MEPS Physical Examination: What to Expect at Military Entrance Processing Station

Joining the U.S. Armed Forces, including the U.S. Navy, usually includes a visit to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). MEPS is where applicants complete medical screening, aptitude testing, and administrative steps like background screening to confirm eligibility before enlistment moves forward.

This guide explains what to bring and what happens during each stage of the MEPS process.

Before You Go to MEPS

Required Documents

To meet eligibility requirements, bring the documents your recruiter told you to bring. Most applicants should plan to have:

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Driver’s license or government-issued ID
• Medical documentation, if applicable
• Paperwork related to medical or legal waivers, if applicable

Personal Preparation

• Get plenty of sleep so you are rested for the medical tests.
• Drink water the day before so you are not dehydrated for blood and urine testing.
• Eat normal, balanced meals and avoid anything that upsets your stomach.
• Hygiene matters: Shower and wear clean underwear under your outer clothing.
• Dress properly: Wear comfortable clothing and avoid offensive wording, pictures, and sleeveless tops.
• Remove jewelry and piercings when possible.

MEPS Lodging and Meals

If you travel from out of town, the government may provide a hotel and meals. Follow the house rules since misconduct can delay or cancel your processing. Leave large amounts of cash and valuables at home.

Step 1: Security Screening at MEPS

MEPS follows a standard day-of processing flow described in the Day at the MEPS video transcript. One of the first steps is security screening, which may include:

• Metal detector check to ensure no illegal drugs, weapons, or prohibited items are brought in.
• Bag inspection to verify belongings meet regulations.
• Prohibited items: Stereo headphones, large amounts of cash, and unnecessary phone use may be restricted.

If staff find prohibited items, you may be denied entry into MEPS. This can delay processing and may affect enlistment eligibility.

Step 2: ASVAB Aptitude Testing

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) helps determine which jobs you qualify for. If you already took the ASVAB in high school for enlistment purposes, tell your recruiter so your scores can be used if they are still valid.

Two common formats are used:

• Computer-based version: CAT-ASVAB, which adapts to your performance.
• Pen-and-paper version: A traditional paper-and-pencil exam used in some locations.

Each military branch uses the results to match you with a broad range of career fields and training options.

Step 3: MEPS Medical Examination

The medical examination checks whether you meet basic service medical standards. It includes several parts that measure health and fitness for service.

General Physical Tests

• Measurements of body fat percentage (if needed)
• Vision examinations, including color perception tests
• Hearing tests
• Balance tests
• Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements

Lab Testing

• Urine and blood tests to screen for basic health indicators, pregnancy (for female recruits), and drug use.
• Alcohol tests to check for recent consumption.

Drug Testing

MEPS includes drug and alcohol screening as part of the medical process. As of April 1, 2021, the Navy started a two-year test program that allowed enlistment waivers in some cases for prior marijuana-only drug test failures. Other drug positives are generally disqualifying.

• Alcohol: Breath test approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Drugs: Standard urinalysis following Department of War (DoW) procedures.

A positive result can stop or delay your processing, and it can affect eligibility. Avoid drug use and alcohol use before MEPS.

What Happens If You Fail?

• Positive for cocaine or meth at MEPS can lead to permanent disqualification from the Navy.
• Positive for other drugs at MEPS can also lead to permanent disqualification.
• A positive alcohol test can make you ineligible for 45 days. A second alcohol test failure can make you permanently ineligible.
• A positive test at boot camp can lead to separation for fraudulent enlistment.

A prior failed drug test at MEPS for any branch can affect Navy eligibility.

DoW Threshold Levels for Drug Tests

The DoW uses cutoff levels when reporting positive drug test results. Common thresholds include:

• Cocaine: 100 ng/mL
• Heroin: 10 ng/mL
• Methamphetamine: 100 ng/mL
• Marijuana (THCA): 15 ng/mL
• MDMA (Ecstasy): 500 ng/mL
• Opiates (Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, and related): 100 to 4000 ng/mL

Synthetic cannabinoids: policies and testing thresholds can change, so ask your recruiter for current guidance.

Full Body Examination

A MEPS physician conducts a physical evaluation that may include:

• Ear examination
• Heart and lungs check
• Spine and joint maneuvers
• Neurological and orthopedic movements

You will be asked about medical history, history of drug use, and past injuries. Staff may ask follow-up questions for clarification. False statements can lead to disqualification from enlistment and other consequences.

For Women Only

• A female attendant will be present during exams.
• A drape or gown is provided for privacy.
• A pregnancy test is mandatory.

High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure readings at MEPS can be high due to stress and unfamiliar surroundings. Some people have white coat syndrome, where readings rise during medical appointments. MEPS may repeat readings to confirm whether high blood pressure is consistent.

The Official Standard

According to DoWI 6130.03-V1 (Change 4), current or medically managed hypertension is disqualifying. A blood pressure reading over 140/90 mmHg is also disqualifying, but only if confirmed on two separate days within five days. A single high reading does not mean automatic disqualification.

How MEPS Tests Blood Pressure

Everyone is tested using an automatic blood pressure and pulse machine. If the readings are within limits, you move on with no further checks. If the numbers are too high, MEPS uses a set process.

• Blood Pressure:
  • If the first reading is above 140/90, two additional readings are taken at least 15 minutes apart.
  • If the average of the three readings is still high, a final manual reading is performed.
  • A manual reading of 140/90 or lower is passing. Anything higher leads to disqualification.
• Pulse Rate:
  • If the initial reading is 100 BPM or higher, two more readings are taken.
  • If at least one is below 100 BPM, you pass.
  • If both remain at 100 BPM or higher, a manual check is done.
  • A manual reading of 100 BPM or higher results in disqualification.

What Happens After a Disqualification

If disqualified, MEPS may advise follow-up care with a doctor. To request a waiver, you may need two documented blood pressure readings from a physician. Those readings, averaged with your MEPS results, help determine whether a waiver is possible.

Step 4: Background Screening and Job Selection

After the physical exam, you will meet with service liaisons to review your results and discuss job options. Topics often include:

• ASVAB scores
• Medical test results
• Job opportunities available in your branch of service

Next, MEPS personnel may conduct:

• Fingerprinting for an FBI background check
• A pre-enlistment briefing covering topics like marital status, criminal history, and prior medical conditions

Be truthful in paperwork and interviews. False statements can lead to disqualification from enlistment.

Step 5: Oath of Enlistment

If you meet the requirements, you will take the oath of enlistment and complete your contract paperwork.

• Family may be allowed to attend.
• You will sign either:
  • A Delayed Entry Program (DEP) contract, if you are waiting to ship out
  • An enlistment contract, if you are leaving for basic training soon

If you are in DEP, your recruiter will arrange transportation home. Otherwise, MEPS will provide instructions for transportation to boot camp.

Final MEPS Reminders

• Review your medical history and any contagious illness details before MEPS.
• Bring only the documentation you need and leave valuables at home.
• Be truthful in medical forms and interviews.
• Arrive on time since processing starts early.

For official details, review the MEPS information for applicants and parents and follow your recruiter’s instructions. After you complete MEPS, you move forward in the enlistment process for the branch you chose, including the U.S. Navy. If you need help finding a recruiter, use the Navy recruiter locator.