MEPS Enlistment Contracts and Oaths 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What document serves as the binding enlistment contract between a recruit and the U.S. military?
- DD Form 4 (Correct answer)
- SF-86
- DD Form 214
- DD Form 1966
Correct answer: DD Form 4
DD Form 4 is the official Enlistment/Reenlistment Document that constitutes the binding contract between the recruit and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Question 2: Which section of a recruit's enlistment contract lists the specific military occupational specialty or rating they are guaranteed?
- The service agreement addendum (Correct answer)
- The oath of enlistment page
- The medical pre-screening waiver
- The DD Form 215 amendment
Correct answer: The service agreement addendum
Guaranteed job offers are documented in addenda or annexes attached to DD Form 4, which specify the agreed-upon training and assignment.
Question 3: Under what circumstance can the military legally void an enlistment contract after the recruit has already taken the oath?
- If the recruit provided false or fraudulent information during enlistment (Correct answer)
- If the recruit's recruiter is reassigned to a different duty station
- If the recruit changes their preferred MOS after signing
- If military funding is reduced during the fiscal year
Correct answer: If the recruit provided false or fraudulent information during enlistment
Fraudulent enlistment—concealing disqualifying information—gives the military legal grounds to void the contract and potentially pursue criminal charges.
Question 4: How many times does a new recruit swear or affirm the Oath of Enlistment during the typical MEPS process?
- Twice — once at DEP entry and once at shipping (Correct answer)
- Once — only at final shipping
- Three times — at each MEPS visit
- Once — only when entering DEP
Correct answer: Twice — once at DEP entry and once at shipping
Recruits typically take the oath twice: once when joining the Delayed Entry Program and again when they formally ship to basic training.
Question 5: What phrase in the Oath of Enlistment obligates a service member to follow orders from officers?
- '…and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me' (Correct answer)
- '…and that I pledge full allegiance to the chain of command'
- '…and that I will execute all lawful directives of the Secretary of Defense'
- '…and that I will comply with the UCMJ in all matters of command'
Correct answer: '…and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me'
The oath explicitly requires obedience to the President and officers appointed over the service member, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Question 6: Which agency administers the Oath of Enlistment to recruits at a MEPS facility?
- A commissioned officer of the U.S. Armed Forces (Correct answer)
- The recruiter who enlisted the applicant
- A federal civilian employee designated by the Secretary of Defense
- Any non-commissioned officer E-7 or above
Correct answer: A commissioned officer of the U.S. Armed Forces
By law, the Oath of Enlistment must be administered by a commissioned officer, though in some cases a warrant officer or other authorized official may qualify.
Question 7: What happens to a DEP enlistment contract if a recruit is found medically disqualified before shipping to basic training?
- The contract is voided and the recruit is discharged from DEP without penalty (Correct answer)
- The recruit must pay a financial penalty for breaking the contract
- The contract is transferred to a civilian service obligation
- The recruit is automatically reclassified to a non-combat role
Correct answer: The contract is voided and the recruit is discharged from DEP without penalty
A medical disqualification discovered before shipping results in the recruit being honorably discharged from DEP, as the military cannot accept someone who does not meet physical standards.
MEPS Enlistment Contracts and Oaths 2
What document serves as the binding enlistment contract between a recruit and the U.S. military?