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, greets attendees of the USMEPCOM OPSO Symposium. Operations Officers from MEPS nationwide gathered at USMEPCOM headquarters for a symposium to enhance leadership, improve communication and strengthen peer networking, marking the first event of its kind in more than a decade.

March 10, 2025

OPSOs Strengthen Leadership and Collaboration at USMEPCOM Symposium

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Operations Officers (OPSOs) from Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) across the country gathered at USMEPCOM headquarters, March 4 – 6, for a symposium designed to enhance their leadership, improve communication and strengthen networking among peers.

The New Orleans Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) staff prepares a potluck for the staff. Hugh Brown, an information technology specialist at the MEPS enjoys the meals they share together, which consistently features cuisine unique to New Orleans.

March 5, 2025

Meet an ITS: A Second Career with Purpose

NEW ORLEANS MEPS, La. — At the New Orleans Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), Hugh Brown found a meaningful way to connect with the next generations of military applicants in a surprising second career as an information technology specialist (ITS).

(L to R) Dr. Megan Hart Lee, lead clinical psychologist, Air Force Maj. Daniel Strickland, deputy command surgeon, and Dr. Connor Rose, clinical psychologist, engage in behavioral health consulting training at USMEPCOM HQ. The Behavioral Health Consulting program at USMEPCOM has significantly improved processing efficiency and reduced wait times for military applicants needing behavioral health consultations.

Feb. 25, 2025

Behavioral Health Consult Program Increases Efficiency and Impact

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Since first directly hiring behavioral health providers in December 2023, USMEPCOM has made significant strides in improving processing efficiency and reducing the wait times for military applicants requiring behavioral health consultations. What started with just six MEPS has now expanded to 12, with plans to grow to 16 MEPS based on identified needs.

The Minneapolis MEPS medical team, led by Dr. Kristina McCaughtry (third from left) poses for a photo. Dr. Kristina McCaughtry serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Minneapolis MEPS and recently made her own challenge coin to show gratitude to an Army guidance counselor at the MEPS

Feb. 18, 2025

From Jet Mechanic to Chief Medical Officer: The Story Behind a Unique Challenge Coin

There are many tales of how challenge coins came to be a military tradition. The most common assumption dates to World War I, when a Soldier’s unit medallion saved his life by proving his identity to French soldiers, leading to many service members carrying them after. Another depiction says the tradition began in Vietnam, where U.S. troops avoided buying drinks in a bar by showing a coin to prove combat service.

Whitney Middleton, Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS nurse practitioner, poses in exam room in between reviewing medical documentation for applicants joining military service. Middleton currently serves as the sole full-time medical provider at Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS, assessing applicants against DoD and Service medical standards for military service.

Feb. 12, 2025

Meet a Provider: Nurse Practitioner Thrives at Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS

At the MEPS, medical providers play a critical role in military processing. They conduct physical exams, review medical documentation and make the initial medical qualification decisions for applicants joining military service.

Coast Guard Seaman Recruit Dakota Duchene, younger brother of Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez, poses for a photo outside the ceremony room dedicated to his brother before shipping off to basic training. Senior Airman Daniel Ray Sanchez, an El Paso native who sacrificed his life in Afghanistan, has his legacy upheld through community support, a dedicated MEPS ceremony room and a foundation that inspires future generations to serve.

Feb. 6, 2025

A Hero's Legacy in El Paso

EL PASO MEPS, Tx. — In El Paso, Texas there is a saying among locals that it’s a big city with a small-town feel. I did not fully understand that, until I saw how a community comes together to support a family that has lost so much but inspires so many. Senior Airman Daniel Ray Sanchez, an El Paso native, lost his life fighting for our country, but his legacy continues not only in our local community, but also in all applicants who set foot in the El Paso MEPS ceremony room.

USMEPCOM has gone from manual, paper-processing to all-digital systems in order to meet the evolving needs of the military and its recruits. Over seven years, USMEPCOM modernized its outdated 1990s-era IT systems while embracing a culture of continuous improvement in technology modernization.

Jan. 16, 2025

USMEPCOM's Seven-Year Sprint

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — For the past 30 years, the command has been accomplishing its daily mission on an information technology system of systems made up of 10-12 applications. Primarily built in the 1990s, these applications became outdated and difficult to maintain or modify. The race to complete an end-to-end replacement of these systems began in 2017 and December 12, 2024, marks the finish line.

Anita Guevara, Montgomery MEPS transportation assistant, works in new Recruit Travel application. USMEPCOM launched Recruit Travel Application, replacing three outdated systems, on Dec. 12, 2024.

Dec. 13, 2024

USMEPCOM Launches Recruit Travel Application

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — The U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) is taking a significant step in modernizing its operations with the introduction of the Recruit Travel application.

Johnnie Mungia, Houston Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) human resource assistant (HRA), checks applicant progress alongside his coworkers at Houston MEPS. After completing 22 years of his own military service, Mungia supports the next generation of military members through his federal career.

Dec. 2, 2024

Meet an HRA: One Veteran’s Mission Continues at the Houston MEPS

HOUSTON MEPS, Tx. — A career at one of the Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), located throughout the U.S., offers opportunities to contribute to our nation’s defense, make a lasting impression on the next generations of troops and gain skills that continue to grow. For one man at the Houston MEPS, this is exactly what he gets to do.

1st Lt. Jeffery Bennett, Pittsburgh MEPS assistant operations officer, smiles with medal and pie prizes after winning first in his age group after participating in Veterans Day 5k. Pittsburgh MEPS personnel participated in a Veterans Day 5k Nov. 10, 2024 to support veterans in their community.

Nov. 20, 2024

Pittsburgh MEPS Supports Veterans and Builds Camaraderie in Veterans Day 5k

PITTSBURGH MEPS, Penn. — Pittsburgh MEPS strengthened its community ties and boosted morale by initiating a monthly Interservice Recruiting Committee (IRC) running group in August 2024, which has spurred a growing interest in physical fitness and community involvement among MEPS personnel.