Can You Bring A Backpack To Meps?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Keep your luggage to a bare minimum.

One backpack or small duffel bag will suffice

. You'll need one change of clothes and an overnight hygiene kit (toothbrush, comb, deodorant, etc.). You'll also need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate and driver's license.

Does MEPS go through your bag?

When you arrive at the MEPS,

you will go through a metal detector and your bags will be checked for contraband such as weapons and illegal items

. If found, your entrance into MEPS may be denied. You should wear comfortable clothing of suitable appearance.

What should I bring to MEPS?

Bring your

Social Security card, birth certificate and driver's license

. Remove earrings (they obstruct the headset used for the hearing test). Profanity and offensive wording or pictures on clothing is not tolerated. Hats are not permitted inside the MEPS.

Can you bring your wallet to MEPS?


Yes, most MEPS stations allow you to bring it

; however, you are not allowed to have it out, it must be stored away in a locker (with your bag, overnight clothes, wallet, etc.). You can only use it if you want to call your family to come watch you swear in or pick you up.

Do they check teeth at MEPS?


Your vision, hearing, blood pressure, blood work, and even your teeth and much more will be fully screened

to see if you have any medically related issue that prevents you from being able to fulfill your time of service.

Should I shave before MEPS?


All facial hair should be shaved thoroughly before arriving at basic training

. Recruiting T-Shirts: When you enlist in any branch of the military your recruiter may give you a t-shirt with military insignia.

Can I bring laptop to MEPS?


DO NOT BRING

:

Valuable items, such as laptops, jewelry, expensive sunglasses or hand held video games. MEPS has locked storage areas for your personal belongings. MEPS personnel are not responsible for loss or damage to your personal property.

What should men pack for MEPS?

  • Clean undergarments, including boxers or briefs (some of the physical assessments, such as range of motion movements, are done without outer clothing)
  • Clean socks.
  • Close-toed shoes.

Do they check your phone at MEPS?

Yes, you can have your phone with you at MEPS. However,

they are only generally allowed in the waiting area and are not allowed in any testing area

.

What should I wear to MEPS?

A few general tips and rules for MEPS: Wear

conservative, comfortable clothing

. No offensive writing on t-shirts, no sagging pants, no open-toed shoes, tank tops, halter tops, bare midriffs. Make sure you wear underwear.

What do you wear to MEPS 2021?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ4Q4D8S39A

Do they draw your blood at MEPS?

Medical Evaluation at MEPS


You will take a blood and urine test

(including a test for drugs). Females will be tested for pregnancy. Your blood will be tested for HIV, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, RPR, and alcohol.

Do you get your uniform at MEPS?


Yes the unit you are assigned to should provide a uniform

. Depends on the status of your enlistment and if you are in the National Guard. You will not receive use the same uniform as a soldier who's been to basic but an altered uniform typically consisting of a t- shirt and jeans.

What time do you wake up at MEPS?

It is important to follow rules during your stay as any misconduct will be reported. You wake up early at

around 4:00 am

. Make sure to eat a large breakfast as you have a long day ahead of you. The MEPS will provide you lunch at no cost and dinner if you stay overnight at the motel.

Can cavities disqualify you from MEPS?

An enlisting soldier must be free of cavities and have all dental work to address tooth decay completed by the time they are sworn in.

If cavities are detected, this will not bar you from joining the military as long as you get the required fillings by the time you are sworn in

.

Are braces allowed in the military?


Having braces will medically disqualify you for active duty service

. However, if you can finish up your orthodontic care before swearing-in, you can finish your treatment plan while in the process of enlisting.

Can you fail MEPS for cavities?

Your dental health is very important when joining the military; you can't have too many cavities. According to the International Classification of Disease code,

any dental issue that interferes with a normal diet, or includes complex dental implant systems with complications will disqualify you from service

.

Do you shower together in basic training?

In basic training,

you take group showers

. There's no way out of communal showers. They're required. Everyone in your barracks will enter the shower room assigned to your barracks when commanded.

What do you eat during basic training?

What time does MEPs end?

Some MEPs process as many as a hundred and fifty in a single day. Processing may take from 5:00 in the morning until

9:00 at night

.

Do they check bags at MEPS hotel?

Upon arriving at the hotel,

you will check in, drop off any luggage

and take a shuttle to the MEPS where ASVAB testing begins at 4 p.m. If you already have taken the ASVAB, you can hang out at the hotel, eat dinner (all meals are provided for you) and get to know some of the other applicants.

Can I wear skinny jeans to MEPS?

Dress neatly – clothes should be clean with no rips, tears or holes. Wear a collared shirt – button down or polo shirts are acceptable. Females are allowed to wear a nice blouse.

Avoid jeans

.

Do you go back to the hotel after MEPS?

Like the first trip, depending on how far away you live from your local MEPS,

you may be required to report to a specified contract hotel on the afternoon or evening before

. Meals and/or overnight lodging accommodations, if needed, will be arranged for you.

Do parents go to MEPS?

At MEPS, your child will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, undergo a physical examination (which varies by Service and job) and undergo a background screening. As a parent,

you are free to accompany your child to MEPS, but you will be asked to wait in a separate area during the test.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.