News Articles

In alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5400.17 and recent Executive Orders issued by the President, USMEPCOM has reviewed and adjusted its social media content to ensure compliance with DoD policies and priorities.

As a result, certain posts have been removed, are in a process of being removed or modified to maintain consistency with federal guidance and uphold the integrity of our official communication channels. Content will be archived in accordance with DA PAM 25–403.

USMEPCOM remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and adherence to DoD directives while continuing to engage with our community in a manner that reflects our core values.

For any questions regarding social media policies, please refer to official DoD guidance available at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/
Andre Markham, USMEPCOM security specialist, and Govanni McCall, command emergency management officer, collaborate on establishing scenarios for a severe weather tabletop exercise (TTX).

Nov. 14, 2025

USMEPCOM Strengthens Readiness with Severe Weather Exercise

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — 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.

Nov. 14, 2025

Columbus MEPS Marine Inspires Local High School Football Team

COLUMBUS, Ohio — 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.

Nov. 14, 2025

Chicago MEPS Education Innovator Recognized by Governor

CHICAGO, Ill. — 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.

Nov. 14, 2025

LA MEPS Launches Selfie Station

Los Angeles, Calif. — 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.

Nov. 14, 2025

USMEPCOM Military Member of the Year selected to Coast Guard Interservice Physician Assistant Program

Houston, Tx. — 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.

Sept. 11, 2025

Excellence in Action: Military and Civilian Members Shine during Annual Competition

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — 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 Launches Pilot Program Empowering Schools to Administer ASVAB Tests Online

Sept. 8, 2025

USMEPCOM Launches Pilot Program Empowering Schools to Administer ASVAB Tests Online

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.

Jesus Flores, USMEPCOM command paralegal, and his dog Dino share a smile after finishing a 5K together. Flores, once 60 pounds heavier, now inspires others at USMEPCOM as a sharp-dressed ultra marathon runner.

Aug. 15, 2025

No Excuses: How Flores Beat the Odds and Found Strength in the Struggle

North Chicago, Ill. — Every morning at 4 a.m., Jesus Flores begins his day with a ritual. Before some of us open our eyes, he’s at the ironing board, pressing his pants and shirt, choosing a tie that completes his signature look: crisp, coordinated and confident.

USMEPCOM's Eastern Sector held a Change of Responsibility and retirement ceremony on July 31, 2025.

July 31, 2025

USMEPCOM’s Eastern Sector Welcomes New SEA

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Adrienne Warren accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of Eastern Sector, USMEPCOM, succeeding Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Kenemore during a change of responsibility and retirement ceremony July 31 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Ill.

Carol Urbano (left) and Metuschelah Francois (right), phlebotomy externs, pose in front of Jacksonville MEPS. The Jacksonville MEPS team welcomed the first two phlebotomy externs to help assist with collecting vitals, drawing blood and urine samples and conducting vision and audio screenings.

July 17, 2025

Phlebotomy Externships at the Jacksonville MEPS: A Partnership in Progress

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville MEPS recently welcomed Carol Urbano and Metuschelah Francois —the first externs from Concorde Career Institute to support operations within the MEPS medical department.