MEPS Timeline

 Though the initial screening and pre-ASVAB can be completed when convenient, there are two ways to complete the MEPS process to make sure that it has as little of an impact on your school or work as possible. Discuss with your recruiter which works best for you.

MEPS Option Same Day. On Mondays only, MEPS allows all testing and the physical to be completed on the same day. This means an early start and a long day. Keep in mind that the timeline listed can change based on issues at MEPS. Your recruiter can provide an excuse for work and/or school.

Monday: 

0330 Leave Baton Rouge for MEPS

0600 Begin ASVAB Verification

0900 Begin Physical

1300 Family/Friends arrive if witnessing ceremony

1400 Begin TAPAS

1500 Review Contract

1600 Ceremony

Tuesday through Friday. On the remainder of the week, you must complete the ASVAB verification and the TAPAS the day prior to the physical. For clarity, Wednesday and Thursday are used as an example here. Your recruiter will take care of all transportation, lodging, and meals. Keep in mind that the timeline listed can change based on issues at MEPS. Your recruiter can provide an excuse for work and/or school.

Wednesday:

1130 Leave Baton Rouge for MEPS

1400 ASVAB Verification followed by TAPAS

1800 Check into Contracted Hotel (must stay on hotel grounds)

1900 Meal offered until 2100

Thursday:

0500 Breakfast served

0545 Leave for MEPS

0600 Begin Physical

1200 Contract Review

1230 Family/Friends arrive if witnessing ceremony

1400 Ceremony

What to bring to MEPS. When you go to take your physical and enlist, there are certain documents that you must bring. You will bring these home with you, but the originals must be reviewed at MEPS.

Original Driver’s License or ID

Original Social Security Card

Original Birth Certificate

Original High School Diploma

Original Passport (if you have one)

Original Family Documents (as listed by your recruiter if applicable)

What to Wear:

Dress conservatively. Though you will be taking a physical, you will be making your first impression on many National Guard personnel. You should plan on demonstrating a clean and professional appearance. This means clothes must be free of rips and tears that show skin, closed toe shoes, socks, Shirt can be a t-shirt (though a polo would be more advisable), but if a t-shirt it cannot be a plain white shirt and cannot have anything offensive or derogatory on it. You must remove all jewelry with the exception of a wedding ring if married, and you cannot have fake nails or nail polish.

You will be taking a physical so you must wear appropriate undergarments. You cannot wear anything lacy or revealing (thongs or other revealing undergarments). If you wear glasses you should bring your prescription if you have it. If you wear contacts you should take them out and wear glasses 72 hours prior to the physical. If you wear contacts and do not have glasses, bring a small bottle of solution and your contact case. 

If you are staying at the contracted hotel overnight (two day process), bring a charger for your phone, a change of clothes, and hygiene products (tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, etc). You will have a secure room at MEPS to lock up your items while in the physical process.