What does the "Military Entrance Processing Station" (MEPS) do?

The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) plays a crucial role in the enlistment process for individuals joining the military. Its primary function is to administer the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which assesses the skills and abilities of recruits to determine their suitability for various military occupational specialties. Additionally, the MEPS is responsible for processing recruits, which involves conducting background checks, reviewing and verifying documents, and preparing individuals for their entry into military service.

In contrast, basic training is conducted at separate facilities specifically designed for that purpose, and while the MEPS may look at medical records, it does not conduct a comprehensive review of them; this typically occurs in a different context and facility. Career counseling, although an important aspect of the enlistment process, is also not a primary function of MEPS, as this is often provided at different points during or before the enlistment process to help candidates explore their options.