What will disqualify me from MEPS?

Many medical, physical, and administrative factors can disqualify an applicant at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The standards are governed by the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6130.03, “Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services.” Disqualifications are common, but many are waiverable.

Common disqualifying conditions include, but are not limited to:

  1. Medical History: A history of certain mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety with medication), asthma diagnosed or treated after age 13, epilepsy, severe allergies, sleepwalking after age 13, and ADHD requiring medication or academic accommodations after age 14.
  2. Physical Conditions: Poor visual acuity (often uncorrectable to 20/20), color blindness for certain jobs, hearing loss, current pregnancy, inadequate range of motion, and conditions like chronic knee instability or severe flat feet.
  3. Body Composition: Exceeding the allowed body fat percentage or failing to meet height/weight standards.
  4. Surgical History: Certain joint surgeries, including some on the knees, shoulders, or back, may be disqualifying depending on function and recovery.
  5. Substance & Legal Issues: A history of drug abuse (including certain marijuana use frequency), failed drug tests at MEPS, or a criminal record involving serious offenses can lead to disqualification.
  6. Tattoos & Brandings: Content that is extremist, gang-related, discriminatory, or located on the head, face, neck, or hands may be disqualifying per branch-specific policies.

Crucial Distinction: Disqualification vs. Permanent Disqualification
A disqualification at MEPS is often a temporary finding that makes you ineligible to join until a waiver is granted. Each military branch reviews waiver requests based on the severity of the condition, the applicant’s overall profile, and current recruiting needs. Many applicants with disqualifications successfully receive waivers.

For perspective on managing concerns about another sensitive but important health check, you can read about Is a prostate exam embarrassing?.

For the most authoritative and detailed external list, refer to the official Department of Defense medical standards, DODI 6130.03-V1.

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