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(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.

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 Over seven years, USMEPCOM modernized its outdated 1990s-era IT systems while embracing a culture of continuous improvement in technology modernization.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 Primarily built in the 1990s, these applications became outdated and difficult to maintain or modify.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.

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.

Participants of the Pittsburgh Interservice Recruiting Committee (IRC) run take a break during the two-mile trek. Pittsburgh MEPS has revitalized its communication efforts by launching a monthly IRC run, allowing partners to build relationships.

Oct. 30, 2024

Pittsburgh MEPS Kicks Off Monthly IRC Runs

PITTSBURGH MEPS, Pa. — In the heart of Pittsburgh, the city known for its steel bridges and passionate sports fans, a breeze of change had swept through the city’s MEPS. With the arrival of new commanders at USMEPCOM HQ, Eastern Sector and Pittsburgh MEPS, there was a renewed energy and directive to align efforts with the vision of these new leaders.

USMEPCOM launched the Applicant Journey Tracker, July 9, the first ever tool to track applicants’ paths throughout their processing journey into the military.

July 11, 2024

USMEPCOM Launches Applicant Journey Tracker

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — USMEPCOM launched the Applicant Journey Tracker, July 9, the first ever tool to track applicants’ paths throughout their processing journey into the military.

Dr. Fagin, Chief Medical Officer Subject Matter Expert, discusses new prescreen pilot at the bi-annual USMEPCOM Medical Leadership Training Symposium (MLTS), Mar. 11-14. The prescreen pilot is currently live at 6 MEPS across the country, with intent to increase efficiency during medical screening.

March 21, 2024

Meet a CMO: Retired Corporate Wellness Director Thrives at USMEPCOM

HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago, Ill. — Dr. Gary Fagin was ignited by a profound sense of duty as he was called to serve his country following a career in internal medicine and a second one in corporate wellness.

(L) Megan Hart Lee, USMEPCOM's first clinical psychologist, receives training from Air Force Capt. Daniel Strickland, USMEPCOM deputy command surgeon, during her initial onboarding. The new team of clinical psychologists at USMEPCOM will conduct applicant behavioral health consults in an effort to reduce timelines for entry to service.

Dec. 12, 2023

Behavioral Health Providers Increasing Processing Efficiency

HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago, Ill. — USMEPCOM is assembling a team of clinical psychologists to serve as applicant consult needs. These providers will conduct virtual behavioral health assessments for applicants needing a consult, as determined by their Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or service waiver authorities. The first clinical psychologist, Megan Hart Lee, commenced onboarding in early December and is set to initiate virtual behavioral health consults for MEPS applicants by month-end.

USMEPCOM Eastern Sector leadership pose in front of quote, "Through these portals pass prospects for America's finest fighting force, United States Marines" at a Leaders Professional Development event. The Leaders Professional Development event was held 10 - 13 Oct. at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina

Nov. 17, 2023

USMEPCOM Spearheads Communications for Accession Triad

Parris Island, S.C. — The Leaders Professional Development (LPD) event brought USMEPCOM Eastern Sector leadership together with Marine Corps Reception and Initial Entry Training personnel to learn and share new perspectives at Parris Island, South Carolina, Oct. 10-13.

Navy Capt. Chris Carmichael briefs during the Recruiting Commanders/Operations Conference (RC/OC) at USMEPCOM, in North Chicago, Illinois.

Oct. 25, 2023

With Eyes on the Future, Talks with Recruiting Commands Ensure Continuing Partnerships

HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago, Ill. — At the 2023 Recruiting Commanders/Operations Conference (RC/OC), hosted by the Western Sector of United States Military Entrance Processing Command Headquarters, discussions centered around the theme of building partnerships and investing in the force of the future.

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 discuss policies from Sept. 19-21, 2023.As fiscal year 2024 loomed on the horizon, top recruiting

(L) Navy Lt. Cmdr. America Estevez-Guerrero, Tampa MEPS commander, listens intently during a presentation at the USMEPCOM Leadership Conference. The conference brought leaders from all MEPS locations and headquarters together for the first time since 2019.

May 15, 2023

Leadership Conference Connects USMEPCOM Command Teams

HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago, Ill. — At a command where teamwork is imperative and members are spread across 65 locations, conferences are a great tool for unit synergy and building important partnerships. The USMEPCOM Leadership Conference, which brings together Sector, Battalion and MEPS commanders and senior enlisted advisors, returned May 8-12 to Lake Delavan, Wisconsin, after a four-year pause due to the pandemic.

Col. Megan Stallings, USMEPCOM commander, engages with attendees at the 2023 Medical Leadership Training Symposium (MLTS).

May 1, 2023

Accessions Medical Leadership Come Together for Collaboration and Coordination

HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago, Ill. — After a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the USMEPCOM Medical Leadership Training Symposium (MLTS) returned, bringing the top command doctors and leadership together for three days of activities and presentations.

Members, Delayed Entry Program, view the cockpit of a C-130H

Nov. 30, 2022

USMEPCOM and Recruiting Partners Streamline Waiver Process

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill — USMEPCOM implemented a program to allow applicants with frequently waivered medically disqualified conditions to conditionally enroll in the delayed entry program.

Army Col. Megan Stallings, USMEPCOM commander, addresses the Joint Recruiting Commander’s Conference (JRCC) in North Chicago, Ill. Sept. 27 -28. The conference brought together Recruiting Command, Accession Policy and USMEPCOM leaders to discuss issues and opportunities for collaboration and share ideas and best practices.

Oct. 3, 2022

Accession Policy and USMEPCOM hosted the Joint Recruiting Commanders Conference (JRCC) in North Chicago, Ill. Sept. 27 -28

Feb. 11, 2022

Saturday processing days added by USMEPCOM to support recruiting partners

NORTH CHICAGO, IL — To further support military recruiting partners meeting current goals, select MEPS will open for processing one Saturday per month, from January through March and in May. On Jan. 22, the command began the first of four Saturday openings at 10 MEPS.