The California State Guard (State Defense Force – CASG) has a strong and vital program for recruiting new members, ensuring that all applicants undergo a thorough medical screening and background check before being accepted. This program is based and have many similarities with the standards set by the U.S. Military’s Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). These standards have been adopted by State Guards across the nation, and the California State Guard’s MEPS process is a great example of how State Guards mirror the U.S. military’s approach to ensuring that only qualified individuals join their ranks.
When applicants wish to join the U.S. military, including the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Air National Guard Space Force, Coast Guard, and reserves they must go through the MEPS program. This multi day long event involves a series of tests, including height and weight measurements, vision and hearing exams, blood pressure testing, drug and alcohol screenings, and more. Additionally, applicants undergo a detailed criminal background check. Those who pass all the physical tests and background screenings proceed to sign up and take the oath, officially joining the military. But Unfortunately many dont qualify and their dreams of serving in the military and their Country are ended. In fact StateDefenseForce.com once spoke to the Commanding Officer of The New York MEPS and was informed that over 70-80% of applicants that walk into MEPS do not qualify to join the military for a whole host of reasons, from medical, prior medical history, height & weight requirements, criminal background check, etc.
In a similar vein, all State Guards, including the California State Guard, operate a MEPS program that incorporates similar medical testing and background checks. Applicants looking to join the California State Guard must first undergo an initial screening with a recruiter, followed by completing paperwork and undergoing a full medical examination. This ensures that only the most qualified candidates are accepted into the State Guard, however many State Guards do have less stringent requirements in regards to disqualifications that would normally deny them from Federal Service. One example is The US Military cut off age date is 42, however many State Guards can accept applicants that are in their 40’s, 50’s and some in their 60’s (depending on their physical condition). State Guard commanders review each applicant on a case by case basis and issue waivers if they are a little under or over US Military requirements. This gives many who always wished to serve in the military a second chance to serve their State and Country.
One of the key elements State Guard Applicants are required to bring in are various documents, including live scan reports from local police departments, before attending the formal MEPS at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California. Applicants who complete this process are then assigned to a unit that begins their entry into military life.
This is where they begin their Initial Entry Training (IET), also known as Basic Training, which marks the critical starting point for all new recruits in the California State Guard and other State Guards. During this phase, recruits undergo a series of physically and mentally challenging exercises designed to prepare them for the rigors of military service. Basic Training focuses on instilling discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, ensuring recruits are capable of performing their duties under high-pressure conditions. They are introduced to military customs and courtesies, including uniform wear, saluting, and understanding the chain of command. Physical training plays a key role, building stamina, strength, and endurance, while recruits also learn essential tactical skills such as map reading, basic first aid, and communication.
Beyond physical training, recruits receive leadership training aimed at developing problem solving abilities, decision making skills, as well as effective communication. They are taught how to function as part of a cohesive team, learning the importance of mutual support under stress. As they progress, recruits are immersed in military values such as Honor, Duty, and Integrity. Throughout Basic Training, recruits are evaluated on their physical fitness, knowledge, and readiness for active duty. Upon successful completion, they move on to advanced training and specialized courses for their assigned roles, ensuring they are fully prepared to serve the California State Guard in crucial missions like disaster response, emergency management, and other mission roles.
The California State Guard recently shared a video that gives a glimpse into the MEPS process for new applicants. In this video, applicants are seen undergoing various phases of the MEPS program, from medical screenings to filling out paperwork with recruiters and receiving informational briefings. It’s also worth highlighting some of the notable volunteers who participated in the recent MEPS, such as Paul Cheng, the Mayor Pro Tem of Arcadia, and his wife Ainy Cheng, a news anchor and investigative journalist. Ainy Cheng’s participation in the MEPS program was notable because, after supporting her husband, she decided to volunteer and join the California State Guard herself, alongside her friends who expressed interest in enlisting.
The MEPS process is not just about meeting standards, it’s about ensuring that applicants who join the California State Guard are fully qualified and ready to serve the state in times of need. By using a program modeled after the U.S. military’s MEPS, the California State Guard ensures that all new recruits meet the standards required by The State Guard, providing a strong and capable force for the state’s defense and emergency response efforts.
For more information about the California State Guard’s MEPS process and to view the video showcasing this process, you can visit the official California State Guard website.
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) at Joint Forces Training Base
By Maj. (CA) Khai Luu, Public Affairs Commander, California State Guard
On Saturday March 7, 2026 a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) was done for volunteers that wanted to join the California State Guard at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos. MEPS is a formal meeting where volunteers meet with California State Guard and get medically screened, fill out paperwork with Recruiters, and receive a number of information briefings before formally accepted and getting assigned to California State Guard units.
Before they got to MEPS, the volunteers applied to join California State Guard and had a California State Guard Recruiter do initial screening with them. These volunteers were then tasked to get a live scan report done at a local police department. Some of volunteers drove in from Los Angeles and San Diego.
One of volunteers is Paul Cheng. Paul is an attorney and currently Mayor Pro Tem of City of Arcadia. It’s worth noting that Paul’s wife Ainy Cheng attended the meeting to support her husband Paul. After some discussion with Recruiters, Ainy Cheng agreed to do the screenings and attend the briefings as a California State Guard volunteer. As it turns out, Ainy Cheng had previously applied to join the California State Guard. Ainy Cheng is a news anchor/investigative journalist. It’s worth commenting that two of Ainy’s friends came to support Ainy and Paul and their contact information was captured as they were also interested in joining the California State Guard.
Source: California State Guard – Military.com – USA.gov – Veteran.com
