What can I do to make the MEPS process as smooth and painless as possible?

Joseph Scafidi — Sun, 12 May 2019 11:46:59 -0400

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made May 12 at 2019 12:07 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Sun, 12 May 2019 12:07:28 -0400

First...It's no big deal....second...watch your handlers and get a jump on the lines....if they still do it that way.....done MEPS about 8 times. 1st in line.....

Response by CPT Enrique M. made May 12 at 2019 12:36 PM

CPT Enrique M. — Sun, 12 May 2019 12:36:02 -0400

Listen to the MEPS NCO's and civilian staff. Have questions ask them.

Also make sure you follow through with the paperwork the recruiter asks you to bring.

That's it. Nothing really to prep

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 12 at 2019 12:42 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 12 May 2019 12:42:06 -0400

Show up on time with all the things they told you to bring. Do what you're told and be where you are supposed to be. Like most of the military, it ain't rocket science.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 1:46 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 May 2019 13:46:52 -0400

Make sure you bring everything they tell you to bring. Make sure you are physically within standards required either height/weight or prepared to pass tape.

Listen up and keep quiet. You will be seeing several people from various branches of service and civilian workers as well. Do as you’re told and follow instructions.

The night before stay out of trouble and don’t do anything foolish like drinking or anything like that. It’s a great time to meet other people going through the same situation you are going through. Get you some rest because most people aren’t used to being up ready to go before 0500. Enjoy those wings at MEPS the night before too.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 12 at 2019 3:57 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sun, 12 May 2019 15:57:08 -0400

Be honest! Even if your recruiter told you to lie. Not that any recruiter would ever do that. Nope. Never.

But seriously, be honest, be yourself, keep calm, and understand that everyone there is doing their job. There is not a single person at MEPS whose job description includes "make sure you take good care of Joe Scafidi".... but no one is out to get you, either. Be respectful and courteous, don't argue, keep a good attitude.

And do what the other folks said, too, about having all your stuff, being on time, etc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 5:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 May 2019 17:05:22 -0400

Your recruiter should set you up for success. They should provide you with everything you need. A copy of your 680, 2806-2, ssc and ID. Don’t take your cell phone in. If you do, you can store it in a room that they have for you. If you have medical documents for something, provide it all. If you needed a pre read to get to MEPS, it’ll already be there. Just be prepared for them to look into it and the possibility of you may needing to go back to your doctor to get more supporting evidence on it. Get ready for the “hurry up and wait” that you may have heard about. It’s a pretty long process. You’ll just have to tough it out.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 12 at 2019 8:23 PM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 12 May 2019 20:23:37 -0400

What can you do? Do exactly what you are told, pack what you are told and behave as you are told. Arrive at the Hotel, check in, grab some chow, watch a show or two, grab a shower and turn in early to get a good nights sleep.

Bring a book with you to read. You will get bored. Do not take a phone, weapons, etc with you, it will not go well and you will end up likely being set to the side and your recruiter called.

Be truthful and do not try to hide anything from those at MEPS. It will be found out. Respond quickly and accurately to all instructions given to you at MEPS.

Then just relax. The process takes as long as it takes. They are going to ask questions, take blood, take urine, take x-rays and listen to your heart, your breathing and other body functions. You are going to be violated slightly but nothing serious. Just relax.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 11:56 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 May 2019 23:56:03 -0400

Honesty plays the biggest part here, don't ever lie even if your recruiter says so, don't fall for their bag of tricks, if you have had a serious medical condition from your past, bring it up you'll get waived. Get a good meal and a good night's sleep because you'll be up all day, also shower otherwise you'll be very sorry. Listen and follow directions and keep your mouth shut, bring something to read because while you're waiting it will get boring and tedious, remain calm when they are examining you, they might let you use your phone at some point but that depends on where you go at mine they let us but only in a specific arera, bring money for vending machines when you are allowed to and most importantly show up on time do not be late also do not drink or do any drugs because they will be doing a breathalyzer test and urinalysis and it will be a bad day for you and your recruiter but other than that I wish you luck.