MEPS Waiting Time Calculation

MEPS Prescribed Weight Reduction or Gain

June 15th, 2008

When some applicants go to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) the biggest concern will be passing the height and weight or body fat measurement.

What happens If an applicant goes to MEPS and doesn’t meet the criteria set forth in the Navy height and weight chart and subsequent instruction? The instructions for what happens is not controlled by the Navy - it is actually USMEPCOM Regulation 40-1. You will note that the regulation states that an applicant must wait 4 days for every pound outside the standard. For individuals over the weight limit and also exceeded the body fat percentage will have their return date determined by which ever is closest - an example, applicant is 20 pounds over max weight but only 2 percentage points over body fat the return date would be estimated at 8 days figured at 4 days for every percent to be lost.

The same holds true for those in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). If a person in the DEP doesn’t make the standard they will not be able to leave for Recruit Training until the MEPS established return date. The DEPper stand a chance of losing their job or being discharged altogether.

a. Applicants outside of the weight standards will be advised that they must bring their weight to the acceptable standard and return to the MEPS for reevaluation. The date the applicant may return is based on the amount of weight to be gained or lost and is called the reevaluation justified (RJ) date. Applicants who return on their RJ date and meet or exceed their prescribed weight loss/gain will not be qualified if they demonstrate deleterious effects of the weight loss/gain. The RJ should reflect a waiting period of 4 days for every 1-pound increment For example, a weight loss or gain of 3 pounds requires a RJ period of 12 calendar days, a weight loss or gain of 7 pounds requires an RJ period of 28 calendar days. USMEPCOM reserves the right to adjust an RJ date. Any adjustments requested by the services will be directed to the Command Surgeon.

b. The RJ date can also be assigned by using the body fat as a measurement. A disqualified applicant may return for recheck after losing sufficient weight to meet either the screening table weight or the body fat percentage. A recheck may be scheduled on an estimate of weight that the applicant must lose to achieve required reduced body fat percentage. As a general rule, a 4-pound weight loss should reduce body fat by 1 percent, 8 pounds by 2 percent, etc. Applicants will be advised that the estimated required weight loss is based upon a program of exercise and diet control.

c. An applicant who, on return to MEPS, has reduced to the acceptable screening table weight for sex and height will not need a body fat percentage redetermination. An applicant who, on return to MEPS, is still over the acceptable screening table weight standard for sex and height, will receive a new body fat percentage determination. If the body fat percentage is now within acceptable limits, the applicant will be qualified provided there are no other disqualifying medical problems. If the body fat percentage is unacceptable, additional weight loss will be prescribed.