U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) marked its 50th anniversary on July 1, 2026, celebrating five decades of supporting the nation’s All-Volunteer Force while reflecting on a legacy of innovation, service and commitment to the nation’s defense. Centered around the anniversary theme, “Behind Every Oath,” the celebration honored the people, partnerships and processes that have enabled USMEPCOM to fulfill its mission since 1976.

Every oath has a story behind it. The McDonald family’s story highlights three generations of military service, the power of family legacy, and a memorable moment at Syracuse MEPS as a retired Air Force major administered the Oath of Enlistment to one of his sons for the 3rd time.

At a desk inside the Pittsburgh Military Entrance Processing Station, an Army captain stands where his story first began. Nearly 25 years ago, Nathaniel “Nate” Wilson, Pittsburgh MEPS operations officer, wasn’t a leader in uniform, he was a young man an uncertain future, stepping through the same doors, raising his right hand and taking an oath that would change his life.

Shoes squeak sharply against the mat with each movement. In the background, teammates clap as two wrestlers circle, hands extended, aiming for control of the match. Adrenaline and anticipation hang in the air as the best of the best from each service go for the gold at the Armed Forces Wrestling Championship.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Krese accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette, who is retiring after three decades of service in the Army.

U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) successfully executed its first full Capacity Augmentation Team (CAT) deployment at Fort Lee Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), marking a significant step forward in the command’s efforts to increase applicant processing capacity and support service recruiting missions.

In collaboration with Service recruiting partners, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) implemented a policy, “Conditions Unlikely to be Waived” (CUW), effective May 4, that stops processing for applicants with one or more of 28 medical conditions designated as unlikely to be waived by Service partners.