The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) physical exam is a comprehensive medical screening designed to ensure recruits meet the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) standards for physical fitness, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal integrity, and overall medical history .How many people fail the MEPS physically? While exact annual figures fluctuate based on recruitment volumes and policy changes, available data indicates that approximately 10-12% of applicants fail the MEPS physical exam outright, with medical issues accounting for nearly half of all disqualifications across the process. This rate can vary by service branch, with stricter standards in the Air Force and Navy leading to higher failure percentages compared to the Army.
How Many People Fail the MEPS Physically?
Key Statistics and Breakdown
- Overall Failure Rate: How Many People Fail the MEPS Physically? Studies and reports from the DoD’s Accession Medical Standards Analysis and Research Activity (AMSARA) suggest that between 10-12% of those who reach MEPS for the full physical do not qualify due to physical or medical reasons. For context, from FY2016 to FY2020, about 1.35 million applicants underwent MEPS medical exams, implying roughly 135,000-162,000 annual physical failures if extrapolated linearly (though actual numbers depend on yearly applicant pools, which hovered around 250,000-300,000 accessions).
- Medical Disqualifications: These are the leading cause, making up about 45-50% of total MEPS failures. Common issues include asthma (post-age 13), obesity (failing BMI or body fat standards), vision/hearing impairments without correction, mental health conditions like untreated ADHD or depression, and chronic issues such as hypertension or joint problems.
- Branch Variations: The Marines often see higher physical failure rates (up to 15%) due to rigorous fitness demands, while the Army’s more flexible waivers result in lower rates (around 8-10%). Pre-screening at recruiting stations filters out many potential failures before MEPS, reducing the on-site disqualification rate.
Factors Influencing Physical Failures
The MEPS physical includes height/weight checks, blood/urine tests, orthopedic exams, and basic maneuvers like the “duck walk” to assess balance and mobility. Failures aren’t always permanent—waivers are granted for about 20-30% of medical disqualifications, allowing reapplication after addressing issues (e.g., weight loss or treatment). However, lying about medical history can lead to immediate disqualification and potential fraudulent enlistment charges.
Recent DoD efforts, like the FY2025 NDAA provisions, aim to streamline waivers and update standards to address recruitment challenges, potentially lowering failure rates by incorporating modern health trends (e.g., reduced stigma around behavioral health).
Preparation Tips to Avoid Failure
To minimize risks, disclose all medical history upfront via DD Form 2807-2, maintain a healthy BMI (typically under 27.5 for males, 28 for females), and practice basic fitness. Resources like Military OneSource offer guidance on waivers and appeals.
For the latest data, consult official DoD reports or your recruiter, as rates evolve with policy updates. Understanding these stats highlights MEPS’s role in building a ready force while emphasizing preparation for success.