MEPS is an acronym for Military Entrance Processing Station, and they play an important role in the military enlistment process.
Preparation is key for a successful MEPS process and subsequent enlistment in the military.
An important element for readiness is understanding what to wear to MEPS as part of standard dress requirements.
Just as an applicant would for any professional position, dressing appropriately for MEPS will enhance your confidence in your personal appearance, demonstrate your respect, and ultimately ease the entire process.
Here is a clear summary of what both males and females should wear to MEPS as well as what they should not wear to MEPS.
Related Article – Your Complete Guide To MEPS
Table of Contents
What You Should Wear To MEPS – Males
Males should ensure that they wear professional looking clothing that is clean, neat, moderate, and fairly comfortable to allow for various physical components.
For upper garments, this would include a nice polo or button-down shirt with a collar.
For lower garments, this would include pants or shorts that are appropriate for the workplace.
In addition to professional, business attire, males should also be sure to wear:
- Clean undergarments, including boxers or briefs (some of the physical assessments, such as range of motion movements, are done without outer clothing)
- Clean socks
- Close-toed shoes
What You Should NOT Wear To MEPS – Males
During the MEPS experience, there are clothing items that, if worn by males, will disqualify applicants and eliminate the possibility of military enlistment.
Males should not wear unauthorized attire, including the following:
- Headwear of any kind, including hats, headbands, bandanas, etc.
- Undergarments worn as outer garments, such as plain white t-shirts or boxers
- Bathing suit
- Sandals or any open-toed shoes
- Any shirts that are sleeveless, mesh, or net
- Tank tops, midriffs
- Any shorts or pants where underwear is visible
- Any clothing that is transparent or excessively tight, such as spandex
Related Article – Military Drug Testing At MEPS
What You Should Wear To MEPS – Females
Females should ensure that they wear professional looking clothing that is clean, neat, moderate, and fairly comfortable to allow for various physical components.
For upper garments, this would include a nice shirt or blouse.
For lower garments, this would include a skirt, pants, or shorts that are appropriate for the workplace.
In addition to professional, business attire, females should also be sure to wear:
- Clean undergarments, including underpants and brassiere or sports bra (some of the physical assessments, such as range of motion movements, are done without outer clothing)
- Clean socks
- Closed-toed shoes
- Dresses, skirts, or shorts must be long enough to reach mid-thigh
What You Should NOT Wear To MEPS – Females
During the MEPS experience, there are clothing items that, if worn by females, will disqualify applicants and eliminate the possibility of military enlistment.
Females should not wear unauthorized attire, including the following:
- Thong or bikini undergarments
- Headwear of any kind, including hats, headbands, bandanas, etc.
- Bathing suit
- Sandals, heels, or any open-toed shoes
- Any clothing that is excessively short (dresses, skirts, or shorts that are above mid-thigh)
- Any shirts that are sleeveless, mesh, or net
- Tank tops, halter tops, midriffs
- Any attire with a low-cut neckline
- Any shorts, pants, or dresses where underwear is visible
- Any clothing that is transparent or excessively tight, including leggings or spandex
Related Article – Army Class A, B, and C Uniforms Explained
Attire To Avoid Wearing To MEPS – Males And Females
It is essential that both males and females avoid wearing any clothing that may be considered offensive.
This includes attire that displays profanity, obscene or objectionable words, gestures, or graphics, or political bias (including any clothing that indicates an endorsement for a political party, candidate, office holder, or policy issue).
Any jewelry other than a watch and/or engagement or wedding ring is unauthorized for both males and females.
This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, gauges, chains, body piercings, and so forth.
Eyeglasses are permitted (bring prescription and case). Males and females should also avoid wearing any military uniform, full or in part, to MEPS.
Conclusion
The best approach to meeting the required dress standards for MEPS, whether you are male or female, is to consider the experience to be just like a professional job interview.
It is important to make a good impression, and this includes wearing professional attire that meets authorized regulations.
Your clothing indicates a great deal about how you view yourself as a person and how you wish others to view you as well, especially your level of professionalism, ethics, and confidence.
Though there may appear to be several clothing restrictions and unauthorized attire limitations as part of MEPS requirements, the goal is to ensure that applicants present themselves in a manner that demonstrates their respect for the U.S. military as a potential enlisted member of one of the branches of the armed forces.
Less than one percent of the American population chooses military service, and those that do enlist are citizens that go beyond what is typically expected in their willingness to incur risks on the behalf of others.
A successful MEPS experience is the gateway to a proud tradition of service with the potential of a rewarding and unique career.
Therefore, taking care to ensure that you dress appropriately for MEPS, whether you are male or female, is an excellent strategy for those who strive to earn the privilege of wearing a military uniform.
References / Resources
Understanding the MEPS Physical Exam
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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