What should I expect at MEPS?

Question

Just wondering what kind of physical testing will be done on females and what other tests they will put you threw? Will they do a Pap test or Mamogram on females? I have slight flatfeet (it doesnt hurt me when running or other activities) will this effect enlistment into the guard? ANY information reguarding MEPS would be helpful! thanks!

Answer 1

I went through MEPS about a year ago, in St. Louis.  For males, most of what you do is vision and hearing, a blood test, and basic stuff like blood pressure and pulse.  You'll do a urine test to check for drug use, and then do a bunch of simple range of motion and flexibility type tests that as long as you don't have any injuries you should have no trouble at all passing.  Most of MEPS is waiting around for the people ahead of you to do their stuff.  Its boring, but you gotta do it.  I know females will do a PAP test, but nothing further than that.   Your slight flatfeet issue shouldn't be a problem.  I wouldn't even mention it unless you've got medical records that talk about it.  Even then, it most likely won't disqualify you from enlisting.  Good luck!

Answer 2

First and foremost you must expect to "hurry up and wait".  That is pretty much the theme for the military overall.  There will be a lot of waiting in lines.  I cant really answer the Pap or Mamogram questions because I am a male.  The physical for me was pretty simple, they made us "duckwalk" to see if we had any knee problems.  They looked at our backs to make sure we didnt have any back surgeries or to see if we had any signs of scoliosis.  They also took a look (in private) at my junk to see if I might have any issues down there (at least thats what they told me...  Hopefully that guy was a doctor...).  They also make you take a urinalysis to make sure you are not on any drugs.  

They give you a hearing and sight test, and then they will ask you a bunch of questions in regards to your past.  They ask you if you have ever sold drugs, done drugs and things of that nature.  They will also ask you if you are a part of any militias or if you are a spy from another organization.  You will talk to a career counselor, and if you dont take anything else I write into consideration pay heed to this.  Get the job you want.  Do not let them give you a job that you dont want.  It is your decision and your future.  Do not feel like you owe your recruiter anything.  You do not have to take any job that they tell you to take.  If they tell you that (whatever job you want) is not available, tell them that you will wait.  Remember that you are not committed until you swear in the second time (you will have to go to MEPS twice, the second time you will ship out).  You can always change your job the second time as well.

It is important that you understand that when you sign, the military will have you for a total of 8 years.  However long you enlist for and the remainder will be spent in the inactive ready reserve.  example: you sign for 3 years active, when you finish they can call you up for activation anytime for the next five years.  make sure that your bonus is also on the contract you are signing (if you are getting one).  When it says "anything that was promised to me not on this contract is null and void" (something like that) it really means it.  On the flipside, if they do promise you something on your contract, they will make good on it.  It will be a breach of contract if they dont and you will have the option to get out if they cant make good.  

As for your flat(ish) feet, it will all depend on what the doc says.  They might not hurt you now, but when your are doing 10K road marches they will.  Flat, regular or high, they will hurt.  Its important that they only hurt and dont get broken.  They will do a "wet test" where they spray the bottom of your feet and have you step on a piece of paper.  From there they can determine what "foot type" you have.  When you get to basic they will let you buy shoes and your foot type will leave you with a particular style to choose from.  

With all the waiting around you will do, you will be more than happy to get to basic.  Good luck and if you have anymore questions you can email me, I will gladly answer what I can.

Answer 3

It was slightly fun...lol.

You start early and get briefed. I started off getting my blood drawn (arm) for HIV. Then you'll chat with a doctor about anything in your medical history. Basically they want to know what will keep you from performing. Then you'll do a vision test. Next is a hearing test. Then you'll take a urine test. Make sure you've drinking enough water before as if your protein lvls are off (some fast to get there weight down), then you have to wait till they mail it off for results. Next you see the doc. Everyone strips down to underwear (dress decent underwear wise) and does a few duck walks and different flexabilty tests. Female get stripped and have a visual exam, no touching unless you have something crazy. Guys will have the grab and cough, then the spread the cheeks for a quick look. If your over weight for your height, then you'll get taped to see where your weight is. Hopefully it's around lunch time, then you'll eat and see your branch rep about your job and ship out date, any other paperwork. Depending on your branch, you'll get sworn in there. Hopefully there isn't a whole bus or two getting shipped out as then you'll have your first taste of hurry and wait for each section of the medical testing.

Hope that runs it down for you.  

Answer 4

I really wouldn't have details because I have not yet been there but I hope this helps! Watch this video.

Answer 5

I DON'T KNOW ALL TEST DONE ON WOMEN CUZ IM A GUY BUT YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE FLAT FOOT ISSUE IF IT DID BECOME AN ISSUE THEY MAKE THOSE SHOE AND BOOT INSERTS FOR THAT...HONESTLY YOUR BEST BET IS TO TALK TO A FEMALE RECRUITER MIGHT BE HARD TO FIND ONE AROUND YOUR AREA BUT YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS ENLISTING...HAVE FUN ON THAT LONG!!! BORING DAY AT MEPS!!! LOL THANKS FOR YOUR EFFORT IN ENLISTING INTO THE GREATEST MILITARY IN THE WORLD...