Is the MEPS process streamlined for prior service or are you basically a nobody newbie all over again? Any info on the process?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:33:49 -0400

I did 12 years in the Army national guard with two deployments and I got out honorably in 2016. I have now chose to go back in and have already spoke with the recruiter and I will go back to the same unit at the same rank, now I have to go to MEPS in the next few days for the physical and to sign my contract.... Is the MEPS process streamlined for prior service or are you basically a nobody newbie all over again?? Any info on the process?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2020 8:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:52:33 -0400

It's been many years so it may have changed but when I went back in after a break in service I was treated the same as everyone else at MEPS.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2020 9:33 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:33:03 -0400

You have been out for more than 12 months, you need a med screen, so you will be showing up at zero dark thirty.
If you are going back into the Guard, and staying the same MOS, you will not have to wait all day for a GC to find you a training.
If you are going AC, you will wait around for a GC to find you a training date.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2020 9:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:35:44 -0400

I went back to MEPS last year for a physical to commission. Everyone knew I was there to commission and was still in the Guard. You would think this might be to my benefit, but it was not. I ended up last at every station so they could ramrod all the knew enlistees through the process. You still have to complete all the same examinations and tests as everyone else. It sucked; it was a long day. But, at least it was only one day. When I enlisted in 2002, MEPS was an exercise of willpower and patience that last two miserable days.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2020 9:41 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:41:53 -0400

Prior Service are usually last in/last out at MEPS. At least, that has always been my experience when I went thru MEPS as prior service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2020 11:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 11:02:48 -0400

I went through meps again in 2016 after a break in service and I’ll tell you now that you are a nobody. You will stand in line with the newbies and you will even room with the newbies at the hotel. There is no special treatment. When it comes time to talk with the liaison you will sit with the newbies until it’s your turn. Your time will not go fast than the rest. Best of luck to you. This was just my experience so I hope yours is different.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2020 11:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 11:36:59 -0400

I recently transitioned from Reserve to Active. The MEPS process for me was relatively smooth. I drove my POV there and was the first one finished. I didn’t have to go through the medical portion so that could play a factor as well. Experiences vary, maybe you’ll luck out and it’ll be smooth for you too. Either way, congrats and good luck!

Response by Col Richard Roessler made Sep 28 at 2020 4:25 PM

Col Richard Roessler — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:25:49 -0400

Ha! Ha! I was a National Guard Captain switching to Active Duty and was a nobody at the MEPS station. (The night before they lodged me with an E-1 candidate who ran off to get drunk before his test—but hey I had a single until he came clomping in at 2am—ah, memories). A few people called me by rank occasionally, but I am pretty sure that they had accidentally read my rank and then regretted the knowledge (LOL). Maybe things have changed in 25 years, but you may want to resist holding your breath waiting to see it! Good luck!

Response by MSG Dennis Sheahan made Oct 2 at 2022 4:40 PM

MSG Dennis Sheahan — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 16:40:42 -0400

So how did it go for you? I'm going in a couple weeks to Kansas City MEPS as prior service.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2022 6:38 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:38:44 -0400

Definitely streamlined. I had to go through MEPS again and I was front loaded. You'll be alright...nothing you haven't done before. Just be ready to go through it with a bunch a kids.