MEPS Job Selection and Counseling Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An applicant has excellent ASVAB scores and is qualified for numerous jobs. During the counseling session, the applicant expresses strong interest in a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that is not currently available. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the MEPS Guidance Counselor to take?
- Advise the applicant to select another available job and reclassify later.
- Inform the applicant about the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) as an option to wait for the desired MOS to become available. (Correct answer)
- Assign the applicant to a high-priority job that offers an enlistment bonus.
- Tell the applicant to return to MEPS at a later date when the job might be open.
Correct answer: Inform the applicant about the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) as an option to wait for the desired MOS to become available.
The Delayed Entry Program (DEP) is designed for situations like this. It allows a qualified applicant to enlist in the service but delay their entry to active duty, often to wait for a specific job or training date. This respects the applicant's preference while securing their commitment. Advising them to reclassify later is not guaranteed, and assigning them to a job they don't want is poor counseling. Simply telling them to return later offers no concrete solution.
Question 2: What is the primary function of ASVAB "line scores" during the job selection process at MEPS?
- To calculate the applicant's overall Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score.
- To determine the applicant's eligibility for specific military jobs and specialties. (Correct answer)
- To provide a percentile ranking of the applicant against their peers.
- To assess the applicant's physical fitness level for demanding roles.
Correct answer: To determine the applicant's eligibility for specific military jobs and specialties.
While several ASVAB subtests are used to calculate the AFQT score for general enlistment eligibility, line scores (also called composite scores) are specific combinations of subtest scores used by each service to determine qualification for particular military jobs (MOS, Rating, AFSC).
Question 3: An applicant for an infantry position meets all ASVAB requirements but has a PULHES profile of 113111. What is the significance of the '3' in the 'L' position for this applicant's job selection?
- The applicant has a minor limitation in their upper extremities.
- The applicant has superior hearing and ear function.
- The applicant has a significant limitation in their lower extremities that will likely disqualify them from the infantry job. (Correct answer)
- The applicant has a temporary psychiatric condition that needs re-evaluation.
Correct answer: The applicant has a significant limitation in their lower extremities that will likely disqualify them from the infantry job.
The PULHES profile rates six factors: P-Physical capacity, U-Upper extremities, L-Lower extremities, H-Hearing, E-Eyes, S-Psychiatric. A '3' indicates a significant medical limitation. The 'L' position corresponds to lower extremities (legs, feet, lower back). An infantry role has high physical demands on the lower extremities, making a score of '3' a likely disqualifier.
Question 4: Which document is reviewed and signed during the job counseling session that serves as the binding enlistment contract between the applicant and the U.S. Government?
- SF 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions
- DD Form 2807-2, Medical Prescreen
- The ASVAB Score Report
- DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document (Correct answer)
Correct answer: DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document
The DD Form 4 is the legal, contractual agreement for enlistment or reenlistment in the Armed Forces. It details the terms of service, the specific job or program, the length of the commitment, and other binding agreements. The other forms are for security clearance, medical prescreening, and aptitude testing, respectively.
Question 5: During a job counseling session, a service counselor must balance the applicant's preferences with what other primary factor?
- The location of the applicant's hometown.
- The number of applicants processed that day.
- The current and projected needs of the specific military service. (Correct answer)
- The preferences of the applicant's recruiter.
Correct answer: The current and projected needs of the specific military service.
A key role of the MEPS guidance counselor is to fill jobs that the service needs. While they work to match an applicant's qualifications and desires with a job, their ultimate responsibility is to meet the personnel requirements of their branch. The other factors are not primary considerations in the job selection process.
Question 6: An applicant is fully qualified for a highly sought-after technical role that also comes with a significant enlistment bonus. What is the counselor's responsibility regarding this bonus?
- To guarantee the bonus will be paid in a single lump sum immediately after basic training.
- To use the bonus as the primary reason the applicant should select the job.
- To ensure the applicant understands all terms, conditions, and the payment schedule of the bonus as detailed in the enlistment contract. (Correct answer)
- To avoid mentioning the bonus unless the applicant specifically asks about it.
Correct answer: To ensure the applicant understands all terms, conditions, and the payment schedule of the bonus as detailed in the enlistment contract.
The counselor must act as an agent of the government and ensure all aspects of the enlistment contract, including any incentives like bonuses, are clearly and accurately explained. This includes the total amount, how and when it will be paid, and any service obligations required to receive it. Making false guarantees or using undue pressure is inappropriate.
MEPS Job Selection and Counseling Questions and Answers
An applicant has excellent ASVAB scores and is qualified for numerous jobs.
During the counseling session, the applicant expresses strong interest in a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that is not currently available.
Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the MEPS Guidance Counselor to take?