MEPS Drug and Alcohol Testing

Question 1

What type of drug test is typically administered at MEPS during the initial enlistment physical?

Accepted Answer

Urine drug screen

Answer

Blood test

Answer

Hair follicle test

Answer

Breathalyzer test

Question 2

What drugs are typically included in the standard military urine drug panel at MEPS?

Accepted Answer

Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP

Answer

Only marijuana

Answer

Alcohol, marijuana, and heroin only

Answer

All prescription medications

Question 3

What is the 'chain of custody' in military drug testing?

Accepted Answer

A documented process ensuring the urine sample is tracked from collection to laboratory result without tampering

Answer

The order in which drill sergeants supervise recruits

Answer

The legal procedure for arresting a service member for drug use

Answer

The sequence of command authority over drug policy

Question 4

If a prescription medication causes a positive drug test result at MEPS, what is the proper procedure?

Accepted Answer

The applicant must provide documentation of the prescription, and a Medical Review Officer (MRO) evaluates the result

Answer

The applicant is automatically disqualified

Answer

The test result is ignored

Answer

The applicant must stop the medication before enlisting

Question 5

What happens if an applicant tests positive for marijuana at MEPS?

Accepted Answer

They may apply for a waiver, but policies vary by branch and depend on the amount detected

Answer

They are permanently barred from all military service

Answer

They are immediately arrested

Answer

They can immediately retest

Question 6

How long does THC (marijuana) typically remain detectable in urine after occasional use?

Accepted Answer

Up to 3 days for occasional use, up to 30 days for heavy chronic use

Answer

1–3 days

Answer

Only 1 hour

Answer

Indefinitely

Question 7

Which substance is NOT typically screened for in the standard MEPS urine drug panel?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol

Answer

Cocaine

Answer

PCP

Answer

Amphetamines

Question 8

What is a 'dilute' urine specimen in drug testing?

Accepted Answer

A specimen with abnormally low creatinine or specific gravity, suggesting excessive water intake to mask drug use

Answer

A specimen that has been contaminated with cleaning chemicals

Answer

A specimen collected from an applicant under the age of 18

Answer

A specimen that has been refrigerated improperly

Question 9

What action does the military typically take when a specimen is reported as 'substituted'?

Accepted Answer

It is treated as a refused test or a positive result, typically resulting in disqualification

Answer

The applicant is asked to retake the test immediately

Answer

It is ignored if the applicant claims a medical condition

Answer

The applicant receives a warning and retest opportunity

Question 10

What must MEPS applicants disclose regarding drug use prior to the drug test?

Accepted Answer

Past drug use on the medical history questionnaire, even if the test is negative

Answer

Nothing—drug history is irrelevant if the test is negative

Answer

Only current prescriptions, not past recreational use

Answer

Only drug use within the past 30 days