Posted on Jul 27, 2019
Jalal Khan
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Hi,
I started the ARMY enlistment process almost 4 months ago. since i have a plate in my foot my sargant told me that we would need to submit all the paperwork to MEPS regarding my foot which we did the next day. My sargant made my file and sent it to MEPS for them to review. he sent it and after waiting for 2 months my sarge called me and said that he called MEPS to get a status on my file and found out that MEPS had lost my paperwork or they never received it. so i went the same day signed all the paperwork again and we sent it in. its been about 3 weeks that i haven’t heard from MEPS. im well aware that MEPS take their time with reviewing paperwork which im totally fine with and i understand im not the only one waiting there’s hundreds of other recruits waiting as well. i just wanna know if MEPS would speed up my process a little bit since i had to wait for 2 months for nothing. i didnt wanna ask this question since alot of other recruits had asked in the past the same question and there's only one answer to that which is “to wait” but i feel like my case is a bit different and will appreciate to get some helpful answers
Best Regards
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1SG Retired
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Lost paperwork doesn't move you to the front of the cue. There is a prior post where someone gave an excellent breakdown of the time period. Six weeks from receipt of the documents doesn't sound unusual. Don't be surprised if there is a request for additional documentation.
It is very rarely "sarge," and then only when you've developed a very strong relationship with that NCO, but mainly it's only in movies.
Drill Sergeants really like being called "sarge." Especially when you say "Hey, sarge," or "Look, sarge," though (that was sarcasm).
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I second that you shouldn't be surprised if they ask for extra documentation. I have two screws in my ankle and MEPS requested new x-rays. The ones I submitted were too old.
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SPC Ted Ronayne
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You're going to have to wait. TBH, you're a number until you hit E5, and since you're just a civilian, don't expect to be pushed to the front of the line for anyone's convenience other than the army's. It sucks but such is life. I went through the same thing.

It took me 10 months to join the army due to medical waivers and the like (prior surgery) my packet ended up in Fort Knox being reviewed. This kind of thing takes time. Keep at it, paperwork sucks but it's what keeps the army moving.

Second... Point of clarity. It's spelled "Sergeant" not "Sargant" and when shortening the word, the most you'll hear is "sarn't" and even then some NCOs are particular about it. No one says "Sarge" this isn't a WWII Hollywood movie.

Also, since you're going into the army, I'm gonna give you a little hip-pocket training while I've got your attention.

In the army, don't excuse yourself for asking a question. Don't offer an explanation as to why you're asking the question. It's implied that you want further information since you're asking the question. If you do that at basic training you're going to get chewed out for wasting more time in conversation. The army is all about bottom line up front (getting out the question or info you need to convey with no fluff). Ask your question and get your answer. Only offer the "why" if you're asked for it.

On a similar note, if you mess up, don't offer excuses and try to explain yourself. The army is all about business, it's not personal. (even if it is) just keep your mouth shut and answer the questions asked of you.

I know I may sound blunt, but it's just the army way of doing things, especially during initial entry training.

Best of luck, I hope it all clears up soon!
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That happened to me too. I had to submit paperwork for two screws in my ankle and MEPS lost my paperwork. I resubmitted it and it only took a week to get back to me after that. Initially, I had waited a month and a half before I found out my paperwork had been lost. It probably will depend on the busyness of the MEPS, the time of year, the severity of your injury, and other factors. I don't think anyone can give you an exact answer because getting records like that approved is a case by case thing. They can't put you in front because you have a special case and have been waiting longer. There are probably several people with the same kind of records trying to get their records read. It sucks but you have to be patient.

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