JULY 15, 2024 – This summer, USMEPCOM released its applicant guest policy, which allows most applicants two guests to the Oath of Enlistment. Family access to MEPS was restricted when the COVID-19 pandemic forced shutdowns globally. As the world opened back up, USMEPCOM developed a policy to bring in guests inside while ensuring smooth operations.
As of July 2, 2024, the applicant guest policy is as follows:
Two-Guest Standard. Active-Duty applicants who are about to ship to basic training and National Guard or Reserve applicants on initial accession are authorized two adult guests for their Oath of Enlistment.
- Applicant guests under the age of 18 do not count toward the two-guest standard.
- MEPS Commanders may authorize additional guests, provided the increase does not adversely affect operations.
- Guests are allowed into the MEPS facility 30 minutes prior to a ceremony and must depart within 30 minutes of its completion.
Guest Guidelines. MEPS are accountable for all guest’s location within the MEPS facility, sponsoring Service Liaisons/Guidance Counselors are responsible for managing the behavior of applicant guests while within the MEPS facility.
- Each guests entering the facility is subject to security measures.
- Guests must present valid physical identification. Guests under the age of 18 years old do not require identification but must be accompanied by a sponsoring adult to enter the facility.
- Each adult guest will sign in on the MEPS Visitor Control Log; a sponsoring adult will sign for all accompanying minors.
- Each guest will be issued a visitor badge.
- All guests must comply with MEPS staff instructions to ensure they do not enter unauthorized areas.
Additional information. Applicants and guests should coordinate with their recruiter to gain access to MEPS on military installation or in federal facilities. Further details about visiting a specific MEPS can be found on that station’s webpage, available via: https://www.mepcom.army.mil/Units/
“I am happy to welcome applicant guests to our MEPS to witness the start of their loved one’s military career,” said Col. Megan Stallings, USMEPCOM commander. “As a command we are laser-focused on efficiently processing applicants to support our recruiting partners, and this policy strikes the right balance between allowing guests and mitigating impact to operations.”
Story by Marshall Smith
U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command