Top News Stories

Andre Markham, USMEPCOM security specialist, and Govanni McCall, command emergency management officer, collaborate on establishing scenarios for a severe weather tabletop exercise (TTX).
USMEPCOM Strengthens Readiness with Severe Weather Exercise
By Derrik Noack | Nov. 14, 2025
USMEPCOM put its emergency response skills to the test, leading a severe weather tabletop exercise (TTX) that simulated the impact of a hurricane.

Lt. Col. Matthew Burnham, Columbus MEPS commander, Sgt. Richard Young, Columbus MEPS HRA, and Senior Chief Jeffrey Onion, Columbus MEPS SEA, pose for a photo with the gifted signed helmet from the Westerville North HS Varsity Football team.
Columbus MEPS Marine Inspires Local High School Football Team
By Ashley Toomey | Nov. 14, 2025
When Marine Corps Sgt. Richard Young’s nephew asked if he could bring some Marines out to his high school football practice, Young, Columbus MEPS human resources assistant, didn’t hesitate to find a way to make it happen. With the support of the local recruiting station sergeant major, Marines partnered with the team to deliver a workout that left a lasting impact.

Dr. Johnny D. Jones, Chicago MEPS Education Services Specialist, poses with LTC Loren Petersen holding a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a proclamation recognizing Dr. Jones for his innovative efforts in advancing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program (CEP) and piloting the School Staff Testing (SST) model across Illinois.
Chicago MEPS Education Innovator Recognized by Governor
By Ashley Toomey | Nov. 14, 2025
When Dr. Johnny D. Jones, education services specialist at Chicago Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), set out to build stronger partnerships between USMEPCOM and Illinois schools, he didn’t expect to receive recognition from the state’s highest office. After years of collaborative outreach, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a proclamation recognizing Dr. Jones for his innovative efforts in advancing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program (CEP) and piloting the School Staff Testing (SST) model across Illinois.

Army 1st Sgt. Randy Ward, Los Angeles MEPS senior enlisted advisor and Army Ly. Col. Matthew Paquin, Los Angeles MEPS commander, join an applicant for a photo at their new selfie station. Applicants at Los Angeles MEPS are celebrating their first step into military service at a new patriotic selfie station that connects them to a nationwide community of service members.
LA MEPS Launches Selfie Station
By Army Lt. Col. Matt Paquin, Los Angeles MEPS | Nov. 14, 2025
At Los Angeles MEPS, the busiest MEPS in the nation, we added a new feature that’s already making waves: a vibrant, patriotic selfie station designed to honor the moment young Americans take their first step into military service. The station features a vibrant backdrop showcasing the crests of all six U.S. Armed Forces alongside the USMEPCOM emblem.

Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette, USMEPCOM senior enlisted advisor, and Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander, present Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristy Fricks, Houston MEPS medical specialist, with a joint service commendation medal. Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristy Fricks was selected as USMEPCOM's Military Member of the Year and in the same week was selected on the 2026 Interservice Physician Assistant Program.
USMEPCOM Military Member of the Year selected to Coast Guard Interservice Physician Assistant Program
By Marine Corps Maj. Charles Hansen, Houston MEPS | Nov. 14, 2025
Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristy Fricks, Houston MEPS medical specialist, continues to have a year of achievements while at USMEPCOM.

The USMEPCOM military member and civilian employee of the year finalists pose for a photo during the Naval Station Great Lakes battle station.
Excellence in Action: Military and Civilian Members Shine during Annual Competition
By Tyechia Price | Sept. 11, 2025
Carrying on a proud tradition of excellence, United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) recognized outstanding individuals whose dedication, resilience, and merit shined bright throughout the year during the annual Military Member and Civilian Employee of the Year competition, held Sept. 8-10 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Ill.

USMEPCOM began piloting a new program that allows school staff to be trained and administer the computerized Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program (CEP) test, Sept. 8.
USMEPCOM Launches Pilot Program Empowering Schools to Administer ASVAB Tests Online
By Derrik Noack | Sept. 8, 2025
USMEPCOM began piloting a new program that allows school staff to be trained and administer the computerized Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program (CEP) test, Sept. 8.