The Air Force Medical Examination at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is a comprehensive, standardized physical and medical evaluation required for all prospective enlistees and officer candidates. Its purpose is to determine if an individual is medically qualified to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces according to the strict standards set by the Department of Defense.

The exam is thorough and can take an entire day. Key components include:

Medical History Review: An in-depth verification of your provided medical records (DD Form 2807-2), with direct questioning about past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, hospitalizations, and medications.
Physical Measurements: Recording of height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (if applicable).
Vision and Hearing Tests: Testing for visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, and hearing thresholds.
Musculoskeletal Examination: Assessment of joint stability, range of motion, strength, and inspection for any deformities or prior surgical sites.
Medical Systems Review: A head-to-toe physical by a physician or healthcare provider, including checks of the heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, lymph nodes, and neurological function.
Urinalysis and Blood Draw: A urinalysis to screen for drugs, kidney problems, and diabetes, and a blood test to check for factors like HIV and hemoglobin levels.
Medical Consultations (if needed): If any issues arise, you may be referred for specialty consultations (e.g., orthopedics, cardiology) or further diagnostic testing.

The outcome is a determination of: Qualified, Disqualified (with or without a waiver), or Pending (requiring more information). A disqualification is not always final; many conditions can be waived based on the needs of the Air Force.

Preparation is key: Bring all required documents, get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated, and be prepared to be honest and thorough in your answers.

For insights into the mental preparation required for any high-stakes evaluation, you can read our guide on How to Pass Your Statistics Exam, which shares strategies for managing test-day stress and systematic preparation.

For an official, detailed external resource on the MEPS process and medical standards, you can review the guide provided by Military.com.