Yes, all enlistees in the US military, including those at basic training, must swear an oath to uphold the US Constitution and defend their country. The oath is administered by a commissioned officer, typically of a rank of O-3 (Captain) or higher.
Those enlisting in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard swear the same oath, which reads as follows:
“I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
So help me God.”
The oath is known as the enlistment or re-enlistment oath of enlistment, and must be taken by all enlisted members of all branches of the US Military.
Do you swear in before or after MEPS?
The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is the processing center for individuals interested in joining the military. MEPS is where individuals go through the physical, medical, and mental examinations needed to determine if they are eligible to join the military.
In general, individuals do not swear in before arriving at MEPS.
Individuals interested in joining the military are required to complete an enlistment form and then go through MEPS. Going through MEPS is a detailed process where the individual’s eligibility for the military is determined.
MEPS also helps to determine which job within the military is best suited for the individual. This can often involve completing physical, mental, and medical tests.
After the individual completes the process and is deemed eligible to join the military, they will move on to the swearing in ceremony. This is when an individual will be sworn into the military and officially become a member of the service.
Should the individual have any questions or need to resubmit their application to MEPS, they are typically able to do this after their swearing in ceremony.
How long does swearing in at MEPS take?
The amount of time it takes to swear in at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) will depend on a variety of factors. It typically takes one to two hours for a recruit to complete the process. The process usually begins with the recruit filling out paperwork and receiving an introduction to the military lifestyle.
The recruit will then complete a medical screening, physical fitness test, and proceed through the Oath of Enlistment. After swearing in on the enlistment contract, the recruit will have their fingerprints taken and receive basic instructions on the military’s core values.
Lastly, the recruit will have to obtain their required uniform and equipment. All in all, the amount of time it takes to complete a MEPS oath of enlistment will vary depending on a number of factors, but it usually takes one to two hours.
Are you in the military once you swear in?
Yes, once you swear in to the military, you become part of the armed forces. After swearing-in, you will begin the process to receive orders, fill out paperwork, and begin the process of transitioning from civilian life to military service.
After swearing-in, you will then attend basic military training and any other specialized training related to your role. Once you complete training, you will officially be in the military and officially listed on the service’s rolls.
Will I get caught lying at MEPS?
It’s possible that you may get caught lying at MEPS, depending on what you are lying about. The military is an organization that banks on honesty, integrity, and character. If you lie or provide false information during the MEPS process, your application may be rejected and you will not be allowed to join the military.
Additionally, if your lie is discovered at a later date, it may be considered a criminal offence and you could face serious repercussions.
Therefore, it is best to be honest and forthcoming when going through the MEPS process. If you fail to disclose something important or provide false statements, it could put your application at risk and you may even face legal repercussions.
The consequences of lying could be severe, so it is best to be honest with MEPS to avoid any potential issues.
What will fail me at MEPS?
At MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), there are a variety of steps that must be completed in order to successfully join the military. MEPS is the first step of your military career, and failure to meet the standards of MEPS will prevent you from continuing on in the enlistment process.
During your MEPS physical, you must meet the physical standards required to join the military. This includes weight and body fat standards, physical health standards, vision, hearing, and mental health standards.
If you do not meet the standards, you will fail your MEPS physical and not be able to join the military.
If you are flagged for drugs, alcohol use, or criminal history, you are not allowed to join the military. Military recruiters conduct in-depth background checks on potential enlistees to ensure that they are physically and mentally able to properly serve in the military.
Any history that does not meet the standards set by the military will disqualify an applicant from enlisting.
In addition, if you cannot pass the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) exam, you will fail MEPS. The ASVAB exam is used to determine whether or not the applicant meets the qualifications to serve in the military.
If you fail the ASVAB, you cannot proceed in the enlistment process.
Lastly, if you fail the security ointment interview, you are not allowed to join the military. The security ointment interview is conducted to determine if you are eligible and suitable to serve in the military.
If the interviewer finds that you are ineligible or unsuitable, you will fail MEPS and not be able to join the military.
What is the final swear in at MEPS?
The final swear-in at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is the last step of the enlistment process. After passing physical tests, psychological evaluations, and the ASVAB test, the recruit must take an oath to serve in the military.
The recruit is sworn in by a commission officer or by a superior enlisted service member in the presence of a judge advocate (a Uniform Code of Military Justice lawyer).
The final swear-in is a solemn moment and is taken very seriously—it symbolizes the official act of enlistment. After this ceremony, the enlistee is officially in the service and must begin to adhere to the rules of the military.
The general oath of enlistment states that the new service member promises to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; bear true faith and allegiance to the same; [and] obey the orders of the President of the United States.”
The official oath is only one of many traditional elements in this ceremony. Loyalty statements and other oaths may be taken as part of the event as well. The last stop at MEPS is a memorable one—the recruit isn’t officially in the military until the point where they swear in.
It is a momentous occasion and a permanent connection to the United States Armed Forces.
Can you back out after swearing in at MEPS?
Yes, you can back out after swearing in at MEPS, but it is not recommended. Prior to swearing in, you may have explored all options, talked to a recruiter, and completed all paperwork. After swearing in, your paperwork and commitments have become binding – meaning you cannot easily go back on them.
Depending on when and under what circumstances you decide to back out, the Army may consider this a breach of contract. Depending on the circumstances and timing of any requests to back out, you may incur fines and penalties, would have to return any bonuses given to you, and may also be subject to legal action.
In addition, processing an “early out” requires military authorization from your recruiters’ chain of command, so if you are approved it could take several weeks or months to be processed. Finally, if you choose to pursue an early out, it will become part of your official service record and have a lasting impact on your future employment possibilities.
Can parents go to the swearing in ceremony?
Yes, parents are allowed to attend their child’s swearing in ceremony. This ceremony marks a major milestone in a recruit’s life, and parents often want to be present to support their child. Most military installations allow parents of recruits to attend the ceremony, but there may be restrictions depending on the branch of service.
Generally speaking, access to the ceremony is based on space, so parents should contact their recruit’s recruiter for more information. It is also important for the parent to remain respectful of the ceremonies and traditions of the branch of service that their child has chosen.
Additionally, because every branch has its own regulations, some parents may have to sign a waiver before attending the ceremony.
How long after swearing in do you leave for basic?
Once you have sworn in, the process of leaving for Basic Training can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the location and schedule of the training. Before you leave for Basic Training, you will most likely go through more paperwork and procedures, including a physical examination, to make sure you are fit for service.
You may also have to travel to the Basic Training Location for pre-entry processing and in-processing – this could include taking placement tests, receiving uniforms, and getting other items that you will need for training.
All of this may take up to a few days. After all of the pre-entry processing is complete, you can usually expect to travel to the Basic Training Location within a week or two.
Do you have to undress at MEPS?
No, you do not have to undress at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). During the initial physical exam, you may be asked to partially disrobe for select components of the exam. If a doctor or other medical personnel asks you to partially disrobe, they will escort you to a private area so you feel comfortable.
Additionally, you can also ask to have a family member or someone else that you trust to be present during your exam. All personal items and clothing must be stored in a designated locker or shelves provided by MEPS.
Are you allowed to bring your phone to MEPS?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your phone to MEPS. However, it must be turned off, and you will not be allowed to use it during the testing process. You are also not allowed to bring any cameras, video or audio recorders, or other electronic devices to MEPS, so you will need to leave these items at home or in your vehicle, if applicable.
All electronics, including cell phones, must be placed in lockers provided on-site prior to testing. If you are found to be in possession of any of these items during testing, your security clearance and enlistment in the military can be revoked.
Can MEPS see your medical records?
No, MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) does not have access to your medical records. However, MEPS does require potential recruits to provide a valid form of identification and complete a detailed medical history questionnaire prior to enlistment.
The questionnaire covers topics such as past medical issues, medications, family medical history, and overall physical health. This information is used to determine whether an individual is medically qualified to enlist in the military.
Furthermore, MEPS may require a candidate to undergo a medical examination by a physician to evaluate any potential medical issues. The examination includes a physical examination, lab tests, an EKG and a drug test.
This information is then sent to the Department of Defense for review. If any potential medical issues are discovered, additional medical records may be requested. However, these records must be provided by the potential recruit.
What to wear to MEPS swear in?
When you go to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) to swear in to the military, there are recommended guidelines when it comes to your dress attire. Generally, you should dress neatly and professionally.
It’s best to wear a simple, collared shirt, slacks, dress shoes, and a belt. If your shirt has a logo on it, make sure that it is not offensive. Women should avoid wearing low-cut shirts or short skirts.
It’s also a good idea to remove any visible piercings or jewelry. Depending on the forecast, you may also want to bring a light jacket or wrap for the ceremony. It’s important to note that you should leave any weapons and other nonverbal communication devices at home.
Overall, the idea is to look professional, clean cut, and presentable for your big day at MEPS.
Do you go through MEPS twice?
No, you do not have to go through MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) twice. You only need to go through MEPS once when you make the initial decision to join the military and then you will never have to go to MEPS again afterwards.
MEPS is the one-stop-shop for anyone who is interested in joining the military as it’s the place where all the initial processing is done. During the MEPS visit you’ll fill out paperwork, speak with a recruiter, take tests and tests, have a physical exam and get fitted for uniforms.
After which the recruiter will advise you on how to proceed to the next steps join the branch of your choice. Once most of these steps have been completed, you won’t need to go back to MEPS again.
