For Tamie Runningen, building a stronger team at Minneapolis MEPS sometimes starts with something as simple as saying hello. As the MEPS’ test coordinator, Runningen spends much of her workday coordinating and scheduling ASVAB testing at schools.

U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) held a Western Sector Change of Command ceremony in North Chicago, Ill., July 31, marking the formal transfer of command from Navy Capt. Christopher Carmichael to Marine Corps Col. Aixa Dones.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ivan Martinez accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of Western Sector, USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Major David Goins, who is retiring after 27 years of service in the Army.

The Cadet Summer Research Program continues to provide service academy cadets with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while bringing fresh perspectives to U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM). This summer, Cadet Grant Feldman (U.S. Air Force Academy), spent six weeks at USMEPCOM conducting research and gaining a firsthand understanding of the command’s mission.

For most people, crossing the finish line of an elite race is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment, but for one Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) commander, it's simply another opportunity to test the limits of discipline, resilience and determination.

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.