MEPS

[pld5zf]

So I was reading up on a few things and noticed that there might be some initial tests at the MEPS center. If anyone knows what exactly will happen at the MEPS center I would love to know. Just to be prepared.

[nakeiaHMRTC9/6/2011]

Okay at MEPS, there are three phases you go through. There is your ASVAB testing, Medical, and then you speak with your recruiter and someone else about the jobs available to you for that day.

 

ASVAB testing:

Mostly you are in a room of computers and you take a standardized test. The test is fairly easy, it's alot of things you learn in high school and such. Google it and you can find study materials. But some parts are on like automotive, and mechanical. If you aren't looking for a job in any of these fields, don't worry about it, but do you best on it all. There is also a personality test, it gets really repetitive, and seems a little outlandish. But just try to answer consistently. I received a 93 on my ASVAB. The higher you score the more jobs you qualify for.

 

Medical:

Pretty standard; there is an sight and hearing test. Blood, and urine test. Weight and height. You meet with a doctor and talk about your health ( it's sort of like a mini moment of truth), but there is also a physical portion, and for women there is really uninvasive pelvic exam (No big deal at all). For the physical portion, they have you bounce on your toes, do a duck walk, arm circles, they just want to check your coordination and stability. *All in your undies. You can possible be with other girls too. I didn't because I had to come back to MEPS, so all the other girls were behind me in Medical. If you pass it, then you can go to your military liason.

 

Getting your job:

For getting your job, your recruiter and another sailor over look your scores with you and show you what jobs you qualify for that day* This is key, each day the jobs available changes. I went one day and was offered only one job, then after further view, I was unqualified for security clearance. I went back the next day and I was offered my dream job, and also the month I wanted to leave for bootcamp. That is another thing, they have pretty specific months they can let someone leave for bootcamp, especially females. So you might not get exactly what you want. The first job I was offered, I was told I would have to leave in June, when I came back the next day I was told I could leave in September. So remember everything changes daily, and you most likely won't get through MEPS in one day. It happens, either your recruiter forgets something, or you run out of time, or you don't pass medical. But don't let that discourage you, if it's truly meant to be it will be. That's something I had to learn.  Hope this helped. :)

[pld5zf]

Thanks! That helped a lot. I scored a 45 on the practice test. Would that possibly determine my asvab score?

[nakeiaHMRTC9/6/2011]

No the practice test is only a very shortened portion of ASVAB. I scored a 74 and then shot up to a 93. I met others in MEPS that scored higher on the practice test. You must remember that you need a certain score to even join the Navy. I think the lowest score is a 35. I studied because I'm a perfectionist and like to be prepared lol. Google ASVAB practice tests, and it'll give you a bunch of insight of what the test is like. Best of Luck

[pld5zf]

Thanks. I have my asvab study books. Should be recvng them at the beginning of next week. I am about to start all of my paperwork to take it. How extensive is the medical check? Do they want your whole lifes story when it comes to medical records.

 

As far as leaving I dont want to go before december but I know that will be figured out after I take the test.

 

Thanks for all of your help.

[nakeiaHMRTC9/6/2011]

The medical check is a pretty extensive questionairre. If you check yes to any of the questions they want to know when and where. I know I had to think back of when I had chicken pox at the age of 4, and when I went to the hospital for the flu. They want to know anything that you went to the doctor about. That's it. If you took over the counter drugs for it, they don't want to know. Also my recruiter told me not to diagnosis myself. If you had back pains, don't say you have back problems if you didn't go to a doctor for it. (You could have just been sore) If you go to the doctor for it, you have to let them know or it's fraudulent enlistment. They want to know about broken bones and other critical childhood illnesses. (Childhood cancers and such) Also psychiatric drugs they want to know about. It doesn't take that long, but alot of the time this is where people don't clear medical. But it's not that won't get a job, many times you just have to go get waivers for certain things, and bring back your medical records.

 

As for leaving, just keep an open mind, and don't start planning to leave until you have your contract with your orders. I know in my mind, I thought I would first leave right away, then my recruiter said they were only doing contracts for like December/ January of next year. Then when I got my first job offer it was June, then finally with my contract I got September. So I say just keep an open mind, because before getting your contract is a rollercoaster, then after it's just pretty mundane until you leave for RTC. Which I am waiting for now lol 

[Angie]

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