MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency is primarily responsible for overseeing MEPS operations nationwide?
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Defense Contract Management Agency
- Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) (Correct answer)
- Office of Personnel Management
Correct answer: Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM)
MEPCOM, headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois, provides command and control over all MEPS locations across the United States.
Question 2: When an applicant's medical records are requested during MEPS processing, who has legal authority to release those records?
- The recruiter on behalf of the applicant
- The MEPS physician without applicant consent
- The applicant, through a signed release authorization (Correct answer)
- Any military officer present at MEPS
Correct answer: The applicant, through a signed release authorization
HIPAA requires the applicant to sign a written release (DD Form 2807-2 or equivalent) authorizing disclosure of prior medical records.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the SF-86 form in the MEPS security clearance pre-screening context?
- To document physical fitness test scores
- To collect background information for personnel security investigations (Correct answer)
- To record ASVAB subtest results
- To authorize a recruiter's access to applicant files
Correct answer: To collect background information for personnel security investigations
SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) gathers personal history data used to investigate an applicant's eligibility for a security clearance.
Question 4: An applicant discloses a prior mental health counseling visit that was not previously reported. What is the standard MEPS response?
- Immediate disqualification with no appeal
- Documentation and referral to MEPS physician for evaluation (Correct answer)
- The information is ignored if it occurred more than two years ago
- The recruiter decides whether to document it
Correct answer: Documentation and referral to MEPS physician for evaluation
All disclosed medical history is documented and reviewed by the MEPS Chief Medical Officer to determine if it affects accession standards.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the role of the MEPS Liaison NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer)?
- Conducting the ASVAB examination
- Performing the physical examination
- Coordinating between the recruiting battalion and MEPS staff (Correct answer)
- Administering the oath of enlistment
Correct answer: Coordinating between the recruiting battalion and MEPS staff
The Liaison NCO serves as the primary point of contact between the recruiter's unit and MEPS, ensuring applicants are prepared and paperwork is complete.
Question 6: What happens to an applicant's MEPS medical records after processing is complete?
- They are returned to the applicant
- They are destroyed after 30 days
- They are retained in the applicant's permanent military service record (Correct answer)
- They are sent exclusively to the recruiter's file
Correct answer: They are retained in the applicant's permanent military service record
MEPS medical records become part of the applicant's official military personnel file and are retained for the duration of their service and beyond.
Question 7: A MEPS applicant who tests positive on a urinalysis for marijuana but claims it was due to secondhand smoke — what is the standard outcome?
- The result is voided and the test is repeated
- The positive result stands; secondhand smoke is not an accepted medical justification (Correct answer)
- A physician's note can waive the positive result
- The branch service makes an independent determination
Correct answer: The positive result stands; secondhand smoke is not an accepted medical justification
DoD policy does not accept secondhand exposure as a defense for a confirmed positive urinalysis; the applicant is disqualified pending waiver review.
MEPS Applicant Processing and Standards 2
Which federal agency is primarily responsible for overseeing MEPS operations nationwide?