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/
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.

Jan. 26, 2026

Using Data to Drive Decisions at USMEPCOM

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.

Jan. 20, 2026

USMEPCOM Expands Medical Externship Program to Strengthen Operations

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — 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.

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 "applicant" Army Sgt. 1st Class Derek Dittmer, Spokane MEPS senior enlisted advisor Army 1st Sgt. Vincente Samson and Spokane MEPS Army service liaison Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Pettigrew pose for a photo. Spokane MEPS' Immersive Recruiter Experience allows recruiters to process as applicants, strengthening recruiter-MEPS partnerships and reinforcing their shared mission.

Jan. 15, 2026

Walking in Their Shoes: Spokane MEPS’ Immersive Recruiter Experience

Spokane, Wash. — 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.

Jan. 9, 2026

SkillBridge Helps Separated Service Member Continue the Mission at St. Louis MEPS

ST LOUIS, Mo. — 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.

Kansas City MEPS personnel use new HR system, People Engagement and Knowledge, upon deployment. Unites States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) is transforming the way it manages its most valuable asset, its people, with the launch of PEAK, a new HR system.

Nov. 18, 2025

USMEPCOM Reaches New Heights with Centralized HR System

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) is transforming the way it manages its most valuable asset, its people, with the launch of PEAK (People Engagement and Knowledge). PEAK is a new HR system designed to bring all civilian and military personnel data into one user-friendly platform.

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.