Yes, you can attend the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) more than once, and many applicants do—for enlistment retries, branch switches, medical re-evaluations, or after disqualification periods. MEPS processes all recruits for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Here’s what you need to know:
- First Visit Outcomes: Your initial MEPS trip includes ASVAB testing (if not pre-taken), medical exams, job counseling, and oath (if qualified). If you pass, you ship to training. If disqualified (medical, moral, or aptitude issues), you may return later.
- Medical Re-Exam: Temporary issues (e.g., recent surgery, weight above limits, or minor injuries) often require a waiver or time to heal. After 30–180 days (branch-specific), you can re-process. Permanent disqualifications (e.g., asthma after age 13, certain felonies) may bar re-entry unless waived by a surgeon general.
- Changing Branches: You can visit MEPS again to switch services (e.g., Army to Air Force). Prior ASVAB scores are valid for 2 years; medical records transfer via MHS GENESIS. A new physical may be required if over 6 months have passed.
- Failed Drug Test or Legal Issues: A positive urinalysis triggers a 1-year ban (some branches: lifetime). Moral waivers for new arrests or convictions require legal clearance before re-processing.
- Weight/PT Standards: If over body fat limits, you get one re-measurement chance same-day. Failure means returning after meeting standards—often 3–6 months later.
Tips: Work with your recruiter; they schedule MEPS. Bring prior paperwork to avoid repeats. Most second visits succeed if issues are resolved. Over 25% of applicants require multiple trips due to fixable barriers. Persistence pays off—thousands enlist after initial setbacks.