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/
Graphic by Derrik Noack

Oct. 4, 2023

USMEPCOM Invests in AI to Aide Prescreen Process

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — The 2022 rollout of MHS GENESIS across USMEPCOM brought access to authoritative medical history for applicants to military service. This access has allowed for better medical decision making, but it has also meant an increased workload with more medical information to review for more applicants.

Joint Recruiting Commander’s Conference (JRCC) attendees take a group photo in front of The Alamo, San Antionio, TX, Sept. 20, 2023. The conference brought together Recruiting Command, Accession Policy and USMEPCOM leaders to discuss issues and opportunities for collaboration and share ideas and best practices. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Devin Doskey)

Oct. 4, 2023

Military Recruiting Leaders Gather, Collaborate in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Recruiting leaders from all U.S. military services gathered here to collaborate on strategies and

Jeff Poulton, Butte MEPS ASVAB CEP manager, assists Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) Cadets with the iCAT login process. MYCA helps teens at risk of not graduating with a residential program that uses the ASVAB Career Exploration Program to learn about their individual skills and interests.

Sept. 18, 2023

ASVAB CEP Passes the Test in Treasure State

Butte MEPS, Mont. — In 1999, the Montana National Guard established the Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) to aide teens who dropped out of high school or weren’t on track to graduate. MYCA works with participants for one year after they graduate from a residential phase to help with college or trade school enrollment or to join the military. They also use the ASVAB Career Exploration Program to learn about their individual skills and interests.

(Center) Christian Castro, Navy applicant, poses for a photo with his parents following his Oath of Enlistment at Tampa MEPS. USMEPCOM recently released policy allowing two guests per applicant about to ship to basic training, as well as National Guard and Reserve component applicants.

Sept. 13, 2023

Visitor Policy Brings Families Back to the MEPS

Tampa MEPS, Fla. — As the eight middle-aged residents of Tampa file into the blue-carpeted and wood paneled room and stand against the walls, it’s a stark contrast from those who are already standing in the middle. Nearly 20 young adults and older teenagers, whose expressions range from excitement to nervousness, look straight ahead. Those standing on the outskirts of the room have their own array of expressions, with the men looking very proud and the women, teary-eyed and deep in thought, looking toward those in the center.

Dr. Katie Helland, director of Military Accession Policy, presents Chicago Federal Executive Board's Agency of the Year trophy to Col. Megan Stallings, USMEPCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette, USMEPCOM senior enlisted advisor.

Aug. 22, 2023

USMEPCOM wins Agency of the Year Award at the 2023 Chicago Federal Executive Board Employee of the Year Awards

HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago, Ill. — USMEPCOM won the Agency of the Year Award at the 2023 Chicago Federal Executive Board (FEB) Employee of the Year Awards ceremony June 29.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Kenemore, the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of USMEPCOM Eastern Sector, receives the unit’s colors and symbolically accepts his new role during a ceremony, Aug. 10, at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois. Kenemore received responsibility from Army Col. Janelle Kutter, during the ceremony.

Aug. 10, 2023

Eastern Sector Welcomes New SEA

HQ USMEPCOM — North Chicago, Ill  – Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Kenemore accepted responsibility as the new

USMEPCOM welcomes Army medical personnel during summer surge

July 28, 2023

Support through Summer Surge

North Chicago, Ill — USMEPCOM welcomes Army medical personnel for medical processing support during summer surge.

USMEPCOM headquarters battalion senior enlisted advisor Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Marc Ascher passes the unit guidon to Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette during a change of responsibility ceremony July 7. Symonette accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor of USMEPCOM HQ, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Lorenzo Woodson.

July 7, 2023

USMEPCOM Holds Change of Responsibility and Retirement Ceremony

HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago, Ill. — Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Lorenzo Woodson, who is retiring after nearly three decades of service in the Army.

Navy Capt. Michael Carmichael passes the Western Sector guidon to Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Roger Rendon, Western Sector senior enlisted advisor, during a change of command ceremony June 28.

June 28, 2023

Navy Officer Returns to Command Western Sector

North Chicago, Ill — Navy Capt. Christopher Carmichael assumed command of Western Sector, USMEPCOM, succeeding Marine Corps Colonel Jesse Sjoberg during a change of command ceremony June 28 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois.

Air Force Tech Sgt. Jude Baidoo and other LEAP scholars visit Bunce Island, one of more than sixty slave trading forts established in the 1600s on the West African coast. (Courtesy photo)

May 31, 2023

LEAP Scholars

BOSTON MEPS, Mass. — With events happening around the world at a moment’s notice, service members must always be ready for the fight. Not unlike the skills built over time by a pilot; the culture, language, and regional expertise the total force needs for critical missions cannot be “just-in-time” trained.