The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is the gateway to enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces, where you’ll undergo comprehensive physical, mental, and moral evaluations to ensure you’re fit for service. While standards vary slightly by branch, certain factors can lead to disqualification. The good news? Many issues qualify for waivers if addressed early with your recruiter. Honesty is crucial—falsifying information can result in permanent disqualification or fraudulent enlistment charges.
Common Medical Disqualifiers
MEPS screens for conditions that could impair performance or require excessive medical care. Key examples include:
- Chronic illnesses: Asthma (especially after age 13), diabetes, epilepsy, or heart conditions like murmurs.
- Vision and hearing: Uncorrectable vision worse than 20/400 or significant hearing loss.
- Musculoskeletal issues: Severe allergies, broken bones with complications, or conditions like ADHD requiring ongoing medication.
- Infectious diseases: Active cases of HIV, hepatitis B, or untreated STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Nearly 30% of applicants are initially disqualified for medical reasons, but waivers are granted in about half of cases with proper documentation. Always bring full medical records to avoid delays.
Mental Health Concerns
History of mood disorders—such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or severe anxiety—can disqualify you if untreated or requiring disqualifying meds (e.g., certain antidepressants). Substance abuse, including alcohol dependence, is a red flag. A psychiatric evaluation may be ordered if issues arise.
Moral and Legal Issues
Criminal history is a major barrier:
- Felonies, domestic violence convictions, or crimes prohibiting firearm possession.
- Multiple misdemeanors, especially drug-related.
- Extremist affiliations or patterns of misconduct.
Drug tests at MEPS detect illegal substances; a positive result triggers a mandatory wait period before waiver consideration.
Physical Standards
You must meet age-specific height/weight requirements (e.g., 60-80 inches tall, BMI 19-27.5 for most branches). Failure here often stems from obesity or underweight issues, but it’s fixable with preparation.
What If You’re Disqualified?
Don’t panic—temporary issues (like minor injuries) can be resolved, and waivers for 38 common conditions are increasingly streamlined via pilot programs. Consult your recruiter immediately for appeals, specialist consults, or alternative paths like the National Guard. Preparation, transparency, and persistence boost your odds—over 16% of waiver applicants succeed post-review.