Yes, MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations) hold significant administrative and screening authority in the military enlistment process. While MEPS personnel do not make final enlistment decisions alone, they play a critical role in determining whether a candidate meets the standards to join the U.S. Armed Forces.
MEPS has the power to:
- Disqualify applicants based on medical, physical, moral, or legal standards outlined in Department of Defense and individual service regulations.
- Administer and score the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), which determines job eligibility.
- Conduct background checks, including fingerprinting and criminal history reviews.
- Perform drug testing and verify medical history through comprehensive physical exams.
- Recommend or deny waivers for disqualifying conditions—though final waiver approval comes from the respective military branch.
- Process enlistment contracts, including swearing in recruits once all qualifications are met.
However, MEPS does not have the authority to:
- Guarantee specific military jobs (MOS, AFSC, NEC, etc.)—that is determined by service needs and recruiter coordination.
- Override service-specific policies or force a branch to accept a candidate who doesn’t meet standards.
- Make final decisions on complex waiver cases—those are reviewed at higher command levels.
In essence, MEPS acts as the gatekeeper of military access. While it doesn’t “command” troops or set policy, its screening power directly determines who is allowed to move forward in the enlistment pipeline.
Success in the MEPS process requires honesty, preparation, and meeting established standards—because MEPS absolutely has the authority to stop an enlistment before it begins.