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Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander, speaks with attendees of the 2026 USMEPCOM Medical Leadership Training Symposium (MLTS). The USMEPCOM MLTS, held March 9-11, brought medical leaders together to strengthen collaboration, share best practices and advance standardization efforts supporting the accession of the next generation of service members.
USMEPCOM Medical Leaders Strengthen Accessions Mission at MLTS
By Ashley Toomey | March 10, 2026
The USMEPCOM Medical Leadership Training Symposium (MLTS) returned Mar. 9 – 11 in Rosemont Ill., bringing the top command providers and leadership together for three days of discussion, process improvements and standardization training.
(L) Yvette Meeches, Fort Dix MEPS lead human resources assistant, takes the oath of enlistment into the Army Reserve.Meeches joined the Army Reserve as a 38B, civil affairs specialist and will continue to support the MEPS after initial entry training.
Fort Dix MEPS Lead HRA Answers the Same Call She Helps Others Answer Every Day
By Ashley Toomey | Feb. 26, 2026
Fort Dix Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) marked a powerful full-circle moment when lead human resources assistant (HRA) Yvette Meeches raised her right hand and took the Oath of Enlistment.
Travis Stahlhut, USMEPCOM management analyst and US Army veteran, poses with his daughter, Holly, after her own oath of enlistment at Chicago MEPS. A legacy of service extended a generation when Holly Stahlhut enlisted into the US Army at Chicago MEPS on Jan. 13, 2026.
A Legacy of Service: One Family’s Journey Through MEPS
By Ashley Toomey | Feb. 10, 2026
For Travis Stahlhut, management analyst, J-1 Human Resources directorate, service has never been just a career, it’s been a conversation, a set of values, and now, a legacy shaped through MEPS.
Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander, speaks with members of J-3's Analysis & Architecture team on their data report designs. USMEPCOM uses real-time data tools to help leaders and partners make informed decisions that strengthen operations.
Using Data to Drive Decisions at USMEPCOM
By | Jan. 26, 2026
To some, data may just be raw numbers on a spreadsheet but at USMEPCOM it is the key ingredient used to steer conversations and guide decisions. More than 50 data reports developed by the command’s J-3 Analysis and Architecture (A&A) team ensure MEPS, leaders and partners can easily digest and use the insights found in them. 
Herlene Alexandre, phlebotomy extern at Miami MEPS, conducts a blood draw on an applicant. USMEPCOM introduced a new medical externship initiative designed to assist with collecting vitals, drawing blood and urine samples and conducting vision and audio screenings.
USMEPCOM Expands Medical Externship Program to Strengthen Operations
By Ashley Toomey | Jan. 20, 2026
U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) introduced a new medical externship initiative designed to strengthen mission execution through innovation, local partnerships and forward-thinking solutions. The program connects students enrolled in medical assisting and phlebotomy certification programs with Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), creating a mutually beneficial opportunity that enhances operational efficiency while developing future healthcare professionals.
(L to R) Spokane MEPS Army service liaison Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Jones, Spokane MEPS chief medical officer Dr. Victoria Weaver, Spokane MEPS commander Navy Cmdr. Kelly Agha, Immersive Recruiter Experience
Walking in Their Shoes: Spokane MEPS’ Immersive Recruiter Experience
By Derrik Noack | Jan. 15, 2026
When recruiters arrive at Spokane MEPS for chief medical officer Dr. Victoria Weaver’s Immersive Recruiter Experience (IRE), they don’t come as observers or guests, they come as applicants. Civilian clothes, a name tag and a place in line.
L) Dan O’Leary, USMEPCOM 11th Battalion executive director, and Gregory Russell, St. Louis MEPS lead medical technician, pose for a photo at St. Louis MEPS. Gregory Russell leveraged the DoD SkillBridge program to transition from active duty into a civilian role at St. Louis MEPS, supporting future applicants through the accession process.
SkillBridge Helps Separated Service Member Continue the Mission at St. Louis MEPS
By Derrik Noack | Jan. 9, 2026
As soon to be separating service members across USMEPCOM prepare for life after uniform, one program offers a powerful bridge to civilian careers, the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. For Gregory Russell, SkillBridge was the opportunity that allowed him to transition smoothly from active duty into a civilian role while continuing to serve future generations of service members.
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