most, the 21st of this month to hear back from MEPS

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 5 at 2020 2:21 PM

2020-05-05T14:21:32-04:00

Michael,

As you noted, COVID-19 changes all answers, and I am not actually sure they are even scheduling processing?
IF you have a 'clean' physical, it should be immediate but if you have medical 'issues' it would depends on the issues. Since you are bringing doctors into the picture at that point, the time line is less clear but, in non-COVID-19 times, you should have an answer in 72 hours.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2020 6:25 PM

2020-05-05T18:25:50-04:00

they just reopened so any day now

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2020 12:06 PM

2020-05-06T12:06:49-04:00

it took me three months after i contacted my recruiter, then 2 days too actually go there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2020 2:40 PM

2020-05-06T14:40:38-04:00

MEPS doesn’t really have an “average” processing time.. It depends on what they’re reviewing, what their work load is, and now... COVID has slowed EVERYTHING down. The only thing I can really tell you is, your recruiter will call as soon as he can.

Response by SSG Michael Cookson made May 7 at 2020 7:23 PM

2020-05-07T19:23:24-04:00

All variables must be looked at. When I was a recruiter if I had and applicant that already had an asvab test taken and passed with no law problems could pass the urinalysis and had no medical problems they would go to meps within 48 hours if the station needed to make mission. If we were good and I already had my guys in I would have them go the first week of the new month. I had one guy that I had to wait almost 3 months or more because he needed USAREC waivers so it all depends on your certain situation. Everyone is different.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 8 at 2020 3:08 PM

2020-05-08T15:08:32-04:00

It generally takes around a month give or take. Expect a delay due to the current COV19 situation.

Response by SFC Jeremy Boyd made May 8 at 2020 7:20 PM

2020-05-08T19:20:09-04:00

Michael Gilbert you keep mentioning medical paperwork at MEPS that your recruiter had to submit, which leads me to believe that a med read was submitted for you. A med read is required for any applicant that has a disclosed current or prior medical condition, illness or injury, barring a very select few, in order to give advanced notice to the MEPS doctor and essentially be granted permission to take the MEPS physical. If that is the case, it will be approved in the order it was received, unless additional documents are required. Any applicant with a clean physical background and passing ASVAB score usually takes two to three weeks to fully process.