What to Bring to MEPS

Introduction to MEPS

When individuals are preparing to enlist in the military, they will eventually find themselves at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). MEPS is where recruits go to complete the enlistment process, which includes taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, undergoing medical examinations, and finalizing their enlistment packages. To ensure a smooth and efficient experience, it’s crucial to know what to bring to MEPS.

Required Documents

Before heading to MEPS, it’s essential to gather all the necessary documents. These typically include:

• Birth Certificate: An original or certified copy of the birth certificate is required for identification and age verification purposes.
• Social Security Card: The original Social Security card is necessary for identity verification and to process benefits.
• Driver’s License or State ID: A valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID, is required for identification.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent: Proof of education, such as a high school diploma or GED certificate, is necessary for enlistment.
• College Transcripts (if applicable): If the recruit has attended college, they should bring their official college transcripts for potential advanced enlistment rank or specialized job placement.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable): Married recruits should bring their marriage certificate for benefits and dependency purposes.
• Divorce or Separation Papers (if applicable): Recruits who are divorced or separated should bring the relevant legal documents.

Medical and Personal Items

In addition to documents, there are several medical and personal items that recruits should bring to MEPS:

• Medications and Prescriptions: Any prescription medications, along with their prescriptions, should be brought to MEPS for medical screening purposes.
• Glasses or Contact Lenses (if applicable): Recruits who wear glasses or contact lenses should bring them, along with their prescription, for the medical examination.
• Hearing Aids (if applicable): Recruits with hearing aids should bring them to MEPS for the medical evaluation.
• Dental Records: Bringing dental records can be helpful, especially if the recruit has had extensive dental work.
• Immunization Records: Although not always required, having immunization records can speed up the medical processing time.

Clothing and Miscellaneous

Recruits should also consider what to wear and what miscellaneous items to bring:

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, modest clothing and avoid anything too casual or revealing. Dress shoes are also recommended.
• Snacks and Water: MEPS can be a long process, so bringing snacks and water is a good idea to stay energized throughout the day.
• Phone and Charger: In case of emergencies or to stay in touch with family, bringing a phone and charger can be useful.
• Small Amount of Cash: Having a small amount of cash on hand can be helpful for vending machines or other unexpected expenses.

📝 Note: The specific items required may vary depending on the branch of service and individual circumstances. It's always best to check with the recruiter for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Process at MEPS

Understanding the process at MEPS can also help prepare recruits for what to expect:

Step	Description
1. Arrival and Check-in	Recruits arrive at MEPS and check-in with their recruiter or at the front desk.
2. Document Verification	MEPS personnel verify the recruit’s documents, including ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card.
3. Medical Examination	A medical professional conducts a thorough medical examination, including vision, hearing, and blood tests.
4. ASVAB Test	Recruits take the ASVAB test to determine their aptitude and potential job placements in the military.
5. Enlistment Oath and Processing	After completing the medical exam and ASVAB test, recruits take the enlistment oath and finalize their enlistment package.

In summary, to have a successful and efficient experience at MEPS, recruits should be well-prepared by bringing all the necessary documents, medical and personal items, and being aware of the process. This preparation will help ensure that the enlistment process goes smoothly and that recruits can begin their military journey without unnecessary delays.