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/
(L to R) Daniel O’Leary, 11th Battalion executive director, Army Maj. Brian Erwin, Little Rock MEPS commander, Brig. Gen. Olen Bridges, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard, Navy Capt. Chris Carmichael, former USMEPCOM Western Sector commander, and Lt. Col. Elizabeth Cantrell, USMEPCOM 11th Battalion commander, pose for a photo at the National Guard Association of the United States General Conference, Aug. 29. USMEPCOM discussed how integrating National Guard personnel into MEPS operations is improving applicant processing and supporting recruiting success at the 148th NGAUS General Conference.

Sept. 1, 2026

USMEPCOM Expands Recruiting Capacity Through National Guard Partnerships

INDIANAPOLIS — U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) leaders shared how partnerships between Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) and the National Guard are increasing applicant processing capacity and improving recruiting outcomes during a panel discussion at the National Guard Association of the United States General Conference, Aug. 29.

Service members from USMEPCOM 8th Battalion pose for a photo in New Orleans during the 8th Battalion Junior Enlistment Event. This three-day event was designed for the E-6 and below attending to build connections, develop their leadership skills and motivate them to see their own potential.

Aug. 27, 2026

Forging Tomorrow’s Leaders: 8th Battalion Junior Enlisted Find Purpose and Connection in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Running through the French Quarter in New Orleans and taking in the history of the city was a great experience for the 10 junior enlisted service members participating in the 8th Battalion Junior Enlisted Development Event. This three-day event was designed for the E-6 and below attending to build connections, develop leadership skills and see their own potential.

The Minneapolis MEPS FRG hosts a tropical potluck. L to R: Deb Vangel, mission support specialist, Tamie Runningen, test coordinator and FRG lead, Jai Hudson, processing technician and Thone Yang, test control officer.

Aug. 17, 2026

Bringing Minneapolis MEPS Together

MINNEAPOLIS — For Tamie Runningen, building a stronger team at Minneapolis MEPS sometimes starts with something as simple as saying hello. As the MEPS’ test coordinator, Runningen spends much of her workday coordinating and scheduling ASVAB testing at schools.

In his last act as outgoing Western Sector commander, Navy Capt. Chris Carmichael passes the Western Sector colors to Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander. USMEPCOM held the Western Sector Change of Command on July 31, in North Chicago.

July 31, 2026

New Western Sector Commander Joins USMEPCOM

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) held a Western Sector Change of Command ceremony in North Chicago, Ill., July 31, marking the formal transfer of command from Navy Capt. Christopher Carmichael to Marine Corps Col. Aixa Dones.

USMEPCOM Western Sector commander, Navy Capt. Christopher Carmichael, passes the unit guidon to Army Command Sgt. Maj. David Goins during a change of responsibility and retirement ceremony July 30. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ivan Martinez accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor of USMEPCOM Western Sector, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. David Goins.

July 30, 2026

USMEPCOM Western Sector Holds Change of Responsibility and Retirement Ceremony

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ivan Martinez accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of Western Sector, USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Major David Goins, who is retiring after 27 years of service in the Army.

Cadet Grant Feldman (U.S. Air Force Academy) engages with Will Reinhart, J-3 operations director, during his final research project presentation at United States Military Entrance Processing Command. Through the Cadet Summer Research Program, service academy cadets contribute innovative ideas while gaining valuable experience supporting USMEPCOM's mission.

July 17, 2026

Cadet Research Program Brings Fresh Perspectives to USMEPCOM

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — The Cadet Summer Research Program continues to provide service academy cadets with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while bringing fresh perspectives to U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM). This summer, Cadet Grant Feldman (U.S. Air Force Academy), spent six weeks at USMEPCOM conducting research and gaining a firsthand understanding of the command’s mission.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kalan Kelly, Oklahoma City MEPS commander, runs towards the finish during an elite race.

July 14, 2026

Behind the Finish Line: How One MEPS Commander Leads with Grit

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — For most people, crossing the finish line of an elite race is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment, but for one Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) commander, it's simply another opportunity to test the limits of discipline, resilience and determination.

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.