Joining the U.S. Armed Forces, specifically the U.S. Navy, is a major commitment, and it all begins with the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
This is where potential recruits go through a medical examination, aptitude test score assessments, and background checks to determine their physical eligibility requirements and moral standards before moving forward with their enlistment.
If you’re preparing for MEPS, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from what to bring to what happens at each stage of the enlistment process.
Before You Go to MEPS
Required Documents
To meet eligibility requirements, make sure you bring:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID
- Medical documentation (if applicable)
- Relevant documentation for any medical waiver or legal waivers
Personal Preparation
- Plenty of sleep is crucial to ensure you are well-rested before the medical tests.
- Plenty of water the day before can help with hydration during blood tests.
- Diet with plenty of fruits can support healthy body function.
- Hygiene Matters: Shower and wear normal underwear under your outer clothing.
- Dress Properly: Wear comfortable clothing—avoid offensive wording, pictures on clothing, and sleeveless tops.
- Remove Jewelry and Piercings: Keep it professional.
MEPS Lodging and Meals
The government provides hotel property accommodations and meals if you travel from out of town.
Follow the house rules—any misconduct could delay or cancel your service requirements. Excessive cash and valuables should be left at home to avoid issues.
Step 1: Security Screening at MEPS
Upon arrival, you will go through:
- Metal detector check to ensure no illegal drugs, weapons, or prohibited items are brought in.
- Bag inspection to verify belongings meet regulations.
- Prohibited Items: Stereo headphones, excessive cash, and telephone calls beyond necessary communication may be restricted.
If anything prohibited is found, you may be denied entry into MEPS, which can result in disqualification from enlistment.
Step 2: ASVAB Aptitude Testing
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) determines your career selection and job opportunities. If you already took it in high school for enlistment purposes, let your recruiter know.
- Two Versions:
- Computer-based version – Known as CAT-ASVAB, this test adapts to your performance.
- Pen-and-paper version – The traditional paper-and-pencil exam used in some locations.
Each military branch uses the results to match you with a broad range of career fields and potential military career paths.
Step 3: MEPS Medical Examination
The medical examination ensures you meet physical requirements and are fit for service. It includes:
General Physical Tests
- Measurements of body fat percentage (if needed)
- Vision examinations, including color perception tests
- Hearing tests
- Balance tests
- Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements
Lab Testing
- Urine and blood tests to screen for health indicator tests, glucose, protein, pregnancy (for female recruits), and policy for drug use.
- Alcohol tests are also conducted to check for recent consumption.
Drug Testing
As of April 1, 2021, the Navy started a two-year test program allowing enlistment waivers for those who previously failed a drug test due to marijuana only.
Any other drug? Still an automatic and permanent disqualification. No exceptions.
Before you even get close to enlisting, you’ll go through the MEPS. One of the first steps: A drug and alcohol test.
- Alcohol: Breath test approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Drugs: Standard urinalysis following Department of Defense (DoD) procedures.
These results are final. Think you might fail? Don’t even bother showing up.
What Happens If You Fail?
- Test positive for cocaine or meth at MEPS? Permanent disqualification from the Navy.
- Test positive for any other drug? Same deal—permanent ban.
- Test positive for alcohol? You’ll be ineligible for 45 days. Fail a second time? You’re out for good.
- Test positive at boot camp? Immediate discharge for fraudulent enlistment.
If you’ve ever failed a military drug test at MEPS—even for another branch—you cannot join the Navy.
DoD Threshold Levels for Drug Tests
The Navy doesn’t mess around. These are the detection limits for various substances:
- Cocaine: 100 ng/mL
- Heroin: 10 ng/mL
- Methamphetamine: 100 ng/mL
- Marijuana (THCA): 15 ng/mL
- MDMA (Ecstasy): 500 ng/mL
- Opiates (Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, etc.): 100–4000 ng/mL
(Synthetic cannabinoids: The Navy keeps updating those rules, so check NAVADMIN and AFMES for specifics.)
Full Body Examination
A MEPS physician will conduct a physical evaluation, including:
- Ear examination
- Heart and lungs check
- Spine and joint maneuvers
- Neurological and orthopedic movements
You will be asked about medical history, history of drug use, and past injuries. Additional questions may be asked for clarification. Lying could lead to disqualification from enlistment or legal consequences.
For Women Only
- A female attendant will be present during exams.
- A drape or gown is provided for privacy.
- A pregnancy test is mandatory.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure spikes at MEPS are common. Sometimes it’s just nerves (White Coat Syndrome), but it can also indicate real hypertension.
MEPS takes extra steps to rule out chronic high blood pressure before making a decision.
The Official Standard
According to DoDI 6130.03-V1 (Change 4), current or medically managed hypertension is disqualifying.
A blood pressure reading over 140/90 mmHg is also disqualifying, but only if confirmed on two separate days within five days. A single high reading does not mean automatic disqualification.
How MEPS Tests Blood Pressure
Everyone gets tested using an automatic blood pressure and pulse machine. If the readings are within limits, you move on with no further checks. If the numbers are too high, MEPS follows a strict procedure.
- Blood Pressure:
- If the first reading is above 140/90, two additional readings are taken at least 15 minutes apart.
- If the average of these three readings is still high, a final manual reading is performed.
- A manual reading of 140/90 or lower is passing. Anything higher leads to disqualification.
- Pulse Rate:
- If the initial reading is 100 BPM or higher, two more readings are taken.
- If at least one of those is below 100 BPM, you pass.
- If both remain at 100 BPM or higher, a manual check is done.
- A manual reading of 100 BPM or higher results in disqualification.
What Happens After a Disqualification
If disqualified, MEPS advises seeing a doctor for follow-up care. To request a waiver, you need two new documented blood pressure readings from a physician.
These readings, averaged with your MEPS results, determine if a waiver is possible.
Step 4: Background Screening and Job Selection
After the physical exam, you will meet with Service liaison counselors to discuss:
- ASVAB scores
- Medical tests results
- Job opportunities available in your branch of service
Next, MEPS personnel will conduct:
- Fingerprinting for an FBI background check
- A pre-enlistment briefing with questions about marital status, criminal history, and previous medical conditions.
Being truthful is crucial—false statements can lead to disqualification from enlistment.
Step 5: Oath of Enlistment
If you meet all physical eligibility requirements, you will take the oath of enlistment, officially committing to military service.
- Your family is welcome to attend.
- You will sign either a:
- Delayed Entry Program (DEP) Contract – If you are waiting to ship out.
- Enlistment contract – If you are leaving for Basic Training or Navy Boot Camp soon.
If you are in DEP, your recruiter will arrange your transportation arrangements home. Otherwise, MEPS will provide instructions on transportation to Boot Camp..
Final MEPS Reminders
- Discuss any medical history or contagious diseases with your parents before MEPS.
- Bring only proper documentation—leave valuables at home.
- Be truthful in all medical briefing forms and interviews.
- Report on time—processing starts early.
MEPS is your gateway to military service, so be prepared, stay professional, and follow instructions.
Once you have completed the process, you are officially on your way to serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, specifically the U.S. Navy.
Got questions? Ask your local Navy recruiter—they are there to help.
