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/
Army Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command commander, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Krese, USMEPCOM senior enlisted advisor, address applicants prior to conducting a virtual Oath of Enlistment across 12 Military Entrance Processing Stations on July 1, 2026. The event is part of USMEPCOM’s 50th birthday celebration, recognizing five decades of excellence in supporting the nation’s military accession mission.

July 1, 2026

USMEPCOM Celebrates 50th Birthday

North Chicago, Ill — 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.

Retired Air Force Maj. Kenneth McDonald administers the oath of enlistment to his son, Benjamin, at the Syracuse MEPS. McDonald has administered the oath of enlistment for 3 of his sons at the Syracuse MEPS.

June 30, 2026

Behind Every Oath: The Story of the McDonald Family

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — 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.

Army Capt. Nate Wilson poses for an official portrait while a Gunner’s Mate Seaman (E-3) after earning the Surface Warfare designation. Wilson originally enlisted in the Navy at Pittsburgh MEPS and is set to retire as the Operations Officer of Pittsburgh MEPS in Summer 2026

May 27, 2026

Behind Every Oath: The Journey of Army Capt. Nathaniel “Nate” Wilson

PITTSGURGH, Pa. — 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.

(L) Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Lathwood, Portland, Maine MEPS SEA (pictured with his brother) began wrestling in elementary school. Lathwood was selected to coach at the 2026 Armed Forces Wrestling Championship.

May 20, 2026

MEPS SEA Leads Air Force Team to Gold

PORTLAND, Me. — 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.

USMEPCOM Commander passes the unit guidon to Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Krese during a change of responsibility and retirement ceremony May 15. Krese accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor of USMEPCOM HQ, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette.

May 15, 2026

USMEPCOM Holds Change of Responsibility and Retirement Ceremony

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — 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.

Army Lt. Col. Angela Nolen, physician assistant, reviews documentation with an applicant during the Capacity Augmentation Team proof of concept at New York MEPS, Feb. 28. USMEPCOM's first full Capacity Augmentation Team initiative took place Apr. 28-30, achieving a 70% increase in maximum daily capacity/allocation.

May 6, 2026

Capacity Augmentation Team Expands Applicant Processing at Fort Lee MEPS

FORT LEE, Va. — 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.

Military applicants wait to be sent to their next evaluation at Chicago MEPS. USMEPCOM's new Conditions Unlikely to be Waived (CUW) policy will focus evaluations on applicants more likely to qualify for service.

May 4, 2026

New Process to Increase Efficiency in Military Accessions

North Chicago Ill — 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.

Dr. Brian Piltz, USMEPCOM Western Sector medical officer, processes an applicant during a MEPS in a Box popup in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Piltz brings a uniquely diverse background to guide operations, mentor providers and support the mission with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

April 21, 2026

Meet a Medical Officer: Experience That Shapes Leadership

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Dr. Brian Piltz has just recently settled into his role as Western Sector medical officer, but he has a perspective shaped by nearly two decades with USMEPCOM and a career path he describes as anything but traditional.

Home school students from the National Capital Region receive post-test interpretation after completing the ASVAB. Baltimore MEPS spearheads an initiative for home school students with the first-ever event aimed at connecting home school students with a multitude of career opportunities, including those in the military by utilizing the ASVAB Career Exploration Program.

April 3, 2026

USMEPCOM Surpasses Annual Student Testing Goal

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — As of April 3, 2026, United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) has surpassed its annual testing goal, administering 536,197 student tests as part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP).

Lt. Amber Martz, a nurse practitioner with the USPHS Commissioned Corps, conducts a physical with an applicant at Memphis MEPS. Martz serves as the first-ever USPHS officer within USMEPCOM.

March 18, 2026

Memphis MEPS Welcomes First US Public Health Service Officer in Historic Partnership

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) has reached a milestone with the assignment of its first-ever United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS) officer to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).