MilitarySpot.com

Serving the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard

Follow MilitarySpot:
 
  • Home
  • Enlist
    • Join The Army
    • Join The Navy
    • Join The Air Force
    • Join The Marines
    • Join The Coast Guard
    • Join The National Guard
    • ASVAB
    • Army Physical Fitness Test
    • Military Draft
    • Prior Service Army Enlistment
  • Career
    • Join the Military
    • Jobs for Military and Civilians
    • Career Center
    • Prior Service Army Enlistment
    • Criminal Justice
  • Education
    • Online Schools
    • Spouse Education Benefits
    • GI Bill
    • Military Schools
    • Criminal Justice
  • Benefits
    • Army Benefits
    • Navy Benefits
    • Air Force Benefits
    • Marine Corps Benefits
    • National Guard Benefits
    • Coast Guard Benefits
    • Veteran Benefits
    • Basic Pay Rates
    • Allowances
    • Special & Incentive Pay
    • Military Spouse Education Benefits
    • VA Education Benefits
    • GI Bill
  • News
    • Headline News
  • Finance
    • Debt Relief
    • Military Pay Rates
    • Military Personal Loans
    • VA Loans
    • Military Star Card
    • Military MyPay
  • Spouses
    • School Finder
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • PCS, DITY, & Moving
    • Pay Rates
    • MyCAA
    • Education Benefits
  • Community
    • Military Games
    • Military Reunions
    • Classifieds
    • Photo Gallery
    • Buddy Finder
    • MilitarySpot Pinups
    • Military Bases
  • Resources
    • Military Alphabet
    • Military Reunions
    • Military Acronyms
    • Currency Converter
    • Military Tools
    • Ranks
    • Military Time
    • Military Tactics
    • Military Discounts
    • Military Games
    • Military Videos
    • Photo Gallery
    • Infographics
    • How To
  • Travel

MEPS in a Box

MAY 2, 2025 – USMEPCOM launched a new initiative dubbed “MEPS in a Box,” starting with a pilot site in Austin, Texas, April 28 – 30.

The “MEPS in a Box” mobile concept was designed to temporarily set up full-service processing operations in underserved or high-demand locations. It includes everything from aptitude testing to physical exams – offering applicants the same experience as a traditional MEPS facility without the long commute.

“If we can prove that it works and essentially create a pop-up MEPS site, perhaps during mission week, we can provide additional capacity for our recruiting partners,” said Navy Cmdr. Douglas Lipe, USMEPCOM Western Sector deputy commander. “Austin naturally presented itself as a logical location to do a proof-of-concept.”

The proof-of-concept was successfully stood up at the historic Camp Mabry, just three miles north of downtown Austin. The area is, on average, 150 miles from the closest three MEPS (Dallas, Houston and San Antonio).

The pop-up initiative traces its roots to American Samoa, where the Honolulu MEPS team would travel to remote Pacific islands to process applicants using largely paper-based methods. Earlier this year, those visits were modernized with laptops and internet capability, allowing same-day processing and inspiring the “MEPS in a Box” initiative in Austin.

Though the operation doesn’t actually fit in a single box, the mobile MEPS includes all the necessary tech and gear to process up to 20 applicants per day – digitally.

“This is a great initiative as we increase capacity across the board,” said Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander. “With this concept, we can pop up anywhere to help our partners achieve their goals.”

The Austin pilot is not only a test of equipment but a test of strategy. USMEPCOM’s 9th Battalion, which oversees five busy Texas MEPS locations, benefited from the extra capacity. It can also benefit applicants who do not live in a major city where a MEPS is located.

“For the applicant, traveling to a MEPS may mean taking off work or school, arranging childcare or even overcoming homelessness,” Lipe said. “Being able to bring a MEPS to them could be the deciding factor in their enlistment.”

USMEPCOM will conduct an in-process review following the “MEPS in a Box” pilot to evaluate lessons learned and determine if the initiative should expand. Plans are already underway for the next “MEPS in a Box” to pop up in California.

Story by Derrik Noack
U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command

Comments

Filed Under: News

  • News
  • Enlist
  • Education
  • Career
  • Finance

DoD Moves Forward With PCS Overhaul

JULY 26, 2025 – The Defense Department’s Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force is taking decisive steps to stabilize the military move process following the termination of its contract with HomeSafe Alliance, June 18, 2025. During a press briefing earlier this week, Army Maj. Gen. Lance G. Curtis, task force commander, stated that the […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

Education Benefits Make Stronger Service Members

APRIL 3, 2025 – Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch. One example is the Military Tuition Assistance Program. The program is available to enlisted personnel, officers and warrant officers in the Army, Navy, […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

Financial Planning for Military Families

JUNE 25, 2025 – Have you ever wondered how military families manage their finances while dealing with deployments, relocations, and changing pay structures? Financial planning is a vital part of life for families who serve. With unique benefits, challenges, and lifestyle changes, military families must make smart financial decisions that protect their future and help […]

Recent Posts

  • DoD Moves Forward With PCS Overhaul
  • Army Unveils Lightweight Combat Assault Ration
  • Coast Guard National Security Cutter Returns
  • USNS Comfort Arrives in Limón, Costa Rica
  • Air Force Shows Off It’s Mobility
MAINMENU



Powered by pixfuture


SITESEARCH
Can't find something? Try using our site search to dig through our entire site.



Still having trouble? Try the Advanced Search to refine your searches.
NEWSLETTERSUBSCRIBE
Sign Up To Receive Information, Updates and Special Officers from MilitarySpot.com.



Don't miss an issue! Jump in the Newsletter Archives to catch up on previous issues.
FOLLOWMILITARY SPOT

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & StumbleUpon and more. Keep up with MilitarySpot.com news & updates. We also have an RSS Feed.

Advertise | About | Contact | Feedback | Unsubscribe | DMCA | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
 
Copyright 2004-2025 Sun Key Publishing. All Rights Reserved.



 
This is not the official recruiting website of the U.S. Military. The site you are on is run by Sun Key Publishing, a private company, and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the U.S. Military.