USMEPCOM Welcomes New Commander
July 17, 2024 - Army Col. Frankie Cochiaosue assumed command of United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) from Army Col. Megan Stallings during a Change of Command and Retirement ceremony, July 17.
Remembering Chris Arendt
July 17, 2024 - USMEPCOM honored the life and accomplishments of the late Christopher (Chris) Arendt, retired Navy officer and former Accession Policy deputy director, with the dedication of USMEPCOM’s auditorium bearing his name July 16.
USMEPCOM Launches Applicant Journey Tracker
July 11, 2024 - USMEPCOM launched the Applicant Journey Tracker, July 9, the first ever tool to track applicants’ paths throughout their processing journey into the military.
USMEPCOM Phases out Meal Checks
June 28, 2024 - Every applicant who ships to boot camp receives a voucher to pay for food while traveling to their destination. Previously this was done by issuing a one-time use paper check to use at the airport. As of June 28, these paper checks have been replaced with debit cards, providing a modern, flexible payment option for enlistees.
CAG Highlights Innovation and Future Plans in Immersion Day
June 26, 2024 - USMEPCOM’s Command Advisory Group (CAG) held a Data and Analytics Immersion Day, June 20. Throughout the day, subject matter experts presented a series of 10 topics on how the organization is using data to enhance operations.
Army Officer Returns to Command Eastern Sector
June 13, 2024 - Army Col. Adam “Avi” Grein accepted command of Eastern Sector, USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Col. Janelle Kutter during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 13 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Ill.
ARC Airmen and NG Soldiers Train to Assist USMEPCOM with Summer Surge
June 10, 2024 - USMEPCOM led training for incoming Air Force Reserve Component (ARC) Airmen and Army National Guard (NG) Soldiers, June 4 – 7, who will serve as prescreen and exam providers. The majority will serve on the Prescreen Support Coordination Center (PSCC), established in the summer of 2022 to tackle prescreen backlogs.
Technology Leaders on Innovation Culture
May 30, 2024 - Matt Lince, J-6 and Innovation Facilitation Team director, and Army Lt. Col. Peter Nesbitt, Command Advisory Group director, sat down to discuss USMEPCOM's culture of innovation, technology and data advances, recent initiatives to improve applicant processing, transformation across the command and the draw of USMEPCOM as a career destination.
USMEPCOM Hosts Testing Symposium
May 29, 2024 - USMEPCOM hosted a symposium for education services specialists (ESSs) and testing coordinators (TCOs) from all 65 MEPS, May 21 - 23.
The educational session for the testing personnel provided opportunities to discuss operations, review trends at USMEPCOM and learn about current and future initiatives, all of which relate to USMEPCOM’s values of driving change and improving processes. The theme of the symposium, Migration to Innovation, enabled ESSs and TCOs to embrace new ideas and advancements in testing and beyond.
USMEPCOM Pilot Reengineers Medical Prescreens
March 25, 2024 - On March 19, USMEPCOM launched a new pilot, reengineering the medical prescreening process for military applicants. Six Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) will pilot the program for 60 days and gather data to enhance the recently developed process before potentially rolling it out to other locations.
USMEPCOM Expands Antiterrorism Efforts
March 22, 2024 - USMEPCOM HQ hosted the United States Army Military Police School (USAMPS) Mobile Training Team to conduct the Antiterrorism Officer Basic Course (ATOBC), Mar. 18-22.
USMEPCOM Gets Ahead of Summer Surge with Army Providers
Jan. 23, 2024 - USMEPCOM processes applicants into the U.S. armed services every day but anticipates a yearly spike in applicant enlistments during summer months, when an influx in applicants come through Freedom’s Front Door that is commonly referred to as “summer surge.”
Behavioral Health Providers Increasing Processing Efficiency
Dec. 12, 2023 - USMEPCOM is assembling a team of clinical psychologists to serve as applicant consult needs. These providers will conduct virtual behavioral health assessments for applicants needing a consult, as determined by their Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or service waiver authorities. The first clinical psychologist, Megan Hart Lee, commenced onboarding in early December and is set to initiate virtual behavioral health consults for MEPS applicants by month-end.
New Strategic Plan Drives USMEPCOM Into 2033
Nov. 27, 2023 - USMEPCOM launched its new Strategic Plan at the FY24 Senior Leader Offsite (SLO) in mid-November. A command’s strategic plan outlines the operational approach for its personnel moving forward. It does so by identifying goals and objectives, rather than specifying concrete projects.
USMEPCOM Spearheads Communications for Accession Triad
Nov. 17, 2023 - The Leaders Professional Development (LPD) event brought USMEPCOM Eastern Sector leadership together with Marine Corps Reception and Initial Entry Training personnel to learn and share new perspectives at Parris Island, South Carolina, Oct. 10-13.
Houston MEPS Organizes First Operations Symposium
Oct. 25, 2023 - Houston MEPS recently organized its first ever Interservice Recruiting Committee (IRC) Operations Symposium. The symposium united MEPS military and recruiting personnel, fostering face-to-face connections to strengthen relationships, which are typically conducted electronically. Those relationships are critical, not only for mutual support, but for success in manning the All-Volunteer Force.
USMEPCOM Invests in AI to Aide Prescreen Process
Oct. 4, 2023 - The 2022 rollout of MHS GENESIS across USMEPCOM brought access to authoritative medical history for applicants to military service. This access has allowed for better medical decision making, but it has also meant an increased workload with more medical information to review for more applicants.
ASVAB CEP Passes the Test in Treasure State
Sept. 18, 2023 - In 1999, the Montana National Guard established the Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) to aide teens who dropped out of high school or weren’t on track to graduate. MYCA works with participants for one year after they graduate from a residential phase to help with college or trade school enrollment or to join the military. They also use the ASVAB Career Exploration Program to learn about their individual skills and interests.
Visitor Policy Brings Families Back to the MEPS
Sept. 13, 2023 - As the eight middle-aged residents of Tampa file into the blue-carpeted and wood paneled room and stand against the walls, it’s a stark contrast from those who are already standing in the middle. Nearly 20 young adults and older teenagers, whose expressions range from excitement to nervousness, look straight ahead. Those standing on the outskirts of the room have their own array of expressions, with the men looking very proud and the women, teary-eyed and deep in thought, looking toward those in the center.
USMEPCOM Holds Change of Responsibility and Retirement Ceremony
July 7, 2023 - Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Lorenzo Woodson, who is retiring after nearly three decades of service in the Army.
Navy Officer Returns to Command Western Sector
June 28, 2023 - Navy Capt. Christopher Carmichael assumed command of Western Sector, USMEPCOM, succeeding Marine Corps Colonel Jesse Sjoberg during a change of command ceremony June 28 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois.
LEAP Scholars
May 31, 2023 - With events happening around the world at a moment’s notice, service members must always be ready for the fight. Not unlike the skills built over time by a pilot; the culture, language, and regional expertise the total force needs for critical missions cannot be “just-in-time” trained.
Leadership Conference Connects USMEPCOM Command Teams
May 15, 2023 - At a command where teamwork is imperative and members are spread across 65 locations, conferences are a great tool for unit synergy and building important partnerships.
The USMEPCOM Leadership Conference, which brings together Sector, Battalion and MEPS commanders and senior enlisted advisors, returned May 8-12 to Lake Delavan, Wisconsin, after a four-year pause due to the pandemic.
Stepson of USMEPCOM Commander Enlists
April 17, 2023 - When your father and grandfather were both Army Aviation Officers, and your stepmother is currently an Army colonel, following their legacy seems like an obvious path to pursue. That is, of course, if you aren’t a 22-year-old wanting to forge your very own path. Instead of choosing to “Be All You Can Be” with the Army, Carter Stallings decided to enlist and “Aim High” with the Air Force.
Carter is the stepson of Army Col. Megan Stallings, commander, USMEPCOM, and his father is retired Army Col. Chris Stallings (current executive director of Naval Service Training Command). His father was on active duty before he was even born, so Carter grew up on various bases and military communities. From a young age, he favored Airmen wings to the Army’s five-pointed star.
SMDRP Update: Streamlining and Standardizing MEPS Medical Processing
Feb. 15, 2023 - With hundreds of medical providers of various specialties working at 65 Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) and two Remote Processing Stations across the country, standardizing the medical qualification process for military applicants is a challenge. United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) took that challenge head on with recent updates to the Supplemental Policy Guidance (SMPG) and Supporting Medical Documentation Review Program (SMDRP).
User-Centered Approach Guides USMIRS Evolution
Feb. 8, 2023 - The development and launch of USMEPCOM Integrated Resource System (USMIRS) 1.1 in 2021 was one of the most critical modernization efforts in USMEPCOM’s history. Feb. 10 marks the second anniversary of the system launching, but there are no “terrible twos” here. With updates released biweekly and major innovations due later this year, USMIRS 1.1 is on track to reach high viability before it even turns three.
30-Minute Thursdays
Feb. 2, 2023 - USMEPCOM’s J-3 Policy and Training branch kicked off a new weekly forum, “30 Minute Thursdays,” on
Son of Air Force Chief Prepares to Take Flight
Nov. 9, 2022 - U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Page, Eastern Sector senior enlisted advisor, was able to witness his son take the oath, sign his contract and join the United States Air Force at Milwaukee MEPS Oct. 24.
Military Members of the Year Compete in San Diego
Oct. 24, 2022 - The 2022 USMEPCOM Military Members of the Year (MMOY) competition brought the final 10 contenders to San Diego for a week of mental and physical challenges. After competing through the levels of command, five military personnel from each Sector faced off to claim MMOY for their rank.
Navy Officer Awarded for Life-Saving Action
Oct. 12, 2022 - U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael Keppen, former Eastern Sector deputy commander, received a Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) during an awards ceremony at headquarters, Oct. 12. The JSCM is presented by the United States Armed Forces to individuals who have performed an exceedingly heroic act, exceptional achievement or commendable service.
Retired Soldiers Return to Support USMEPCOM
Sept. 22, 2022 - It had only been a few months since U.S. Army Maj. Marsha Paul, nurse practitioner, retired and put away her uniform, but luckily, she did not pack it too far back into her closet. While checking her email, she saw an exciting opportunity to come back and work with the latest medical technology. Paul decided to return to assist with the Prescreen Support Coordination Center (PSCC). Paul is among nine retired Army doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners answering the call to come back on active duty to help review prescreens virtually.
USMEPCOM focuses on cybersecurity
Sept. 7, 2022 - The annoyances of entering your PIN multiple times and the removal of the Common Access Card every time you walk away from the computer can pay big dividends to an organization and its members.
Master Chief shapes leaders, leaving military members of the year in his wake
Aug. 26, 2022 - True leaders always hope to see their people achieve more than they did, but they don’t always get the satisfaction of seeing that success come to fruition.
For Master Chief Adam Singleton, former Honolulu MEPs senior enlisted advisor (SEA), confirmation came when Senior Chiefs Brandon Majors, Ft. Jackson MEPS SEA, and Ioana Wolfinger, New Orleans MEPS SEA, respectively became the Eastern and Western Sector military members of the year.
USMEPCOM Hosts Battalion Executive Director's Conference
Aug. 12, 2022 - USMEPCOM hosted the Battalion Executive Director (ED) conference Aug. 9-11. Bringing together all 12 Battalion EDs, the conference was the first of its kind since the position was established five years ago.
Sword Presentation
Aug. 10, 2022 - USMEPCOM’s August Awards Ceremony began with a special presentation in recognition of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Renee Barton, policy NCOIC, J-3/5/7. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shane Doolan and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Peterson presented Barton an engraved sword for her work in training Chicago Recruiting Battalion’s company command teams.
Western Sector welcomes new Senior Enlisted Advisor
July 29, 2022 - Army Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Rendon accepted responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor of Western Sector, USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Jackson during a change of responsibility ceremony at USMEPCOM headquarters July 29.
USMEPCOM IG Surprised With Hamby Award
May 9, 2022 - David Hamby, USMEPCOM command inspector general, was surprised with an honorary Hamby award during a command and staff meeting May 6. The Order of Hamby, or Hamby award, is an internal award for Soldiers at Fort Irwin.
USMEPCOM Hosts PSS Workshop
April 29, 2022 - USMEPCOM hosted a Program Support Specialist (PSS) Workshop, April 26-28. The workshop covered all aspects of the PSS position to maximize utilization of both logistics and budgeting resources.
Cross Country Chopper Adventure
April 26, 2022 - Rise and Ride,” was the mindset 28 women fostered when they set off for a 48-state motorcycle adventure in memory of Bessie Stringfield, the mid-century legend known as “The Motorcycle Queen.”
For the group of women, including Shannon Midgette, St. Louis MEPS test control officer, the idea to take on the cross-country ride came about in late 2019.
Military Entrance Processing Stations roll out MHS GENESIS
March 10, 2022 - On March 10, the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command launched MHS GENESIS at its remaining 55 stations across the nation. Prior to this “big bang go-live” event, 12 of the command’s 67 processing stations launched MHS GENESIS as part of a “soft go-live” on Feb. 24.
“The deployment of MHS GENESIS is another leap in medical modernization at USMEPCOM,” said Col. Megan Stallings, USMEPCOM commander. “It is revolutionizing our medical processing. The new electronic health record will follow applicants from the moment they walk through ‘Freedoms Front Door’ into active duty, and eventually into the VA system.”
Biggest Loser
Jan. 27, 2022 - A common resolution for many at the start of a new year is losing weight, feeling better and living a healthier lifestyle. As the weeks go by and winter storms are at their strongest, those resolutions can soon be forgotten. Old habits come back and soon, we are binge-watching TV under the throw blankets and binge-eating junk food.
Amarillo’s first Space Force enlistment
Dec. 17, 2021 - Just five days before the U.S. Space Force’s second birthday, 19-year-old Dakota Veale raised his right hand to enlist as Amarillo MEPS’ very first Space Force applicant.
Sacramento MEPS Turkey Drive
Nov. 22, 2021 - November and December are the seasons of thanks and giving. A west coast MEPS sprang into the holiday spirit by organizing a turkey drive to help those in need in their community.
Collaboration Leads to Largest Test Event in the Pacific
Nov. 9, 2021 - Personnel from Yokota High School, the 374th Force Support Squadron, Honolulu MEPS and USMEPCOM worked together to administer the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) test for 116 students Nov. 3, the largest single administration of the ASVAB CEP in the Pacific.
Springfield MEPS supports zoo Spooky Safari
Nov. 1, 2021 - The leaves are falling and the weather is cooling. For children, big and small, the end of October is a special time of year to participate in fall programs and festivities. For the Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield, Mass., prepping for their festival was a little easier this year, thanks to the volunteers from Springfield MEPS.
USMEPCOM Perseveres Through Pandemic
Oct. 29, 2021 - Every year, thousands of people enlist in the United States military. Whether it be a call to service, to pay for college, or for job stability, enlistees all support the defense of our nation. When the pandemic struck, shutting down recruitment and processing was just not an option. Our nation relied on force readiness and those going into service depended on beginning their careers. Starting March 2020, USMEPCOM went on the defense.
An Immigrant Story
Oct. 4, 2021 - U.S. Army Capt. Mohammad Hossain, Oklahoma City MEPS assistant operations officer, shared his story of immigrating to the Unites States and the opportunities afforded to him by becoming a U.S. service member. A Bangladesh native, Hossain’s story exemplifies what America uniquely offers; the chance to achieve dreams through hard work and determination.
USMEPCOM holds change-of-command ceremony
Aug. 13, 2021 - Army Col. Megan B. Stallings assumed command of United States Military Entrance Processing Command from Marine Corps Col. Richard T. Brady during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 13.
USMEPCOM implements mask mandate at all facilities
July 29, 2021 - U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command directed employees, assigned personnel, applicants and visitors to its facilities across the United States to wear masks regardless of vaccination status beginning July 29.
Marine rescues children in overturned vehicle
July 8, 2021 - When he hopped into his vehicle to make the short drive from his home in Venus, Texas on June 30th, Marine Corps Maj. Leslie Seaton, couldn’t imagine he would stumble on an accident, let alone rescue two little girls trapped in an overturned van during a routine 15-minute trip.
World War II Veteran conducts oath ceremony at Sacramento MEPS
June 24, 2021 - World War II veteran Dennis Thompson, a retired Army first lieutenant, visited the Sacramento MEPS to conduct an enlistment ceremony on March 26th. He enlisted Army applicant Victor Bassett into the Delayed Entry Program after mentoring him for the past five years.
Service recruiting commands meet with USMEPCOM leadership
April 30, 2021 - U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command leadership met with representatives from military recruiting commands during its biannual Stakeholders Meeting April 27 to discuss issues and share information about the accessions enterprise.
Space Force processing has launched!
Oct. 20, 2020 - The U.S. Space Force will welcome its first four enlistments at the Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Station and three at the Denver MEPS.
Military Museum Visit Highlights Columbus MEPS Staff Ride
Sept. 10, 2020 - Carr was joined on the Columbus trip by Army 1st Sgt. Mary Reed, who recently became senior enlisted advisor at Chicago MEPS. After touring the Columbus MEPS and participating in unit physical training, they joined a staff ride led by Navy Command Senior Chief Brandon Fullmer.
United States Military Entrance Processing Command COVID-19 Questions and Answers
Aug. 19, 2020 - Q1. What is the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) doing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease?
A1. USMEPCOM has been and continues to adjust operations to mitigate risk to the health, safety and welfare of the nation’s military applicants, its employees and contractors, military recruiting and training partners, and the family members of all.
Guam Processing Resumes
Aug. 13, 2020 - After a coronavirus-related shutdown that lasted about two months, military processing in Guam resumed in May.
Miami MEPS Gets Red Cross Award
July 5, 2020 - Since taking over as commander of the Miami MEPS Miami, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Kaleb Perez has strengthened the station’s partnership with the Red Cross.
Eastern Sector Change of Command
June 19, 2020 - Eastern Sector, United States Military Entrance Processing Command welcomed a new commander at a June 12 virtual change of command ceremony.
Testing Mission Resumes At Some Locations
May 28, 2020 - Twenty-one Military Entrance Test (MET) sites have returned to an operational status for the scheduling of Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Testing.
Delayed But Not Deterred
May 18, 2020 - Although issues resulting from the coronavirus pandemic delayed the delivery and set-up of equipment and furniture, USMEPCOM's Rapid Delivery Team is still moving forward by constructing a room that will support their mission of delivering USMIRS 1.1, the command's future military processing data system.
USMIRS 1.1 gets Interim Authority to Test
Feb. 5, 2020 - Interim Authority to Test USMEPCOM Integrated Resource System 1.1 was granted by Stephanie Miller, director of Military Accession Policy in January.
USMEPCOM Receives Third JMUA
Jan. 8, 2020 - United States Military Entrance Processing Command has received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for the period April 2016 to May 2019.
USMEPCOM Integrated Resource System 1.1 Demonstration
Nov. 18, 2019 - Matt Lince, director of the USMEPCOM Rapid Development Team, demonstrates the capabilities of USMEPCOM Integrated Resource System 1.1, to Lernes Hebert, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy and, Stephanie Miller, Director of Military Accession Policy.