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(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.

(L) Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Lathwood, Portland, Maine MEPS SEA (pictured with his brother) began wrestling in elementary school. Lathwood was selected to coach at the 2026 Armed Forces Wrestling Championship.

May 20, 2026

MEPS SEA Leads Air Force Team to Gold

PORTLAND, Me. — Shoes squeak sharply against the mat with each movement. In the background, teammates clap as two wrestlers circle, hands extended, aiming for control of the match. Adrenaline and anticipation hang in the air as the best of the best from each service go for the gold at the Armed Forces Wrestling Championship.

USMEPCOM Commander passes the unit guidon to Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Krese during a change of responsibility and retirement ceremony May 15. Krese accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor of USMEPCOM HQ, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette.

May 15, 2026

USMEPCOM Holds Change of Responsibility and Retirement Ceremony

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Krese accepted responsibility as the new senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of USMEPCOM, succeeding Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette, who is retiring after three decades of service in the Army.

Army Lt. Col. Angela Nolen, physician assistant, reviews documentation with an applicant during the Capacity Augmentation Team proof of concept at New York MEPS, Feb. 28. USMEPCOM's first full Capacity Augmentation Team initiative took place Apr. 28-30, achieving a 70% increase in maximum daily capacity/allocation.

May 6, 2026

Capacity Augmentation Team Expands Applicant Processing at Fort Lee MEPS

FORT LEE, Va. — U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) successfully executed its first full Capacity Augmentation Team (CAT) deployment at Fort Lee Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), marking a significant step forward in the command’s efforts to increase applicant processing capacity and support service recruiting missions.

Military applicants wait to be sent to their next evaluation at Chicago MEPS. USMEPCOM's new Conditions Unlikely to be Waived (CUW) policy will focus evaluations on applicants more likely to qualify for service.

May 4, 2026

New Process to Increase Efficiency in Military Accessions

North Chicago Ill — In collaboration with Service recruiting partners, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) implemented a policy, “Conditions Unlikely to be Waived” (CUW), effective May 4, that stops processing for applicants with one or more of 28 medical conditions designated as unlikely to be waived by Service partners.

Dr. Brian Piltz, USMEPCOM Western Sector medical officer, processes an applicant during a MEPS in a Box popup in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Piltz brings a uniquely diverse background to guide operations, mentor providers and support the mission with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

April 21, 2026

Meet a Medical Officer: Experience That Shapes Leadership

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Dr. Brian Piltz has just recently settled into his role as Western Sector medical officer, but he has a perspective shaped by nearly two decades with USMEPCOM and a career path he describes as anything but traditional.

Home school students from the National Capital Region receive post-test interpretation after completing the ASVAB. Baltimore MEPS spearheads an initiative for home school students with the first-ever event aimed at connecting home school students with a multitude of career opportunities, including those in the military by utilizing the ASVAB Career Exploration Program.

April 3, 2026

USMEPCOM Surpasses Annual Student Testing Goal

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — As of April 3, 2026, United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) has surpassed its annual testing goal, administering 536,197 student tests as part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP).

Lt. Amber Martz, a nurse practitioner with the USPHS Commissioned Corps, conducts a physical with an applicant at Memphis MEPS. Martz serves as the first-ever USPHS officer within USMEPCOM.

March 18, 2026

Memphis MEPS Welcomes First US Public Health Service Officer in Historic Partnership

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) has reached a milestone with the assignment of its first-ever United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS) officer to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).

Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander, speaks with attendees of the 2026 USMEPCOM Medical Leadership Training Symposium (MLTS). The USMEPCOM MLTS, held March 9-11, brought medical leaders together to strengthen collaboration, share best practices and advance standardization efforts supporting the accession of the next generation of service members.

March 10, 2026

USMEPCOM Medical Leaders Strengthen Accessions Mission at MLTS

ROSEMONT, Ill. — The USMEPCOM Medical Leadership Training Symposium (MLTS) returned Mar. 9 – 11 in Rosemont Ill., bringing the top command providers and leadership together for three days of discussion, process improvements and standardization training.

(L) Yvette Meeches, Fort Dix MEPS lead human resources assistant, takes the oath of enlistment into the Army Reserve.Meeches joined the Army Reserve as a 38B, civil affairs specialist and will continue to support the MEPS after initial entry training.

Feb. 26, 2026

Fort Dix MEPS Lead HRA Answers the Same Call She Helps Others Answer Every Day

FORT DIX, N.J. — Fort Dix Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) marked a powerful full-circle moment when lead human resources assistant (HRA) Yvette Meeches raised her right hand and took the Oath of Enlistment.

Travis Stahlhut, USMEPCOM management analyst and US Army veteran, poses with his daughter, Holly, after her own oath of enlistment at Chicago MEPS. A legacy of service extended a generation when Holly Stahlhut enlisted into the US Army at Chicago MEPS on Jan. 13, 2026.

Feb. 10, 2026

A Legacy of Service: One Family’s Journey Through MEPS

CHICAGO, Ill. — For Travis Stahlhut, management analyst, J-1 Human Resources directorate, service has never been just a career, it’s been a conversation, a set of values, and now, a legacy shaped through MEPS.