13 Employment Section

SpecWriter Data

Form Version:

9/12/2023 1:47:23 PM

Report Type:

Full Detail

Project Database:
Language:

English

WESSQL300.MEPSSpring2024

Spec Label:

This is the cover page. Additional contents currently project specific.

EMA - Page 1 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_00

Route Details:

(EMA1000)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

01 Box = BOX_00, BOX_10, BOX_20, BOX_30, BOX_40, BOX_50, BOX_60, BOX_70
BOX_80, BOX_90, BOX_100, BOX_110, BOX_120, BOX_130, BOX_140, BOX_150,
BOX_160, BOX_170, BOX_180, BOX_190, BOX_200, BOX_210, BOX_220, BOX_
230, BOX_240, BOX_250, BOX_255, BOX_260, BOX_270, BOX_290, BOX_300,
BOX_310, BOX_320, BOX_340, BOX_350, BOX_355, BOX_360, BOX_370.

02 Loop =LOOP_10, LOOP_20, LOOP_30

03 End Loop = END_LP10, END_LP20, END_LP30

04 Single Select = EM10, EM20, EM30, EM40, EM170, EM230, EM290, EM300,
EM420, EM440, EM450, EM460, EM470, EM480, EM520, EM530, EM550, EM560,
EM570, EM580, EM590, EM600, EM610, EM630, EM640, EM660, EM670, EM680,
EM690, EM700, EM710, EM730, EM750, EM770

05 Single Select with Display Roster = EM350, EM370

06 Single Select with Fill in Answer Text = EM150, EM210, EM270, EM320, EM410

07 Single Select with Add/Edit/Delete= EM50, EM80, EM100, EM120, EM180, EM240,
EM340, EM390, EM720

10 Multiple Select with Fill in Answer Text = EM380

15 Regular Date Entry with Skips = EM60_01, EM60_02, EM60_03, EM90_01, EM90_
02, EM90_03, EM110_01, EM110_02, EM110_03, EM130_01, EM130_02, EM130_03,
EM140_01, EM140_02, EM140_03, EM190_01, EM190_02, EM190_03, EM200_01,
EM200_02, EM200_03, EM250_01, EM250_02, EM250_03, EM260_01, EM260_02,
EM260_03, EM310_01, EM310_02, EM310_03, EM400_01, EM400_02, EM400_03

17 Dollar Items Allowing Cents = EM650

19 Numeric Field = EM360, EM430, EM540, EM620, EM740, EM760
EMA - Page 2 of 138

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

20 OS Text Field = EM520OS, EM750OS

23 Text Field = EM490, EM500, EM510

EMA - Page 3 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_10

Route Details:

BOX_20

Route Details:

(EMA1002)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Throughout the specifications for this CAPI section, REFERENCE YEAR refers to BegRefY.

(EMA1003)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Context header display instructions: SEE CONTEXT HEADER SPEC
Note: for the final round of the panel (RndType=Final), 'Dec 31 {YEAR}' where ‘YEAR' is the
calendar year of the final round of the panel (InterviewDate Year-1), will be displayed in
the context header for JobStopMM/DD/YYYY for all current main and current
miscellaneous jobs. That is, 'Dec 31 {YEAR}' will display instead of the word 'current' for
these job subtypes.

BOX_30

Route Details:

(EMA1005)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If person has one of the same current jobs in this round as in the previous round, that is if:
⦁ Current round is not the first round of the panel (RndType<>First), and
⦁ Person was = or > 16 or in age categories 4-9 during the previous round, and
RJ10 is coded '1' (YES) or RJ60 is coded '1' (YES), go to EM230. Else go to EM10.

EMA - Page 4 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM10
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1010)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO

Help Available (JOBFORPAYHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: JobPay
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{Now I have some questions about work experience for {you/{PERSON}}.}
{During our last interview on {PREV RD INTV DATE}, we recorded that {you/{PERSON}} did not work at any job for pay.
{{Do/Does}/As of December 31, {YEAR}, did} {you/{PERSON}} {currently} have a job for pay or own a business {that we
have not yet talked about}?
PROBE: Do not count work around the house. Include work in a family farm or business, even if unpaid.
HELP: F1

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 5 of 138

EM40
EM20
EM20
EM20

(EMA1025)
(EMA1015)
(EMA1015)
(EMA1015)

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Display {Now I have some questions about work experience for {you/{person}}.}: if first
time EM section being asked for this RU member (i.e., round 1, person was added to the RU
this round, or person is now = or > 16 years age or in age categories 4-9 but was not in
previous round.)
Display {During our last interview on {PREV RD INTV DATE}, we recorded that {you/{person}}
did not work at any job for pay.}: if person being asked about did not work during the
previous round's reference period.
Display the previous round interview date (Preload.RUEndM, RUEndD, RUEndY) for {PREV
RD INTV DATE}
Display '{Do/Does}' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'as of December 31, {YEAR}' if the current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final), where 'YEAR' is the calendar year of the final round of the panel
(InterviewDate Year – 1).
Display {currently}: if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Otherwise, use a null display.
Display {that we have not yet talked about} if any job asked about during the RJ section
during this round for this person (RJ10<>EMPTY or RJ60<>EMPTY)

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 6 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM20
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1015)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO

Help Available (JOBFORPAYHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: AnyWork
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
At any time {since {START DATE}/between {START DATE} and {END DATE}}, did {you/{PERSON}} have {a/any
other} job for pay or own a business {that we have not yet talked about}?
PROBE: Do not count work around the house. Include work in a family farm or business, even if unpaid.
HELP: F1

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM120
EM30
EM30
EM30

(EMA1520)
(EMA1020)
(EMA1020)
(EMA1020)

Display {since {START DATE} if current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final). Display ‘between {START DATE} and {END DATE}’ if current round
is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display {a/any other}: ‘a’ if no job asked about during the RJ section during this round for
this person. (RJ10=EMPTY OR RJ60=EMPTY
Display ‘any other’ if any job asked about during the RJ section during this round for this
person. (RJ10<>EMPTY OR RJ60<>EMPTY
Display {that we have not yet talked about}: if any job asked about during the RJ section
during this round for this person (RJ10<>EMPTY OR RJ60<>EMPTY.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 7 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM30
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1020)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO

Help Available (JOBFORPAYHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: ReturnJob
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{{Do/Does}/Did} {you/{PERSON}} have a job or business {you/he/she} {can/could} return to {that we have not
yet talked about}?
HELP: F1

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 8 of 138

EM50

(EMA1040)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

If coded '1' (YES), go to EM50.
If coded ‘2’ (NO), ‘RF' or ‘DK’ and person was asked employment section in any previous
round, (job exists where Job.PersID = Person.PersID or (no job exists where Job.PersID =
Person.PersID and SimplePerson.Pre_EM300 <> Empty)), go to BOX_210.
Otherwise [If coded ‘2’ (NO), ‘RF’ or ‘DK’ and person was not asked employment section in
any previous round (no job exists where Job.PersID = Person.PersID of person being looped
on and SimplePerson.Pre_EM300 = empty) ], go to EM300.

Display
Instructions:

Display ‘{Do/Does}’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘Did’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘can’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final). Display
‘could’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display {that we have not yet talked about}: if any job asked about during the RJ section
during this round for this person. (RJ10<>EMPTY OR RJ60<>EMPTY)

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EM40
Item Type:

(EMA1025)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (JOBFORPAYHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: WorkMore1Job
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Show Card (

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{Do/Does}/On December 31, {YEAR}, did} {you/{PERSON}} {currently} work at more than one job or business?
HELP: F1

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK
EMA - Page 9 of 138

EM80
EM50
EM50
EM50

(EMA1185)
(EMA1040)
(EMA1040)
(EMA1040)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Display '{Do/Does}' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'on December 31, {YEAR}' if the current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final), where 'YEAR' is the calendar year of the final round of the panel
(InterviewDate Year – 1).
Display {currently} if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Otherwise, use a null display.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

BLAISE NAME: JobARoster

EM50
Item Type:

(EMA1040)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TJOBSESTBNAME

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
What is the name of {your/{PERSON}'s} employer or business {that {you/he/she} could return to}?
SELECT EMPLOYER/BUSINESS NAMED BELOW AND VERIFY WITH RESPONDENT BEFORE LEAVING SCREEN.
IF NOT ON THE LIST, PRESS CTRL-A TO ENTER A NEW EMPLOYER/BUSINESS.
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 10 of 138

BOX_40
BOX_40
BOX_40
BOX_40
BOX_40

(EMA1145)
(EMA1145)
(EMA1145)
(EMA1145)
(EMA1145)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up:
ENTER COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.
Display {that {you/he/she} could return to} if EM30 coded ‘1’ (YES).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_40

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA1145)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Set JobTp=CURRENT MAIN.
Set RetireJob=NO
Continue with EM60_01

EMA - Page 11 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM60_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1150)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobAStartYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM170
EM170

(EMA1730)
(EMA1730)

Set JobStartYYYY
If year is on or after reference year minus 1, continue with EM60_02.
Otherwise, go to BOX_50.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM60_01, EM60_02, and EM60_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 12 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM60_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1155)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobAStartMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

BOX_50
BOX_50

(EMA1165)
(EMA1165)

Set JobStartMM

If year is on or after reference year, continue with EM60_03. Otherwise, go to
BOX_50.

Display
Instructions:

Display EM60_01, EM60_02, and EM60_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 13 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM60_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1160)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobAStartDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

BOX_50
BOX_50
BOX_50

(EMA1165)
(EMA1165)
(EMA1165)

Set JobStartDD
Range check:
Edit: job start date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
start date must be < = the reference period end date for this person.
If date is outside the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT WITH AGE.
PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (EndRefM, EndRefD,
EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB START DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM60_01, EM60_02, and EM60_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 14 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_50

Route Details:

(EMA1165)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If job start date (EM60_01, EM60_02, and EM60_03) < or = (on or before) reference
period start date, go to EM230.
If month field of job start date is missing (that is, EM60_02 or EM60_03 is coded 'RF' or
'DK') and if the year of job start date (EM60_01) is reference year, continue with EM170.
Else go to EM170.

BLAISE NAME: JobBRoster
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

EM80
Item Type:

(EMA1185)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TJOBSESTBNAME

Help Available (JobRosterHelp)
Context Header:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Show Card (

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Please think about {your/{PERSON}’s} main job or business. What is the name of {your/{PERSON}'s} main job
or business?
SELECT EMPLOYER/BUSINESS NAMED BELOW AND VERIFY WITH RESPONDENT BEFORE LEAVING SCREEN.
IF NOT ON THE LIST, PRESS CTRL-A TO ENTER A NEW EMPLOYER.
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE
HELP: F1

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 15 of 138

BOX_60
BOX_60
BOX_60
BOX_60
BOX_60

(EMA1290)
(EMA1290)
(EMA1290)
(EMA1290)
(EMA1290)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up:
ENTER COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_60

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA1290)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Set JobTp = CURRENT MAIN
Set RetireJob=NO.
Continue with EM90_01

EMA - Page 16 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM90_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1295)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobBStartYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM100
EM100

(EMA1325)
(EMA1325)

Set JobStartYYYY

If year is on or after reference year minus 1, continue with EM90_02.
Otherwise, go to EM100.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM90_01, EM90_02, and EM90_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 17 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM90_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1300)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobBStartMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM100
EM100

(EMA1325)
(EMA1325)

Set JobStartMM

If year is on or after reference year, continue with EM90_03. Otherwise, go to
EM100.

Display
Instructions:

Display EM90_01, EM90_02, and EM90_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 18 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM90_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1305)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobBStartDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM100
EM100
EM100

(EMA1325)
(EMA1325)
(EMA1325)

Set JobStartDD
Range check:
Edit: job start date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
start date must be < = the reference period end date for this person.
If date is outside the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT WITH AGE.
PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (EndRefM, EndRefD,
EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB START DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM90_01, EM90_02, and EM90_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 19 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM100
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA1325)
Question
Enumerated

BLAISE NAME: JobCRoster

TJOBSESTBNAME
)

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
You mentioned that {you/{PERSON}} {{have/has}/had} another job {now/on December 31,{YEAR}}. What is
the name of {your/{PERSON}'s} employer or business?
SELECT EMPLOYER/BUSINESS NAMED BELOW AND VERIFY WITH RESPONDENT BEFORE
LEAVING SCREEN.
IF IS NOT ON THE LIST, PRESS CTRL-A TO ENTER A NEW EMPLOYER/BUSINESS

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 20 of 138

CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE

BOX_70
BOX_70
BOX_70
BOX_70
BOX_70

(EMA1480)
(EMA1480)
(EMA1480)
(EMA1480)
(EMA1480)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up:
ENTER COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.
Display ‘now’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).

Display 'on December 31, {YEAR}' if the current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final), where 'YEAR' is the calendar year of the final round of the panel (InterviewDate
Year – 1).
Display ‘{have/has}’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final). Display
‘had’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 21 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_70

(EMA1480)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Set JobTp= CURRENT MISC
Set RetireJob=NO.
Continue with EM110_01.

Route Details:

BLAISE NAME: JobCStartYYYY

EM110_01
Item Type:

(EMA1485)
Question

Type Class:

Integer

Answer Type:

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

Field Size: 4

)

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

BOX_80
BOX_80

(EMA1500)
(EMA1500)

Set JobStartYYYY
If year is on or after reference year minus 1, continue with EM110_02.
Otherwise, go to BOX_80.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM110_01, EM110_02, and EM110_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 22 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM110_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1490)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobCStartMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

BOX_80
BOX_80

(EMA1500)
(EMA1500)

Set JobStartMM

If year is on or after reference year, continue with EM110_03. Otherwise, go
to BOX_80.

Display
Instructions:

Display EM110_01, EM110_02, and EM110_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 23 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM110_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1495)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobCStartDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

BOX_80
BOX_80
BOX_80

(EMA1500)
(EMA1500)
(EMA1500)

Set JobStart DD
Range check:
Edit: job start date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
start date must be < = the reference period end date for this person.
If date is outside of the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT
WITH AGE. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (EndRefM, EndRefD,
EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB START DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM110_01, EM110_02, and EM110_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 24 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_80

(EMA1500)

Route Details:

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If job start date of current main job (EM90_01. EM90_02, EM90_03) < or = (on or before)
reference period start date, go to EM230.
If job start date of current main job (EM90) > (after) reference period start date, or if
EM90_01 is coded 'RF' or 'DK', go to EM170.
If month field of job start date is missing (that is, EM90_02 or EM90_03 is coded 'RF' or
'DK') and if the year of job start date (EM90_01) is reference year, continue with EM170.

BLAISE NAME: JobDRoster
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

EM120
Item Type:

(EMA1520)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TJOBSESTBNAME

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Please think about the employer or business where {you/{PERSON}} worked {most recently/just before
December 31{YEAR}}. What is the name of {your/his/her} employer or business?
IF PERSON HAD MORE THAN ONE EMPLOYER/BUSINESS, PROBE: Please think about {your/his/her} main job at
the time.
SELECT EMPLOYER/BUSINESS NAMED BELOW AND VERIFY WITH RESPONDENT BEFORE LEAVING SCREEN.
IF NOT ON THE LIST, PRESS CTRL-A TO ENTER A NEW EMPLOYER/BUSINESS.
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 25 of 138

BOX_90
BOX_90
BOX_90
BOX_90
BOX_90

(EMA1675)
(EMA1675)
(EMA1675)
(EMA1675)
(EMA1675)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up:
ENTER COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.
Display ‘most recently’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'just before December 31, {YEAR}' if the current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final), where 'YEAR' is the calendar year of the final round of the panel (InterviewDate
Year – 1).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_90

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA1675)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Set JobTp=FORMER MAIN
Set RetireJob=NO.
Go to EM130_01.

EMA - Page 26 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM130_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1680)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobDStartYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM140_01
EM140_01

(EMA1695)
(EMA1695)

Set JobStartYYYY
If year is on or after reference year minus 1, continue with EM130_02.
Otherwise, go to EM140_01.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM130_01, EM130_02, and EM130_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 27 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM130_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1685)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobDStartMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM140_01
EM140_01

(EMA1695)
(EMA1695)

Set JobStartMM

If year is on or after reference year, continue with EM130_03. Otherwise, go
to EM140_01.

Display
Instructions:

Display EM130_01, EM130_02, and EM130_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 28 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM130_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1690)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobDStartDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM140_01
EM140_01
EM140_01

(EMA1695)
(EMA1695)
(EMA1695)

Set JobStart DD
Range check:
Edit: job start date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
start date must be < = the reference period end date for this person.
If date is outside of the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT
WITH AGE. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (EndRefM, EndRefD,
EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB START DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM130_01, EM130_02, and EM130_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 29 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM140_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1695)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobDStopYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM140_02

(EMA1700)

EM150
EM150

(EMA1715)
(EMA1715)

Set JobStopYYYY

Hard Check:
If year entered at EM140_01 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.
IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM20 (AnyWork) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM140_01, EM140_02, and EM140_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 30 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM140_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1700)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobDStopMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM140_03
BOX_100
BOX_100

(EMA1705)
(EMA1710)
(EMA1710)

Set JobStopMM

Hard Check:
If year entered at EM140_01 is equal to person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) and EM140_02 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period start month
(Person.BegRefM), display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.
IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM20 (AnyWork) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM140_01, EM140_02, and EM140_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 31 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM140_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1705)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobDStopDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
RF
DK

EMA - Page 32 of 138

BOX_100
BOX_100
BOX_100

(EMA1710)
(EMA1710)
(EMA1710)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Set JobStopDD

Range check:
Hard Check: the date entered at EM140_01, 02,03 must be > or equal to the date at EM130_
01,_02, 03.
Display the following message: THE DATE ENTERED MUST BE ON OR AFTER THE
JOB START DATE.

Edit: job end date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
end date must be < = the person's reference period end date.

If date is outside the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT WITH
AGE. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."

Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (Person.EndRefM,
EndRefD, EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.”

Hard Check: If date entered at EM140_01, 02, 03 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period
start date (Person.BegRefY, Person.BegRefM, Person.BegRefD) and [(EM140_01, EM140_
02, EM140_03) <> DK,RF] display the following message: “JOB END DATE MUST BE
ON OR AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY
AND RE-ENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM20 (AnyWork) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM140_01, EM140_02, and EM140_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A
EMA - Page 33 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec

BOX_100

Item Type: Route

(EMA1710)

Route Details:

Type Class: If Then

If year field of job end date (EM140_01) is > (after) the person’s reference period start date
year field, go to BOX_110.

If year field of job end date (EM140_01) is = the person’s reference period start date year
field, check month and/or day fields for routing:
⦁ If month field of job end date is missing (EM140_02=empty, DK or RF), continue with
EM150.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM140_02) is after reference period start month
(regardless of response to day field of job end date), go to BOX_110.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM140_02) equal to reference period start month, check
day field for routing:
- If day field of job end date (EM140_03) is missing (empty, DK, RF),
continue with EM150.
- If day field of job end date (EM140_03) on or after reference period start
date
day field, go to BOX_110.

EM150
Item Type:

(EMA1715)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TWHENSTOP_1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: JobDStopBefAft
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST, MIDDLE, AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Can you tell me if {you/{PERSON}} stopped working at that job before or after {START DATE}?

Responses:

BEFORE {START DATE}
ON OR AFTER {START DATE}
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 34 of 138

BOX_110
BOX_110
BOX_110

(EMA1725)
(EMA1725)
(EMA1725)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Hard Check:
If EM150 is coded 1 display the following message:
“RESPONDENT REPORTED IN EM20 (AnyWork) THAT {PERSON} HAD A
JOB/BUSINESS SINCE {START DATE}, BUT IS NOW REPORTING THAT THE JOB
ENDED BEFORE {START DATE}.

VERIFY THIS INCONSISTENT INFORMATION WITH THE RESPONDENT.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE REFERENCE
PERIOD, GO TO EM20 (AnyWork) AND SELECT 'NO'.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS AFTER THE REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE,
GO TO EM140_01 (JobDStopYYYY) AND RE-ENTER THE CORRECT JOB END
DATE."
Questions Involved: EM20, EM140_01

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_110

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA1725)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If job start date of former main job (EM130_01, EM130_02, EM130_03)< or = (before or
on) reference period start date, go to EM230.
Otherwise (job start date (EM130_01, EM130_02, EM130_03) is after (>) reference period
start date or it is not known if job start date is before or after the reference period start
date), continue with EM170.

EMA - Page 35 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM170
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA1730)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO
)

BLAISE NAME: PrevJob
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{Other than {JobsEstbName FROM EM100}, did/Did} {you/{PERSON}} have a job between {START DATE}
and the time the job with {JobsEstbName FROM EM50, EM80, OR EM120} started [other than what we have
already discussed]?
DO NOT INCLUDE CURRENT JOBS.

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM180
EM230
EM230
EM230

(EMA1750)
(EMA1950)
(EMA1950)
(EMA1950)

Display ‘other than {JobsEstbName FROM EM100}, did’ if a current main employer was
collected at EM80.
Display ‘Did’ if a current main employer was not collected at EM80.
{JobsEstbName FROM EM100}: display the current-miscellaneous JobsEstbName collected at
the EM100 JOBS roster.
{JobsEstbName FROM EM50, EM80, or EM120}:
If collected a current main employer at EM50(JobTp=CURRENT MAIN), display that
JobsEstbName.
If collected a current-main employer at EM80 (JobTp=CURRENT MAIN), display that
JobsEstbName. If collected a former-main employer at EM120 (JobTp=FORMER MAIN),
display that JobsEstbName.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 36 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM180
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA1750)
Question
Enumerated

BLAISE NAME: JobERoster

TJOBSESTBNAME
)

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Please think about the employer or business where {you/{PERSON}} worked before {JobsEstbName FROM
EM50, EM80, OR EM120}. What is the name of that job or business?
IF PERSON HAD MORE THAN ONE EMPLOYER/BUSINESS, PROBE: Please think about {your/his/her} main job at
the time. What is the name of that job or business?
SELECT EMPLOYER/BUSINESS NAMED BELOW AND VERIFY WITH RESPONDENT BEFORE LEAVING SCREEN.
IF NOT ON THE LIST, PRESS CTRL-A TO ENTER A NEW EMPLOYER/BUSINESS.
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 37 of 138

BOX_120
BOX_120
BOX_120
BOX_120
BOX_120

(EMA1900)
(EMA1900)
(EMA1900)
(EMA1900)
(EMA1900)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up:
ENTER COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.
{JobsEstbName FROM EM50, EM80, or EM120}:
If collected a current main employer at EM50 (JobTp=CURRENT MAIN), display that
JobsEstbName. If collected a current-main employer at EM80 (JobTp=CURRENT MAIN),
display that JobsEstbName. If collected a former-main employer at EM120 (JobTp=FORMER
MAIN), display that JobsEstbName.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 38 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_120

(EMA1900)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Set JobTp=FORMER MAIN
Set RetireJob=NO.

Route Details:

Go to EM190_01.

BLAISE NAME: JobEStartYYYY

EM190_01
Item Type:

(EMA1905)
Question

Type Class:

Integer

Answer Type:

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

Field Size: 4

)

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST, MIDDLE, AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM200_01
EM200_01

(EMA1920)
(EMA1920)

Set JobStartYYYY
If year is on or after reference year minus 1, continue with EM190_02.
Otherwise, go to EM200_01.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM190_01, EM190_02, and EM190_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 39 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM190_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1910)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobEStartMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM200_01
EM200_01

(EMA1920)
(EMA1920)

Set JobStartMM

If year is on or after reference year, continue with EM190_03. Otherwise, go
to EM200_01.

Display
Instructions:

Display EM190_01, EM190_02, and EM190_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 40 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM190_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1915)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobEStartDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM200_01
EM200_01
EM200_01

(EMA1920)
(EMA1920)
(EMA1920)

Set JobStart DD
Range check:
Edit: job start date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
start date must be < = the reference period end date for this person.
If date is outside the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT WITH AGE.
PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (EndRefM, EndRefD,
EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB START DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM190_01, EM190_02, and EM190_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 41 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM200_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA1920)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobEStopYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM200_02

(EMA1925)

EM210
EM210

(EMA1940)
(EMA1940)

Set JobStopYYYY

Hard Check:
If year entered at EM200_01 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.
IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM170 (PrevJob) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM200_01, EM200_02, and EM200_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 42 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM200_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1925)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobEStopMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM200_03
BOX_130
BOX_130

(EMA1930)
(EMA1935)
(EMA1935)

Set JobStopMM

Hard Check:

If year entered at EM200_01 is equal to person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) and EM200_02 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period start month
(Person.BegRefM), display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM170 (PrevJob) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM200_01, EM200_02, and EM200_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 43 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM200_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA1930)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobEStopDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
RF
DK

EMA - Page 44 of 138

BOX_130
BOX_130
BOX_130

(EMA1935)
(EMA1935)
(EMA1935)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Set JobStopDD
Range check:

Edit: complete date at EM200_01, EM200_02, EM200_03 must be = or > start date at
EM190_01, EM190_02, EM190_ 03.

Display the following message: THE DATE ENTERED MUST BE ON OR AFTER THE
JOB START DATE.

Edit: job end date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
end date must be < = the person's reference period end date.

If date is outside of the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT
WITH AGE. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."

Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (Person.EndRefM,
EndRefD, EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.”

Hard Check: If date entered at EM200_01, 02, 03 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period
start date (Person.BegRefY, Person.BegRefM, Person.BegRefD) and [(EM200_01, EM200_
02, EM200_03) <> DK,RF] display the following message: “JOB END DATE MUST BE
ON OR AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY
AND RE-ENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM170 (PrevJob) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM200_01, EM200_02, and EM200_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

EMA - Page 45 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_130

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA1935)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If year field of job end date (EM200_01) is > (after) the person’s reference period start date
year field, go to EM230.

If year field of job end date (EM200_01) is = the person’s reference period start date year
field, check month and/or day fields for routing:
⦁ If month field of job end date is missing (EM200_02=empty, DK or RF), continue with
EM210.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM200_02) is after reference period start month
(regardless of response to day field of job end date), go to EM230.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM200_02) equal to reference period start month, check
day field for routing:
- If day field of job end date (EM200_03) is missing (empty, DK, RF),
continue with
EM210.
- If day field of job end date (EM200_03) on or after reference period
start date
day field, go to EM230.

EMA - Page 46 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM210
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA1940)
Question
Enumerated
TWHENSTOP_1
)

BLAISE NAME: JobEStopBefAft
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Can you tell me if {you/{PERSON}} stopped working at that job before or after {START DATE}?

Responses:

BEFORE {START DATE}
ON OR AFTER {START DATE}
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 47 of 138

EM230
EM230
EM230

(EMA1950)
(EMA1950)
(EMA1950)

)

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Hard Check: If EM210 coded ‘1’ display the following message

“RESPONDENT REPORTED IN EM170 (PrevJob) THAT {PERSON} HAD A
JOB/BUSINESS SINCE {START DATE}, BUT IS NOW REPORTING THAT THIS JOB
ENDED BEFORE{START DATE}.

VERIFY THIS INCONSISTENT INFORMATION WITH THE RESPONDENT.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE REFERENCE
PERIOD, GO TO EM170 (PrevJob) AND SELECT 'NO'.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS AFTER THE REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE,
GO TO EM200_01 (JobEStopYYYY) AND RE-ENTER THE CORRECT JOB END
DATE."
Questions involved: EM170, EM200_01

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 48 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM230
Item Type:

(EMA1950)
Question
Enumerated

Type Class:
Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: OtherJob
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{Since {START DATE}, {have/has}/Between {START DATE} and {END DATE}, did} {you/{PERSON}}
{had/have} any other jobs we haven't talked about such as a job held at the same time as a job you've already
mentioned?

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

LOOP_10
BOX_180
BOX_180
BOX_180

(EMA1955)
(EMA2400)
(EMA2400)
(EMA2400)

Display ‘Since {start date}, {have/has}’ if current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display ‘Between {start date} and {end date}, did’ if current round is the final round of the
panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘had’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘have’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

LOOP_10

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA1955)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: Begin Loop

For each of the following JobTp=CURRENT MISC
Ask EM240-END_LP10.
Loop definition: LOOP_10 enumerates other miscellaneous jobs for person. The response
to EM290 determines whether the loop cycles again. If EM290 is coded ‘1’ (YES), the loop
cycles to collect the next miscellaneous job. If EM290 is coded ‘2’ (NO), ‘RF’, or ‘DK’ ,
the loop ends.

EMA - Page 49 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec

BLAISE NAME: JobFRoster
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

EM240
Item Type:

(EMA1975)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TJOBSESTBNAME

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Please think about the {next most recent} employer or business where {you/{PERSON}} worked. What is the
name of that job or business?
ENTER COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.
IF NOT ON THE LIST, PRESS CTRL-A TO ENTER A NEW EMPLOYER/BUSINESS.
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 50 of 138

EM250_01
EM250_01
EM250_01
EM250_01
EM250_01

(EMA2130)
(EMA2130)
(EMA2130)
(EMA2130)
(EMA2130)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up: ENTER
COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.
Display ‘next most recent’ if not first cycle through LOOP_10. Otherwise, use a null display.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

EMA - Page 51 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM250_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2130)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobFStartYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM260_01
EM260_01

(EMA2145)
(EMA2145)

Set JobStartYYYY
If year is on or after reference year minus 1, continue with EM250_02.
Otherwise, go to EM260_01.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM250_01, EM250_02, and EM250_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

EMA - Page 52 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM250_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA2135)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobFStartMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM260_01
EM260_01

(EMA2145)
(EMA2145)

Set JobStartMM
If year is on or after reference year, continue with EM250_03. Otherwise, go to EM260_01.

Display
Instructions:

Display EM250_01, EM250_02, and EM250_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

EMA - Page 53 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM250_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA2140)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobFStartDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} start working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM260_01
EM260_01
EM260_01

(EMA2145)
(EMA2145)
(EMA2145)

Set JobStartDD
Range check:
Edit: job start date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
start date must be < = the reference period end date for this person.
If date is outside the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT WITH AGE.
PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (EndRefM, EndRefD,
EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB START DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM250_01, EM250_02, and EM250_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

EMA - Page 54 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM260_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2145)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobFStopYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 0

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?
IF STILL AT JOB {ON December 31, {YEAR}}, ENTER '0' IN YEAR FIELD.
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

Responses:

1
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

RF
DK

EMA - Page 55 of 138

EM270
EM270

(EMA2165)
(EMA2165)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Set JobStopYYYY

If '0' entered (STILL AT JOB), go to BOX_150. For all other years, go to EM260_02.

Hard Check:

If year entered at EM260_01 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM230 (OtherJob) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display 'ON December 31, {YEAR}' if the current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final), where 'YEAR' is the calendar year of the final round of the panel
(InterviewDate Year – 1). Otherwise, use a null display.
Display EM260_01, EM260_02, and EM260_03 on the same form pane.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

EMA - Page 56 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM260_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA2150)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobFStopMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?]
ENTER MONTH

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1
RF
DK

EM260_03
BOX_140
BOX_140

(EMA2155)
(EMA2160)
(EMA2160)

Set JobStopMM

Hard Check:
If year entered at EM260_01 is equal to person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) and EM260_02 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period start month
(Person.BegRefM), display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.
IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM230 (OtherJob) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM260_01, EM260_02, and EM260_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

EMA - Page 57 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM260_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA2155)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobFStopDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} stop working at that job?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
RF
DK

EMA - Page 58 of 138

BOX_140
BOX_140
BOX_140

(EMA2160)
(EMA2160)
(EMA2160)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Set JobStopDD
Range check:

Edit: complete date at EM260_01,02,03 must be = or > complete date at EM250_01,02,03.

Display the following message: THE DATE ENTERED MUST BE ON OR AFTER THE
JOB START DATE.

Edit: job end date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY.+ 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
end date must be < = the person's reference period end date.

If date is outside of the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT
WITH AGE. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."

Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (Person.EndRefM,
EndRefD, EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR
BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND REENTER.”

Hard Check: If date entered at EM260_01, 02, 03 is < (prior to) the person’s reference period
start date (Person.BegRefY, Person.BegRefM, Person.BegRefD) and [(EM260_01, EM260_
02, EM260_03) <> DK,RF] display the following message: “JOB END DATE MUST BE
ON OR AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY
AND RE-ENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}, GO TO EM230 (OtherJob) AND SELECT ‘NO’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM260_01, EM260_02, and EM260_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in ligher "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
EMA - Page 59 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec

YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

BOX_140

Route Details:

(EMA2160)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If year field of job end date (EM260_01) is > (after) the person’s reference period start date
year field, go to BOX_150.

If year field of job end date (EM260_01) is = the person’s reference period start date year
field, check month and/or day fields for routing:
⦁ If month field of job end date is missing (EM260_02=empty, DK or RF), continue with
EM270.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM260_02) is after reference period start month
(regardless of response to day field of job end date), go to BOX_150.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM260_02) equal to reference period start month, check
day field for routing:
- If day field of job end date (EM260_03) is missing (empty, DK, RF),
continue with
EM270.
- If day field of job end date (EM260_03) on or after reference period
start
date day field, go to BOX_150.

EMA - Page 60 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM270
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2165)
Question
Enumerated
TWHENSTOP_1
)

BLAISE NAME: JobFStopBefAft
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Can you tell me if {you/{PERSON}} stopped working at that job before or after {START DATE}?

Responses:

BEFORE {START DATE}
ON OR AFTER {START DATE}
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 61 of 138

BOX_150
BOX_150
BOX_150

(EMA2175)
(EMA2175)
(EMA2175)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Hard Check:
If EM270 is coded ‘1’ display the following message:
“RESPONDENT REPORTED IN EM230 (OtherJob) THAT {PERSON} HAD SOME
OTHER JOB(S)/BUSINESS(ES) SINCE {START DATE}, BUT IS NOW REPORTING
THAT ONE OF THESE JOBS ENDED BEFORE {START DATE}.

VERIFY THIS INCONSISTENT INFORMATION WITH THE RESPONDENT.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE REFERENCE
PERIOD, GO TO EM230 (OtherJob) AND SELECT NO.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS AFTER THE REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE
GO TO EM260_01 (JobFStopYYYY) AND RE-ENTER THE CORRECT JOB END
DATE."

Questions involved: EM230, EM260_01

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_150

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

(EMA2175)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If EM260_01 (JobStopMM/DD/YYYY) is coded '0' (STILL AT JOB), Set
JobTp=CURRENT MISC and .Set RetireJob=NO
If
EM260_01 ≠ 0 (JobStopMM/DD/YYYY), or EM270 is coded '2' (ON OR AFTER
START DATE), 'RF' , or 'DK' , SET JobTp='FORMER MISC and Set RetireJob=NO.
Go to EM290

EMA - Page 62 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec

EM290
Item Type:

(EMA2180)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: MoreJobs
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{Since {START DATE}, {have/has}/Between {START DATE} and {END DATE}, did} {you/{PERSON}} {have/had}
another job we haven't talked about {such as a job held at the same time as a job you've already mentioned}?

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

END_LP10
END_LP10
END_LP10
END_LP10

(EMA2185)
(EMA2185)
(EMA2185)
(EMA2185)

Display ‘Since {START DATE}, {have/has}’ if current round is not the final round of the
panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘Between{START DATE} and {END DATE}, did’ if current round is the final
round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘had’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘have’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display 'such as a job held at the same time as a job you've already
mentioned' if any jobs recorded for person during the current reference period.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop10[1..75]

EMA - Page 63 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
END_LP10

Route Details:

(EMA2185)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: End Loop

If EM290 is coded ‘1’ (YES), go to EM240.
If EM290 is coded ‘2’ (NO), ‘RF’, or ‘DK’ , go to BOX_ 180.

EM300
Item Type:

(EMA2190)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

BLAISE NAME: EverWorked
Field kind: Datafield

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (JOBFORPAYHelp)
Context Header:

ArrayMin:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{Have/Has} {you/{PERSON}} ever worked at a job for pay?
HELP: F1

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM310_01
BOX_230
BOX_230
BOX_230

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 64 of 138

(EMA2195)
(EMA2645)
(EMA2645)
(EMA2645)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM310_01
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2195)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobGStopYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 4

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
I'd like to know a little bit about the last job held by {you/{PERSON}}. When did {you/he/she} last stop working at a job for
pay?
ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

RF
DK

EMA - Page 65 of 138

EM320
EM320

(EMA2215)
(EMA2215)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Set JobStopYYYY

If year passes hard check and is on or after person’s reference period start year minus 2,
continue with EM310_02.

Otherwise, go to BOX_160.

Hard Check:

If year entered at EM310_01 is > (after) the person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS ON OR AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE
PERIOD START DATE}, GO TO EM20 (AnyWork) AND SELECT ‘YES’.”
Range Check:
Values should be between 1930 and {YEAR} where year is end reference
year. If the value is outside of the range display the following message:

"YEAR MUST BE BETWEEN 1930 AND {YEAR}. VERIFY AND RE-ENTER DATE."

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM310_01, EM310_02, and EM310_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 66 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM310_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA2200)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobGStopMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[I'd like to know a little bit about the last job held by {you/{PERSON}}. When did {you/he/she} last stop working at a job for
pay?]
ENTER MONTH

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

EM310_03

(EMA2205)

BOX_160
BOX_160

(EMA2210)
(EMA2210)

Set JobStopMM

Hard Check:

If year entered at EM310_01 is equal to person’s reference period start year
(Person.BegRefY) and EM310_02 is > (after) the person’s reference period start month
(Person.BegRefM), display the following message “JOB END DATE MUST BE BEFORE
{PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS ON OR AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD
START DATE}, GO TO EM20 (AnyWork) AND SELECT ‘YES’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM310_01, EM310_02, and EM310_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter grayed-out text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 67 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM310_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (

(EMA2205)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobGStopDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

)

Look Up File (

Question Text:
[I'd like to know a little bit about the last job held by {you/{PERSON}}. When did {you/he/she} last stop working at a job for
pay?]
ENTER DAY

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
RF
DK

EMA - Page 68 of 138

BOX_160
BOX_160
BOX_160

(EMA2210)
(EMA2210)
(EMA2210)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Set JobStopDD
Range check:

Edit: job end date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and
< = the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job
end date must be < = the person’s reference period end date.

If date is outside the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT WITH
AGE. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."

Hard Check: If date entered at EM310_01, EM310_02, EM310_03 is = (on) OR > (after) the
person’s reference period start date (Person.BegRefY, Person.BegRefM, Person.BegRefD)
and (EM310_01, EM310_02, EM310_03) <> DK,RF] display the following message:

“JOB END DATE MUST BE BEFORE {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD START
DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS ON OR AFTER {PERSON’S REFERENCE PERIOD
START DATE}, GO TO EM20 (AnyWork) AND SELECT ‘YES’.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM310_01, EM310_02, and EM310_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter "grayed-out" text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 69 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_160

Item Type: Route

(EMA2210)

Route Details:

Type Class: If Then

If year field of job end date (EM310_01) is < (prior to) the person’s reference period start
date year field, go to EM340.

If year field of job end date (EM310_01) is = the person’s reference period start date year
field, check month and/or day fields for routing:
⦁ If month field of job end date is missing (EM310_02=empty, DK or RF), continue with
EM320.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM310_02) is prior to reference period start month
(regardless of response to day field of job end date), go to EM340.
⦁ If month field of job end date (EM310_02) equal to reference period start month, check
day field for routing:
- If day field of job end date (EM310_03) is missing (empty, DK, RF), continue
with EM320.
- If day field of job end date (EM310_03) is prior to reference period start date
day field, go to EM340.

EM320
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2215)
Question
Enumerated
TWHENSTOP_1
)

BLAISE NAME: JobGStopBefAft
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Can you tell me if {you/{PERSON}} stopped working at that job before or after {START DATE}?

Responses:

BEFORE {START DATE}
ON OR AFTER {START DATE}
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 70 of 138

EM340

(EMA2240)

EM340
EM340

(EMA2240)
(EMA2240)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Hard check
If EM320 coded ‘2’ display the following message:
“RESPONDENT REPORTED IN EM20 (AnyWork) THAT {PERSON} HAS NOT HAD A
JOB/BUSINESS SINCE {START DATE}, BUT IS NOW REPORTING THAT THE LAST
JOB HELD ENDED AFTER {START DATE}.

VERIFY THIS INCONSISTENT INFORMATION WITH THE RESPONDENT.
IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD, GO TO EM20
(AnyWork) AND SELECT 'YES'.

IF DATE STOPPED WORKING IS BEFORE THE REFERENCE PERIOD START DATE,
GO TO EM310_01 (JobGStopYYYY) AND RE-ENTER THE CORRECT JOB END
DATE.”
Questions Involved EM20, EM310_01

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 71 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM340
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2240)
Question
Enumerated

BLAISE NAME: JobGRoster

TJOBSESTBNAME
)

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE} {END DATE}

Question Text:
What is the name of {your/{PERSON}'s} employer or business that {you/he/she} stopped working at on
{DATE}?
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 72 of 138

BOX_170
BOX_170
BOX_170
BOX_170
BOX_170

(EMA2395)
(EMA2395)
(EMA2395)
(EMA2395)
(EMA2395)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
Display JobStopMM/DD/YYYY set at EM310_01,_02,_03 for "DATE".

When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up: ENTER
COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_170

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA2395)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Set JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD
Set RetireJob=NO.
Go to Box_180.

EMA - Page 73 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_180

Route Details:

(EMA2400)

Type Class: If Then

If person is < 55 years old or in age categories 4-7, go to BOX_210. Otherwise, continue
with EM350.

EM350
Item Type:

(EMA2405)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (RETIREDHelp)
Context Header:

Item Type: Route

BLAISE NAME: EverRetire
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Show Card (

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{I have recorded that {you/{PERSON}} {have/has} retired from (READ JOB(S) BELOW).}
{JobsEstbName}1
{JobsEstbName}2
{JobsEstbName}3
{JobsEstbName}4
{JobsEstbName}N
{{Have/Has}/Between {START DATE} and {END DATE}, did} {you/{PERSON}} {ever retired/retire} from {a/any
other} job or business?
HELP: F1

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 74 of 138

EM360
BOX_210
BOX_210
BOX_210

(EMA2410)
(EMA2630)
(EMA2630)
(EMA2630)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Roster 1- Report
Roster Definition:
This item displays the PERSON'S JOBS ROSTER for display.
Roster Filter:
Display only RetireJob=YES during any round.
NOTE: RetireJob=Yes can be set for any of the following job subtypes:
• JobTp=FORMER MAIN
• JobTp=FORMER MISC
• JobTp=RETIREMENT JOB
• JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD
Display {I have recorded that {you/{PERSON}} {have/has} retired from (READ JOB(S)
BELOW).} if person being asked about has any jobs set as RETIRED FROM (RetireJob=YES)
during any previous reference period.
Display '{Have/Has}' and ‘ever retired’ if round 1 OR if person added to RU during
interround processing (PersAddedBetweenRounds=YES) OR if person is added to the RU
this round, excluding merges [(Person[].PreloadOrd = EMPTY], OR person is now = or > 55
years age or in age category 8 or 9 but was not in previous round. Otherwise, display
'Between {START DATE} and {END DATE}, did' and ‘retire’.
Display 'a' if person being asked about does not have any jobs set as 'RETIRED
FROM'(RetireJob=NO) during any previous reference period.
Display 'any other' if person being asked about does have at least one job set as RETIRED
FROM (RetireJob=YES) during any previous reference period.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 75 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM360
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2410)
Question
Integer

Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (RETIREDHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: NumRetired
ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 75

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Some people retire from more than one job during their life. How many times {have/has} {you/{PERSON}} retired {since
{START DATE}/between {START DATE} and {END DATE}}?
ENTER NUMBER OF TIMES
HELP: F1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

1

BOX_190

(EMA2415)

RF
DK

BOX_190
BOX_190

(EMA2415)
(EMA2415)

Display ‘since {START DATE}’ if current round is not the first round of the panel or the final
round of the panel (RndType<>First or Final).
Display ‘between {START DATE} and {END DATE}’ if current round is the final round of the
panel (RndType=Final).
Otherwise, use a null display.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 76 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_190

(EMA2415)

Route Details:

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If all jobs in Person’s Jobs roster are some combination of only:
⦁ JobTp=CURRENT MAIN or
⦁ JobTp=CURRENT MISC or
⦁ JobTp=RETIREMENT JOB or
⦁ Flagged as Retirement Jobs (RetireJob=YES)
go to LOOP_20.
Otherwise, continue with EM370.

EM370
Item Type:

(EMA2420)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: AnyJobsRetired
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Were any of the following jobs a job from which {you/{PERSON}} retired? (READ JOBS BELOW):
{JobsEstbName} {JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} - {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}1
{JobsEstbName} {JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} - {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}2
{JobsEstbName} {JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} - {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}3
{JobsEstbName} {JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} - {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}4
{JobsEstbName} {JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} - {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}N

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 77 of 138

EM380
LOOP_20
LOOP_20
LOOP_20

(EMA2425)
(EMA2430)
(EMA2430)
(EMA2430)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Display
Instructions:

Roster 1- Report

Roster Definition:
This item displays the PERSON'S JOBS ROSTER for display.
Roster Filter:
Exclude the following Job types from the display:
⦁ JobTp=CURRENT MAIN
⦁ JobTp= CURRENT MISC
⦁ JobTp=RETIREMENT JOB
⦁ Flagged as Retirement Jobs (RetireJob=YES)
Display all of person's jobs other than current or retired jobs with the associated job start
and job end dates (if and when available).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 78 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM380
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2425)
Question
Enumerated

BLAISE NAME: JobHRoster
Field kind: Datafield

Field Size:
TEMPLJOBSTRTEN Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Which job did {you/{PERSON}} retire from {between {START DATE} and {END DATE}}?
PROBE: Any others?
ENTER ALL THAT APPLY

Responses:

{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}1
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}2
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}3
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}4
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}N

1

2

3

4

5

EMA - Page 79 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Set all selected jobs to RetireJob=YES.
Set all jobs displayed at EM380, but not selected to RetireJob=NO except for any preloaded
jobs where RetireJob already=YES. Jobs not selected that already have RetireJob=NO (based
on an initialization) do not need to have their RetireJob flag re-set.
If the total number of jobs selected at EM380 equals the number of times retired at EM360,
go to BOX_210.
If total number of jobs selected at EM380 is less than the number of times retired at EM360
go to LOOP_20.
Hard check:
Edit: The total number of jobs selected at EM380 must be < or = number of times retired at
EM360. If not, display the following message: "NUMBER OF RETIRED JOBS EXCEEDS TIMES
RETIRED. VERIFY AND RESELECT JOBS."
Roster behavior: Multiple select allowed.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 2- no add/edit/delete
Roster definition:
This item displays the person's jobs roster for selection.
Roster filter:
Exclude the following Job types from the display:
⦁ JobTp=CURRENT MAIN
⦁ JobTp=CURRENT MISC
⦁ JobTp=RETIREMENT JOB
⦁ Flagged as Retirement Jobs (RetireJob=YES)
Display all of person's jobs other than current or retired jobs with the associated job start
and job end dates (if and when available).
Display 'between {START DATE} and {END DATE}' if current round is the final round of the
panel (RndType=Final). Otherwise, use a null display.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 80 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
LOOP_20

Route Details:

(EMA2430)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: Begin Loop

For each of the following:
Retirement job not yet accounted for
Ask EM390-END_LP20.
Loop definition: LOOP_20 enumerates and collects information about jobs person retired
from that have not yet been accounted for. The number of jobs retired from but not yet
accounted for (the number entered at EM360 minus the number of jobs selected at EM380,
if any) determines the number of loop cycles. ‘RF’ and ‘DK’ responses at EM360 will be
treated as a ‘1’ (ONE JOB RETIRED FROM).

BLAISE NAME: JobIRoster

EM390
Item Type:

(EMA2450)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated
Field Size:
TJOBSESTBNAME Answers allowed: 1

Answer Type:

Help Available (RETIREDHelp)
Context Header:

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Please think about the {first/next} employer or business {you/{PERSON}} retired from {between {START
DATE} and{END DATE}}. What is the name of that employer or business {you/{PERSON}} retired from?
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE
HELP: F1

Responses:

{JobsEstbName} 1
{JobsEstbName} 2
{JobsEstbName} 3
{JobsEstbName} 4
{JobsEstbName} N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 81 of 138

BOX_200
BOX_200
BOX_200
BOX_200
BOX_200

(EMA2605)
(EMA2605)
(EMA2605)
(EMA2605)
(EMA2605)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior: Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set Job.DeDupOrgID =
DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.JobsEstbName = DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp=Employer.
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3 – add/edit/delete allowed

Roster definition:
This item displays the RU JOBS ROSTER for selection of person's job or business.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Employer, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up: ENTER
COMPLETE NAME OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS AND VERIFY SPELLING.

Display ‘first’ if first cycle through LOOP_20.
Display ‘next' if not first cycle through LOOP_20.

Display ‘between {START DATE} and {END DATE}’ if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).
Otherwise, use a null display.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]

EMA - Page 82 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_200

Route Details:

(EMA2605)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Set JobTp=RETIREMENT.
Set RetireJob=YES.

BLAISE NAME: JobIStopYYYY
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

EM400_01
Item Type:

(EMA2610)
Question

Type Class:

Integer

Answer Type:

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Field Size: 4

Help Available (RETIREDHelp)
Context Header:

Min value: 1900

ArrayMax:

Show Card (

Max value: 2100

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
When did {you/{PERSON}} retire from that job?
ENTER 4- DIGIT YEAR
HELP: F1

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

END_LP20
END_LP20

(EMA2625)
(EMA2625)

Set JobStopYYYY
If year is on or after reference year minus 2, continue with EM400_02.
Otherwise, go to END_LP20.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display EM400_01, EM400_02 and EM400_03 on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]

EMA - Page 83 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM400_02
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2615)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobIStopMM
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (RETIREDHelp)

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 12

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} retire from that job?]
ENTER MONTH
HELP: F1

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

RF
DK

END_LP20
END_LP20

(EMA2625)
(EMA2625)

Set JobStopMM
If year is on or after reference year minus 2, continue with EM400_03.
Otherwise, go to END_LP20.

Display
Instructions:

Display EM400_01, EM400_02 and EM400_03 on the same form pane
Display bracketed question text in lighter “grayed-out” text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]

EMA - Page 84 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM400_03
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2620)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: JobIStopDD
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (RETIREDHelp)

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 31

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

Question Text:
[When did {you/{PERSON}} retire from that job?]
ENTER DAY
HELP: F1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1

END_LP20

(EMA2625)

RF
DK

END_LP20
END_LP20

(EMA2625)
(EMA2625)

Set JobStopDD
Range check:
Edit: job end date must be = > Person.DOBM, Person.DOBD, Person.DOBY + 12 years and < =
the reference period end date for this person. If a date of birth is not available, then job end
date must be < = the reference period end date for this person.
If date is outside the range display the following message: "DATE INCONSISTENT WITH AGE.
PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Hard Check: If date entered is after person's reference period end date (EndRefM, EndRefD,
EndRefY) display the following message: “JOB END DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE {PERSON’S
REFERENCE PERIOD END DATE}. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER.”

Display
Instructions:

Display EM400_01, EM400_02 and EM400_03 on the same form pane.
Display bracketed question text in lighter “grayed-out” text.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop20[1..75]

EMA - Page 85 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
END_LP20

Route Details:

(EMA2625)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: End Loop

If all retirement jobs are not yet accounted for (that is, if EM360 > 1, and the number of
cycles of loop < number of retired jobs at EM360 minus the number of jobs selected at
EM380), cycle to collect next job retired from.
When all retirement jobs are accounted for (that is, all ‘TIMES RETIRED’ coded at
EM360 are accounted for), or if EM360 is coded ‘1’, ‘RF’, or ‘DK’ , end LOOP_20 and
continue with BOX_210.

BOX_210

Route Details:

BOX_220

Route Details:

(EMA2630)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If no JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and at least one JobTp=CURRENT MISC continue with
BOX_220.
Otherwise, go to BOX_230.

(EMA2635)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If only one job with JobTp=CURRENT MISC Set JobTp=CURRENT MAIN then go to
BOX_ 230.
Otherwise, continue with EM410.

EMA - Page 86 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM410
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2640)
Question
Enumerated

BLAISE NAME: JobJRoster
Field kind: Datafield

Field Size:
TEMPLJOBSTRTEN Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
We've recorded that {you/{PERSON}} {currently {work/works}/worked} at (READ JobsEstbNameS BELOW)
{on December 31, {YEAR}}. Which {is/was} {your/his/her} main job or business {on December 31,{YEAR}}?

Responses:

{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}1
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}2
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}3
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}4
{JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY} {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}N

1

BOX_230

(EMA2645)

2

BOX_230

(EMA2645)

3

BOX_230

(EMA2645)

4

BOX_230

(EMA2645)

5

BOX_230

(EMA2645)

EMA - Page 87 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Change JobTp=CURRENT MISC to JobTp=CURRENT MAIN for the job selected in EM410.
Note: Since this job type is switching to a ‘CURRENT MAIN’ job, this job will be asked about
in LOOP_30 during the current round.
Roster behavior:
1. Select allowed.
2. If more than one job selected, display the following error message: "ONLY ONE EMPLOYER
MAY BE SELECTED. VERIFY AND RE-ENTER. CONTINUE."
3. If no job selected, display the following error message: "MUST SELECT ONE EMPLOYER.
CONTINUE."

Display
Instructions:

Roster 2- no add/edit/delete
Roster definition:
This item displays the person's jobs roster for selection.
Roster filter:
Display jobs JobTp=CURRENT MISC where person still works at the job
(JobStopMM/DD/YYYY = EMPTY and RetireJob = No)
If {JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}=EMPTY (person is still at job) display "CURRENT"
Display ‘currently {work/works}’ if current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display ‘worked’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display 'is' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'was' if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display 'on December 31, {YEAR}' if the current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final), where 'YEAR' is the calendar year of the final round of the panel
(InterviewDate Year – 1).
Otherwise, use a null display.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_230

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA2645)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Continue with Employment (EM) section BOX_240. (Used to be EM_B)
EMA - Page 88 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec

BOX_240

Route Details:

(EMA2650)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If RndType = First and
EM300 is coded '2' (NO), 'RF , or 'DK , GO TO BOX_ 350.
If RndType <> First AND
SimplePerson.Pre_EM300= NO, DK OR RF
(EM300 was coded ‘2’ (NO), ‘RF , or ‘DK’ in a previous round)
AND
There are no jobs on person’s jobs roster, go to BOX_350.
Otherwise, continue with BOX_250.

BOX_250

Route Details:

(EMA2655)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If:
job created during the current round,(OrigRnd=CURRENT ROUND)
OR
JobTp switched from PR_JobTp=CURRENT MISC) to JobTp=CURRENT MAIN
OR
JobTp=FORMER MISC' and RetireJob=YES is set during the current round,
OR
PR_JobTp=FORMER MISC and RetireJob=YES during the current round, continue with
LOOP_30.
Otherwise, go to BOX_350.

EMA - Page 89 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
LOOP_30

(EMA2660)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: Begin Loop

For each element in person’s jobs roster, ask BOX_255-END_LP30.

Route Details:

Loop definition: LOOP_30 collects detailed information about each job reported for
person. This loop cycles on jobs which meet the following conditions:
Job created during the current round (OrigRnd=CURRENT ROUND)
OR
JobTp switched from PR_JobTp= CURRENT MISC to JobTp=CURRENT MAIN
OR
JobTp=FORMER MISC and RetireJob=YES during the current round,
OR
PR_JobTp=FORMER MISC and RetireJob=YES during the current round

BOX_255

(EMA2661)

Route Details:

(EMA2670)
Question

Answer Type:

TJOBTYPE

Context Header:

Type Class: If Then

If job created during the current round (OrigRnd=CURRENT ROUND), continue with
EM420. Otherwise, go to BOX_260.

EM420
Item Type:
Type Class:

Help Available (

Item Type: Route

Enumerated

BLAISE NAME: SelfEmp
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

)

Show Card (

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
I'd like to talk about {your/{PERSON}'s} job or business at {JobsEstbName}.
{Are/Is}/{Were/Was}} {you/{PERSON}} self-employed, or {{do/does}/did} {you/he/she} work for someone else at
that job?

Responses:

SELF-EMPLOYED
FOR SOMEONE ELSE
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK
EMA - Page 90 of 138

BOX_260
BOX_260
BOX_260
BOX_260

(EMA2675)
(EMA2675)
(EMA2675)
(EMA2675)

)

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Display
Instructions:

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

If coded ‘1’ (SELF-EMPLOYED), set SelfEmp=SelfEmpl.

Display ‘{Are/Is}’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘{Were/Was}’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final) or
JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST
JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT.
Display ‘{do/does}’ if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘did’ if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final) or
JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST
JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 91 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_260

Route Details:

(EMA2675)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If:
JobTp=CURRENT MISC
OR
(JobTp=FORMER MISC and RetireJob=NO)
Go to BOX_310.
If job is set as SelfEmp<>SelfEmpl,
AND
JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE OF REFERENCE PERIOD
OR
JobTp=RETIREMENT
OR
(JobTp=FORMER MISC and RetireJob=YES),
Go to EM480.
If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
AND
JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD
And
RETIREJOB=NO
AND
JobStopMM/DD/YYYY > 2 years from current interview date then go to EM530
If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
AND
JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD
And
RETIREJOB=YES
AND
JobStopMM/DD/YYYY > 2 years from current interview date then go to EM660
If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
AND
JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD
And
JobStopMM/DD/YYYY < or = 2 years from current interview date or JobStopYYYY=DK
or RF, then go to EM490
If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
AND
JobTp=RETIREMENT JOB
AND
and JobStopMM/DD/YYYY > 2 years from current interview date then go to EM660
If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
AND
JobTp=RETIREMENT JOB
AND
and JobStopMM/DD/YYYY < or = 2 years from current interview date or
JobStopYYYY=DK or RF, then go to EM490
If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
AND
(JobTp=FORMER MISC and RetireJob=YES),
EMA - Page 92 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
Go to EM490.

If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
AND
JobTp=CURRENT MAIN,
OR
JobTp=FORMER MAIN
Go to EM460.
Otherwise Go to EM430.

Programmer
Instructions:

Job stop month and day (EM310/EM400) is now collected for all LJOP and Retirement Jobs
that ended in the reference year minus 2. A DK or RF response for month and day for jobs
within this time frame do not meet the criteria to skip the detail series.

BLAISE NAME: NumEmp
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

EM430
Item Type:

(EMA2680)
Question

Type Class:

Integer

Answer Type:

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Min value: 0

Field Size: 5

Show Card (

ArrayMax:

Max value: 99999

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
How many persons are employed by {JobsEstbName} in a usual week at the location where {you/{PERSON}}
{{work/works}/worked}?
ENTER NUMBER. IF RESPONDENT IS NOT SURE, DO NOT PROBE, CODE ‘DON’T KNOW’.

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1

EM450

(EMA2690)

RF
DK

EM440
EM440

(EMA2685)
(EMA2685)

EMA - Page 93 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

SET TotNumEmp=VALUE ENTERED AT EM430
If the value entered for the number of employees=0 set EmpEstm='0'
If the value entered for the number of employees=1 set EmpEstm= ‘1’
If the value entered for the number of employees=2-9, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ‘2-9’
If the value entered for the number of employees=10-25, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ’10-25’
If the value entered for the number of employees=26-49, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ‘26-49’
If the value entered for the number of employees=50-100, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ‘50-100’
If the value entered for the number of employees=101-500, inclusive, set
EmpEstm=‘101-500’
If the value entered for the number of employees =501-1000, inclusive, set
EmpEstm='501-1000'
If the value entered for the number of employees= ‘1001-5000’, inclusive, set
EmpEstm=’1001-5000’
If the value entered for the number of employees is > 5000 set EmpEstm='5001+'
Note: In the final round of the panel (RndType=Final), ‘DEC 31 {YEAR}’, where 'YEAR' is the
calendar year of the final round of the panel (InterviewDate Year – 1), will be displayed in
the context header for ‘JobStopMM/DD/YYYY’ for all current main and current
miscellaneous jobs. That is, ‘DEC 31 {YEAR}’ will be displayed instead of the word ‘CURRENT’
for these job types.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display ‘{work/works}’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN.
Display ‘worked’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 94 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM440
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2685)
Question
Enumerated
TESTMATE2
)

BLAISE NAME: EmpEstm
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
About how many persons are employed there? Would you say 2 to 9, 10 to 25, 26 to 49, 50 to 100, 101 to 500, 501 to 1000,
1001 to 5000 or more than 5000?

Responses:

2-9
10-25
26-49
50-100
101-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001+
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
RF
DK

EMA - Page 95 of 138

EM450
EM450
EM450
EM450
EM450
EM450
EM450
EM450
EM450
EM450

(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)
(EMA2690)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

If coded ‘2’ set EmpEstm= ‘2-9’
If coded ‘3’, set EmpEstm= ’10-25’
If coded ‘4’ set EmpEstm= ‘26-49’
If coded ‘5’ set EmpEstm= ‘50-100’
If coded ‘6’ set EmpEstm= ‘101-500’
If coded ‘7’ set EmpEstm= '501-1000'
If coded '8' set EmpEstm='1001-5000'
If coded ‘9’ set EmpEstm= ‘5001+’
If coded DK set EmpEstm=DK
If coded RF set EmpEstm=RF

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM450
Item Type:

(EMA2690)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated
TYESNO

Answer Type:

Help Available (MoreLoctnHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: MoreLoctn
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
Does {JobsEstbName} have facilities in more than one location?
HELP: F1

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 96 of 138

EM480
EM480
EM480
EM480

(EMA2705)
(EMA2705)
(EMA2705)
(EMA2705)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

If coded ‘1’ (YES) set MoreLoctn=YES
If coded ‘2’ (NO) set MoreLoctn=NO
If coded ‘RF’ set MoreLoctn=RF
If coded ‘DK’ set MoreLoctn=DK

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM460
Item Type:

(EMA2695)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

BLAISE NAME: BusnIncorp
Field kind: Datafield
Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (BusnIncorpHelp)
Context Header:

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Is/Was} {your/{PERSON}'s} business incorporated?
HELP: F1

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 97 of 138

EM490
EM470
EM490
EM470

(EMA2715)
(EMA2700)
(EMA2715)
(EMA2700)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display ‘Is’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN.
Display ‘Was’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM470
Item Type:
Type Class:

(EMA2700)
Question
Enumerated

Answer Type:

TEM95BlsWvs

BLAISE NAME: ProprietPartner
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (ProprietPartnerHelp)
Context Header:

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY }
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Is/Was} this business a sole proprietorship or a partnership?
HELP: F1

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
PARTNERSHIP
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM490
EM490
EM490
EM490

(EMA2715)
(EMA2715)
(EMA2715)
(EMA2715)

Display ‘Is’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN.
Display ‘Was’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 98 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM480
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2705)
Question
Enumerated
TTYPEEMPL

Help Available (JobsEmpTpHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: JobsEmpTp
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY }
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{{Are/Is}/{Were/Was}} {you/{PERSON}} an employee of a private company, individual or organization, the
Federal government, state government, local government, the Armed Forces, or foreign (non U.S.) government?
HELP: F1

Responses:

A PRIVATE COMPANY, INDIVIDUAL OR
ORGANIZATION
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
STATE GOVERNMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
THE ARMED FORCES
FOREIGN (NON U.S.) GOVERNMENT
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
3
4
5
6
RF
DK

EMA - Page 99 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Soft Check:
If EM480 Coded 5 ‘Armed Forces’ display the message “CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE
ARMED FORCES SHOULD SELECT “THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT” AS
EMPLOYER TYPE. VERIFY WITH RESPONDENT IF NECESSARY.”
If EM480 coded ‘1’ set JobsEmpTp=‘A PRIVATE COMPANY, INDIVIDUAL OR
ORGANIZATION’
If EM480 coded ‘2’ set JobsEmpTp=‘THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’
If EM480 coded ‘3’ set JobsEmpTp=‘STATE GOVERNMENT’
If EM480 coded ‘4’ set JobsEmpTp=‘LOCAL GOVERNMENT’
If EM480 coded ‘5’ set JobsEmpTp=‘THE ARMED FORCES’
If EM480 coded ‘6’ set JobsEmpTp=‘FOREIGN (NON U.S.) GOVERNMENT’
If EM480 coded ‘RF’ set JobsEmpTp=‘RF’
If EM480 coded ‘DK’ set JobsEmpTp=‘DK’
IF (JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE THE REFERENCE PERIOD And RetireJob=NO AND
JobStopMM/DD/YYYY > 2 years from current interview date then go to EM520
IF (JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE THE REFERENCE PERIOD And RetireJob=YES AND
JobStopMM/DD/YYYY > 2 years from current interview date then go to EM660
If JobTp=RETIREMENT
and JobStopMM/DD/YYYY > 2 years from current interview date then go to EM660
Else
If EM480 coded ‘1’, ‘6’, ‘RF’ or ‘DK’ go to
EM490.
Otherwise go to EM500.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Display ‘(Are/Is)’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN.
Display ‘(Were/Was)’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST
JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 100 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM490
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2715)
Question
String

BLAISE NAME: BusnTp
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 100

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName....}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
What kind of business or industry {is/was} that?
PROBE: What do they make or do?
RECORD VERBATIM.

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1

EM500

(EMA2720)

RF
DK

EM500
EM500

(EMA2720)
(EMA2720)

Note: allow multiple lines for entry.
Display text entry box as two (2) rows high, by 50 characters long.

Display
Instructions:

Display ‘Is’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN.
Display ‘Was’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST JOB
OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT..

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 101 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM500
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2720)
Question
String

BLAISE NAME: JobTitle
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 100

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
What {is/was} {your/{PERSON}'s} job called?
RECORD VERBATIM.

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Programmer
Instructions:

1

EM510

(EMA2725)

RF
DK

EM510
EM510

(EMA2725)
(EMA2725)

Note: allow multiple lines for entry.
Display text entry box as two (2) rows high, by 50 characters long.

Display
Instructions:

Display ‘Is’ if JobTp=CURRENT- MAIN.
Display ‘Was’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST JOB
OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 102 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM510
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2725)
Question
String

BLAISE NAME: JobDuties
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 100

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY }
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
What {{do/does}/did} {you/{PERSON}} actually do at that job? What {are/were} some of {your/his/her} most important
activities or duties?
RECORD VERBATIM.

Responses:

1
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

RF
DK

EMA - Page 103 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

If JobTp=CURRENT MAIN, go to EM540.
If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
And
(JobTp=FORMER MAIN and RetireJob=NO) OR
(JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD and RetireJob=NO), Go to EM530.
If:
JobTp=RETIREMENT, OR
(JobTp=FORMER MAIN and RetireJob=YES), OR
(JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD and RetireJob=YES) OR
(JobTp=FORMER MISC and RetireJob=YES) Go to BOX_270.
Otherwise, continue with EM520. Note: allow multiple lines for entry.
Display text entry box as two (2) rows high, by 50 characters long.

Display
Instructions:

Display ‘{do/does}’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN.
Display ‘did’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST JOB
OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT.
Display ‘are’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN
Display ‘were’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE
REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 104 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM520
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2730)
Question
Enumerated
TYLEFT

Help Available (LeftJobResnHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: LeftJobResn
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
What is the main reason that {you/{PERSON}} no longer {have/has} this job?
HELP: F1

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

JOB ENDED, TEMPORARY, SEASONAL,
CONTRACT, ETC.
BUSINESS CLOSED OR SOLD
ILLNESS, INJURY, HEALTH PROBLEM
TERMINATED, FIRED, DISMISSED
LAID OFF, LET GO
QUIT - FAMILY REASON, MATERNITY
LEAVE
QUIT -- SCHOOL
QUIT - JOB RELATED REASON
QUIT - ANY OTHER REASON
OTHER - SPECIFY
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1

BOX_270

(EMA2740)

2
3
4
5
6

BOX_270
BOX_270
BOX_270
BOX_270
BOX_270

(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)

7
8
9
91
RF
DK

BOX_270
BOX_270
BOX_270
EM520OS
BOX_270
BOX_270

(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)
(EMA2735)
(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)

Display EM520 and EM520OS on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 105 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM520OS
Item Type:

(EMA2735)
Question
String

Type Class:
Answer Type:

BLAISE NAME: LeftJobResnOS
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 25

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

Question Text:
SPECIFY:

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_270

Route Details:

1

BOX_270

(EMA2740)

RF
DK

BOX_270
BOX_270

(EMA2740)
(EMA2740)

Display EM520 and EM520OS on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

(EMA2740)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If:
JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD
(RetireJob=YES OR NO),
OR
JobTp=RETIREMENT OR
(JobTp=FORMER MISC AND RetireJob=YES) go to EM660.
OTHERWISE, GO TO EM540.

EMA - Page 106 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM530
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2745)
Question
Enumerated
TYNOBUSN

BLAISE NAME: NoBusnResn
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Help Available (NoBusnResnHelp)
Context Header:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
What is the main reason that {you/{PERSON}} no longer {have/has} this business?
HELP: F1

Responses:

BUSINESS CLOSED OR SOLD
RETIRED
ILLNESS OR INJURY
OTHER
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
3
91
RF
DK

Programmer
Instructions:

If JobTp= LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD AND
RETIREJOB=NO go to Box_320.
Otherwise go to EM540

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 107 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM540
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2765)
Question
Real

Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 3

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (ACTUALHRSHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: HoursWeekA
ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 168

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY }
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
For the next questions, please remember that we are talking about the period between {START DATE} and
{END DATE}.
Often the actual number of hours people work is different from the number of hours on which their salaries are
based. How many hours per week {{do/does}/did} {you/{PERSON}} usually work at {JobsEstbName}? Include all
the hours {you/he/she} usually {{spend/spends}/spent} working on this job, except for any unpaid travel to and
from the job.
ENTER HOURS

HELP: F1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1

EM560

(EMA2775)

RF
DK

EM550
EM550

(EMA2770)
(EMA2770)

EMA - Page 108 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Set FTPTStatus=PT IF EM540<35
Set FTPTStatus=FT IF EM540>=35
Hard check: Allow input of decimals. If decimal is input, display the following message:
“PLEASE ENTER WHOLE NUMBERS ONLY.”
Hard check: whole numbers 1-168.

Display
Instructions:

Display ‘{do/does}’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of
the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘did’ if JobTp=FORMER-MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).
Display ‘{spend/spends}’ if ‘JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round
of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘spent’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM550
Item Type:

(EMA2770)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: AtLeast35Hr
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Do/Does}/Did} {you/{PERSON}} work at least 35 hours a week at this job?

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK
EMA - Page 109 of 138

EM560
EM560
EM560
EM560

(EMA2775)
(EMA2775)
(EMA2775)
(EMA2775)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

If coded ‘1’ (YES) Set FTPTStatus=FT
If coded “2’ (NO), ‘RF’ or ‘DK” set FTPTStatus=PT

Display ‘{Do/Does}’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of
the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘Did’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM560
Item Type:

(EMA2775)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated
TYESNO

Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: JobTemporaryA
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
Some people are in temporary jobs that last only for a limited time or until the completion of a project. {Is/Was}
{your/{PERSON}'s} job at {JobsEstbName} temporary?

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 110 of 138

EM570
EM570
EM570
EM570

(EMA2780)
(EMA2780)
(EMA2780)
(EMA2780)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

{Is/Was}: Display 'Is' if 'JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of
the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'Was' if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM570
Item Type:
Type Class:

(EMA2780)
Question

Answer Type:

TYRRND

Help Available (
Context Header:

Enumerated

BLAISE NAME: JobSeasonalA
Field kind: Datafield
ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:

)

Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Is/Was} {your/{PERSON}'s} job at {JobsEstbName} a year round job or {is/was} it only available during
certain times of the year?
[Teachers and other school personnel who work only during the school year should consider themselves to have
a year round job.]

Responses:

YEAR ROUND
NOT YEAR ROUND
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 111 of 138

BOX_290
BOX_290
BOX_290
BOX_290

(EMA2785)
(EMA2785)
(EMA2785)
(EMA2785)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_290

Route Details:

BOX_300

Route Details:

{Is/Was} and {is/was}: Display 'Is' and 'is' if the job subtype of the job being asked about is
set as JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display 'Was' and 'was' if JobTp=FORMER MAIN or if current round is the final round of the
panel (RndType=Final).

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

(EMA2785)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If SelfEmp=SelfEmpl go to BOX_320.
Otherwise, continue with BOX_300.

(EMA2790)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Ask the Employment Wage (EW) section.
At completion of Employment Wage (EW) section, continue with EM580.

EMA - Page 112 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM580
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2805)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO
)

BLAISE NAME: SickPay
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY }
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
On this job, {{do/does}/did} {you/{PERSON}} have paid time off if {you/he/she} {{are/is}/{were/was}} sick?

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM590
EM600
EM600
EM600

(EMA2810)
(EMA2815)
(EMA2815)
(EMA2815)

Display ‘(do/does)’ if the job subtype of the job being asked about is set as
JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>
Final).
Display ‘did’ if the job subtype of the job being asked about is set as JobTp=FORMER
MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘(are/is)’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the
panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘(were/was)’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN or if current round is the final round of the
panel (RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 113 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM590
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2810)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO
)

BLAISE NAME: SickPayDocVst
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Can/Could} {you/{PERSON}} {take/have taken} paid sick leave if {you/he/she} {{have/has}/had} to visit a doctor?

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM600
EM600
EM600
EM600

(EMA2815)
(EMA2815)
(EMA2815)
(EMA2815)

{Can/Could}: Display ‘Can’ if the job subtype of the job being asked about is set as
JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>
Final).
Display ‘Could’ if the job subtype of the job being asked about is set as JobTp=FORMER
MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘take’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display ‘have taken’ JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).
Display ‘{have/has}’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of
the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘had’ if t JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 114 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM600
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2815)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO
)

BLAISE NAME: PaidVacation
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
On this job, {{do/does}/did} {you/{PERSON}} get paid vacation?

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM610
EM610
EM610
EM610

(EMA2820)
(EMA2820)
(EMA2820)
(EMA2820)

Display ‘(do/does)’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the
panel (RndType<>Final). Display ‘did’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final
round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 115 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM610
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2820)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO

Help Available (RetirePlanHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: RetirePlan
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
Not including Social Security or Railroad Retirement, {{are/is}/{were/was}} {you/{PERSON}} covered by a pension or
retirement plan or {{do/does}/did} {you/he/she} have a 401K plan on this job?
HELP: F1

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

BOX_320
BOX_320
BOX_320
BOX_320

(EMA2850)
(EMA2850)
(EMA2850)
(EMA2850)

Display ‘are/is’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the
panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘were/was’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the
panel (RndType=Final).
{Display ‘do/does’ if JobTp=CURRENT MAIN and current round is not the final round of the
panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘did’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, or if current round is the final round of the panel
(RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 116 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
BOX_310

Route Details:

(EMA2825)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If JobTp=CURRENT MISC continue with EM620.
If JobTp switched from PR_JobTp= CURRENT MISC to JobTp=CURRENT MAIN, go to
END_LP30.
Otherwise, go to EM660.

BLAISE NAME: HoursWeekB

EM620
Item Type:

(EMA2830)
Question

Type Class:

Real

Answer Type:

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (ACTUALHRSHelp)
Context Header:

Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 168

Field Size: 3

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{{Since {START DATE}/Between {START DATE } and {END DATE}}, how many hours {{do/does}/did}
{you/{PERSON}} work at this job during a typical week?
ENTER HOURS

HELP: F1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1

EM630

(EMA2835)

RF
DK

EM630
EM630

(EMA2835)
(EMA2835)

EMA - Page 117 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Hard check: Allow input of decimals. If decimal is input, display the following message:
“PLEASE ENTER WHOLE NUMBERS ONLY.”
Hard check: whole numbers 1-168.

Display
Instructions:

Display 'Since {START DATE}' if current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display 'Between {START DATE} and {END DATE} if current round is the final round of
the panel (RndType=Final).
Display '(do/does)' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'did' if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM630
Item Type:

(EMA2835)
Question

Type Class:

Enumerated

Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: JobTemporaryB
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1
Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
Some people are in temporary jobs that last only for a limited time or until the completion of a project. {Is/Was}
{your/{PERSON}'s} job at {JobsEstbName} temporary?

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 118 of 138

EM640
EM640
EM640
EM640

(EMA2840)
(EMA2840)
(EMA2840)
(EMA2840)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

EM640
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

Display 'Is' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'Was' if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

(EMA2840)
Question
Enumerated
TYRRND

BLAISE NAME: JobSeasonalB
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Is/Was} {your/{PERSON}'s} job at {JobsEstbName} a year round job or {is/was} it only available during
certain times of the year?
[Teachers and other school personnel who work only during the school year should consider themselves to have
a year round job.]

Responses:

YEAR ROUND
NOT YEAR ROUND
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EMA - Page 119 of 138

EM650
EM650
EM650
EM650

(EMA2845)
(EMA2845)
(EMA2845)
(EMA2845)

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Display
Instructions:

Display 'Is' and 'is' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'Was' and 'was' if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EM650
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2845)
Question
Real

BLAISE NAME: WeeklyGrossInco
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 11,2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 0

ArrayMax:

Max value: 99999999.99

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Since {START DATE}/Between {START DATE} and {END DATE}}, what {is/was} {your/{PERSON}'s}
usual weekly income before deductions for taxes or anything else from {your/his/her} job with {JobsEstbName}?

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1

BOX_320

(EMA2850)

RF
DK

BOX_320
BOX_320

(EMA2850)
(EMA2850)

EMA - Page 120 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Display
Instructions:

Set SalaryAmt=Value entered at EM650
Set SalaryUnit=‘PER WEEK'
Use dollar sign input mask [$.] in response field.

Display 'Since {START DATE}' if not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display 'Between {START DATE} and {END DATE} if current round is the final round of
the panel (RndType=Final).
Display 'is' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final). Display 'was'
if current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_320

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

(EMA2850)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If JobTp switched from PR_JobTp= CURRENT MISC to JobTp=CURRENT MAIN, go to
END_LP30.
Else if EM480 coded ‘5’ (The Armed Forces) and JobTp=CURRENT MAIN, go to Box_
340.
Else, go to EM660.

EMA - Page 121 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM660
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2855)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO

BLAISE NAME: EmpHI
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Help Available (HLTHINSHelp)
Context Header:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
At any time {since {START DATE}/between {START DATE} and {END DATE}}, did {you/{PERSON}} have
health insurance through this {job/business}?
PROBE: By this, I mean insurance which pays for hospital bills, doctor bills, or other health expenses.

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

Programmer
Instructions:

If coded ‘1’ (YES), SET EmpHI=YES.

Display
Instructions:

1
2
RF
DK

EM680
EM670
EM670
EM670

HELP: F1

(EMA2865)
(EMA2860)
(EMA2860)
(EMA2860)

Display {since {START DATE}/between {START DATE} and {END DATE}}:
Display 'since {START DATE}' if current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display 'between {START DATE} and {END DATE}' if current round is the final round of
the panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘job’ if SelfEmp<>SelfEmpl
Display ‘business’ if SelfEmp=SelfEmpl

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 122 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM670
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2860)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO

Help Available (HLTHINSHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: OffrdHIChoseNot
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Since {START DATE}/Between {START DATE} and {END DATE}},
{were/was} {you/{PERSON}} offered health insurance through this {job/business}?

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

Programmer
Instructions:

IF coded ‘1’ (YES) set OffrdHIChoseNot=YES

Display
Instructions:

1
2
RF
DK

EM680
EM690
EM690
EM690

HELP: F1

(EMA2865)
(EMA2870)
(EMA2870)
(EMA2870)

If coded ‘2’ (NO), ‘RF’ or ‘DK’ set OffrdHIChoseNot=NO

Display 'Since {START DATE}' if current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display 'Between {START DATE} and {END DATE}' if current round is the final round of
the panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘job’ if SelfEmp<>SelfEmpl
Display ‘business’ if SelfEmp=SelfEmpl

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 123 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM680
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2865)
Question
Enumerated
TDIFFPLNS

BLAISE NAME: ChoicePlans
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Help Available (ChoicePlansHelp)
Context Header:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Even though {you/he/she} chose not to take health insurance, did/Did} {you/{PERSON}} have a choice of different health
insurance plans that provided hospital and physician benefits or was only one health insurance plan offered through this
{job/business}?
HELP: F1

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES, MORE THAN ONE PLAN
NO, ONLY ONE PLAN
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM700
EM700
EM700
EM700

(EMA2885)
(EMA2885)
(EMA2885)
(EMA2885)

Display ‘Even though {you/he/she} chose not to take health insurance, did’ if
EmpHI=EMPTY.
DISPLAY ‘Did’ if EmpHI=YES
Display ‘job’ if SelfEmp<>SelfEmpl
Display ‘business’ if SelfEmp=SelfEmpl

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 124 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM690
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2870)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO
)

BLAISE NAME: AnyOffrdHI
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
Was health insurance offered to any employees at this {job/business}?

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM700
EM700
EM700
EM700

(EMA2885)
(EMA2885)
(EMA2885)
(EMA2885)

Display ‘job’ if SelfEmp<>SelfEmpl
Display ‘business’ if SelfEmp=SelfEmpl

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 125 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM700
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2885)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO

Help Available (UNIONHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: BelongUnion
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{{Do/Does}/Did} {you/{PERSON}} belong to a labor union at {JobsEstbName}?
HELP: F1

Responses:

Programmer
Instructions:

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

BOX_340
BOX_340
BOX_340

(EMA3010)
(EMA3010)
(EMA3010)

If coded ‘1’ (YES) and EmpHI=YES continue with EM710.
Otherwise, go to BOX_340.

Display ‘{Do/Does}’ if the job subtype of the job being asked about is set as
JobTp=CURRENT MAIN or JobTp=CURRENT MISC and current round is not the final
round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘Did’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST JOB
OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT or if current round is the final
round of the panel (RndType=Final).

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 126 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM710
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA2890)
Question
Enumerated
TPROVDINS

Help Available (UNIONHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: WhoPrvdHI
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
Does the health insurance provided through this {job/business} come from [your/{PERSON}'s} {employer/business} or
union?
HELP: F1

Responses:

Programmer
Instructions:

Display
Instructions:

EMPLOYER
UNION
BOTH EMPLOYER AND UNION
(EMPLOYER IS PRIMARY)
BOTH EMPLOYER AND UNION (UNION
IS PRIMARY)
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
3

BOX_340
EM720
BOX_340

(EMA3010)
(EMA2900)
(EMA3010)

4

EM720

(EMA2900)

BOX_340
BOX_340

(EMA3010)
(EMA3010)

RF
DK

If coded ‘1’ (EMPLOYER) or ‘3’ (BOTH EMPLOYER AND UNION (EMPLOYER IS
PRIMARY)), HX will cycle only to collect the insurance related to the employer. If coded
‘2’ (UNION) or ‘4’ (BOTH EMPLOYER AND UNION (UNION IS PRIMARY)), HX will
cycle only to collect the insurance related to the union.

Display ‘job’ if SelfEmp<>SelfEmpl
Display ‘business’ if SelfEmp=SelfEmpl
Display ‘employer’ if SelfEmp<>SelfEmpl
Display ‘business’ if SelfEmp=SelfEmpl

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 127 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM720
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA2900)
Question
Enumerated
TUNIONNAME
)

BLAISE NAME: UnionRoster
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}

Question Text:
What is the name of the union providing the health insurance?
SELECT UNION NAME BELOW AND VERIFY WITH RESPONDENT BEFORE LEAVING SCREEN.
IF UNION IS NOT ON THE LIST, PRESS CTRL-A TO ENTER A NEW UNION.
CTRL-A: ADD
CTRL-E: EDIT
CTRL-D: DELETE

Responses:

{UnionName}1
{UnionName}2
{UnionName}3
{UnionName}4
{UnionName}N

1
2
3
4
5

EMA - Page 128 of 138

BOX_340
BOX_340
BOX_340
BOX_340
BOX_340

(EMA3010)
(EMA3010)
(EMA3010)
(EMA3010)
(EMA3010)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Roster behavior:
1. Only single select or single add allowed.
2. Limited edit allowed.
3. Limited delete allowed.
If a new organization is added, create a new record on the DeDupOrg array [set
DeDupOrgID, DeDupOrgName, OrigRnd, CreateQ and DeDupOrgTp].
Regardless of whether organization is selected or added, set
Job.UnionDedupOrgID=DedupOrg.DedupOrgID and Job.UnionName =
DedupOrg.DeDupOrgName
Set DeDupOrgTp= Union
Allow 40 characters for DeDupOrgName roster entries.

Display
Instructions:

Roster 3- add/delete allowed
Roster definition:
This item displays the RU UNION roster for selection.
Display DeDupOrgName
Roster filter: DeDupOrgTp=Union, DirectPurchase_Employer_Union
When CTRL-A selected, display the following customized question wording in the pop-up: ENTER
COMPLETE UNION NAME AND VERIFY SPELLING.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_340

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

(EMA3010)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If SelfEmp <>SelfEmpl, go to END_LP30.
If SelfEmp= SelfEmpl and more than 1 RU member (other than the person being asked
about) is = or > 16 years of age or in age categories 4-9, continue with EM730.
Otherwise, go to
EM740.

EMA - Page 129 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM730
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA3015)
Question
Enumerated
TYESNO
)

BLAISE NAME: OthHHMembAtEmp
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
{Does/Did} any other member of the household {now} work regularly at {your/{PERSON}'s} business?

Responses:

Display
Instructions:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

EM740
EM740
EM740
EM740

(EMA3025)
(EMA3025)
(EMA3025)
(EMA3025)

{Does/Did}: Display ‘Does’ if the job subtype of the job being asked about is set as
JobTp=CURRENT MAIN or JobTp=CURRENT MISC and current round is not the final
round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Display ‘DID’ if JobTp=FORMER MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST JOB
OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or JobTp=RETIREMENT or if current round is the final
round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display ‘now’ if JobTP=CURRENT MAIN OR JobTp=CURRENT MISC and current round is not
the final round of the panel (RndType<>Final).
Otherwise, use a null display.

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 130 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM740
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:
Help Available (
Context Header:

(EMA3025)
Question
Integer

BLAISE NAME: TotNumEmp
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 5

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1
)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value: 99999

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {JobsEstbName}
{JobStartMM/DD/YYYY}
{JobStopMM/DD/YYYY}

Question Text:
What was the total number of employees who worked at the business {last week/just before {you/{PERSON}}
stopped working at that business/on {END DATE}}? Be sure to include the owner {and all other household
members you just told me about}.
ENTER AT LEAST 1 TO COUNT THE OWNER. ENTER NUMBER

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1

END_LP30

(EMA3030)

RF
DK

END_LP30
END_LP30

(EMA3030)
(EMA3030)

EMA - Page 131 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024
Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Hard check:
Numeric value entered must be equal to or > 1. If '0' is entered, display the following
message: "SINCE {you/{PERSON'S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME}} {is/are} the
owner, I am going to enter 1 to count {you/him/her}. ENTER 1 AT EM740 (TotNumEmp)
FOR NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES TO CONTINUE."
Set TotNumEmp=The value entered at EM740
If the value entered for the number of employees=1 set EmpEstm= ‘1’
If the value entered for the number of employees=2-9, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ‘2-9’
If the value entered for the number of employees=10-25, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ’10-25’
If the value entered for the number of employees=26-49, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ‘26-49’
If the value entered for the number of employees=50-100, inclusive, set EmpEstm= ‘50-100’
If the value entered for the number of employees=101-500, inclusive, set
EmpEstm=‘101-500’
If the value entered for the number of employees =501-1000, inclusive, set
EmpEstm=‘501-1000’
If the value entered for the number of employees= 1001-5000, inclusive, set EmpEstm=
‘1001-5000’
If the value entered for the number of employees is > 5000 set EmpEstm='5001+'
If coded DK set EmpEstm = DK
If coded RF set EmpEstm = RF

Display
Instructions:

Display 'last week' if the job subtype of the job being asked about is set as JobTp=CURRENT
MAIN or JobTp=CURRENT MISC and current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display 'just before {you/{PERSON}} stopped working at that business' JobTp=FORMER
MAIN, JobTp=FORMER MISC, JobTp=LAST JOB OUTSIDE REFERENCE PERIOD, or
JobTp=RETIREMENT
Display 'on {END DATE}' if s JobTp=CURRENT MAIN or JobTp=CURRENT MISCELLANEOUS JOB
and current round is the final round of the panel (RndType=Final).
Display {and all other household members you just told me about}: if EM730 is coded ‘1’
(YES)

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)
YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A.EM_A_Loop30[1..75]

EMA - Page 132 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Rout

Full Detail Spec
END_LP30

Route Details:

(EMA3030)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: End Loop

Cycle on next job in person’s-jobs-roster that meets the conditions stated in the loop
definition.
If no other jobs meet the stated conditions, end LOOP_30 and continue with BOX_350.

BOX_350

Route Details:

(EMA3035)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If person has a CURRENT MAIN job, a CURRENT MISC job, a FORMER MAIN job
that was created this round, a FORMER MISC job that was created this round, a FORMER
MAIN job that was a CURRENT MAIN job in the previous round (JobTp=FmrMainJob
AND PR_JobTp=CurrMainJob), or a FORMER MISC job that was a CURRENT MISC
job in the previous round (JobTp=FmrMiscJob AND PR_JobTp=CurrMiscJob) go to
EM760.
If ([current round is within a single calendar year and not the first round
(RndType=Within)] and [Pre_EM300=NO, DK, or RF] and [person’s total job count is
zero])
OR retired in a previous round [Pre_EM750=RETIRED]
go to BOX_370.
Otherwise, go to EM750.

EMA - Page 133 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM750
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA3045)
Question
Enumerated
TRSNOTWRK

Help Available (WORKREASHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: ResnNotWork
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
What is the main reason {you/{PERSON}} did not work {since {START DATE}/between {START DATE} and {END
DATE}}?
HELP: F1

Responses:

Programmer
Instructions:

Display
Instructions:

COULD NOT FIND WORK
RETIRED
UNABLE TO WORK BECAUSE
ILL/DISABLED
GOING TO SCHOOL
TAKING CARE OF HOME OR FAMILY
DON'T WANT TO WORK
OTHER - SPECIFY
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
3

BOX_355
BOX_355
BOX_355

(EMA3060)
(EMA3060)
(EMA3060)

4
5
6
91
RF
DK

BOX_355
BOX_355
BOX_355
EM750OS
BOX_355
BOX_355

(EMA3060)
(EMA3060)
(EMA3060)
(EMA3050)
(EMA3060)
(EMA3060)

Note: In the final round of the panel (RndType=Final), display the person's current round
reference period end date in the context header for questions EM750 and EM760.

Display EM750 and EM750OS on the same form pane.
Display 'since’ {START DATE}' if current round is not the final round of the panel (RndType<>
Final).
Display 'between {START DATE} and {END DATE}' if current round is the final round of the
panel (RndType=Final).

Testing/Editing
Notes:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

EMA - Page 134 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM750OS
Item Type:

(EMA3050)
Question
String

Type Class:
Answer Type:

BLAISE NAME: ResnNotWorkOS
Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 25

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (

)

Show Card (

ArrayMin:

Min value:

ArrayMax:

Max value:

)

Look Up File (

Question Text:
SPECIFY:

Responses:

1
RF
DK

REFUSED
DON'T KNOW
Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_355

Route Details:

BOX_355
BOX_355
BOX_355

(EMA3060)
(EMA3060)
(EMA3060)

Display EM750 and EM750OS on the same form pane.

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA3060)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Route Details:
If current round EM300=NO, DK or RF
OR if round > 1 and Pre_EM300=NO, DK or RF and person’s total job count is zero, go to
Box_370.
Otherwise, go to BOX_360.

EMA - Page 135 of 138

)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM760
Item Type:
Type Class:
Answer Type:

(EMA3065)
Question
Integer

Field kind: Datafield
Field Size: 2

{Continuous Answer.} Answers allowed: 1

Help Available (WksWorkedHelp)
Context Header:

BLAISE NAME: WksWorked
ArrayMin:

Min value: 0

ArrayMax:

Max value: 96

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

)

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
Please think about all the time {you/{PERSON}} {have/has} worked {since {START DATE}/between {START DATE} and
{END DATE}}, including paid vacation, sick leave, or other paid leave. How many weeks did {you/he/she} work for pay
either full or part time?
NUMBER OF WEEKS IN REFERENCE PERIOD: {NUMBER OF WEEKS}
IF WORKED THE WHOLE TIME, ENTER '96' FOR NUMBER OF WEEKS.
IF WORKED LESS THAN ONE WEEK, ENTER '1' FOR NUMBER OF WEEKS.
ENTER NUMBER
HELP: F1

1

Responses:
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

RF
DK

EMA - Page 136 of 138

BOX_360
BOX_360

(EMA3195)
(EMA3195)

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
Programmer
Instructions:

If '96' is entered for number of weeks worked, go to BOX_360.
Hard check:
Edit: Number of weeks entered cannot be greater than number of weeks in reference period.
If the value is outside of the range display the following message: "THE NUMBER OF
WEEKS ENTERED CANNOT BE GREATER THAN THE NUMBER OF WEEKS IN THE
REFERENCE PERIOD. PLEASE VERIFY AND RE-ENTER."
Special check:
The values for WEKSWRKD should be between 0 and 75 and should also include 96. A
check should be conducted to ensure that any values outside of those defined produce an error
and prohibit the interviewer from continuing until corrected.

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_360

Route Details:

Display 'since’ {START DATE}' if current round is not the final round of the panel
(RndType<>Final).
Display 'between’ {START DATE} and {END DATE}' if current round is the final round of
the panel (RndType=Final).

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA3195)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

If current round is a round that crosses two calendar years (RndType=Cross), continue with
EM770.
Otherwise go to BOX_370.

EMA - Page 137 of 138

MEPSSpring2024

Employment (EMA) Section
(Ques

Full Detail Spec
EM770
Item Type:

(EMA3200)
Question
Enumerated

Type Class:
Answer Type:

TYESNO

Help Available (
Context Header:

)

BLAISE NAME: Job1231
Field kind: Datafield

ArrayMin:

Min value:

Field Size:
Answers allowed: 1

ArrayMax:

Max value:

Show Card (

)

Look Up File (

{PERSON’S FIRST MIDDLE AND LAST NAME} {START DATE}
{END DATE}

Question Text:
{Were/Was} {you/{PERSON}} working as of December 31, {YEAR}?

Responses:

YES
NO
REFUSED
DON'T KNOW

1
2
RF
DK

BOX_370
BOX_370
BOX_370
BOX_370

Programmer
Instructions:

If Rd. 3, for ‘YEAR’ display the first calendar year of the panel (FirstPanYear).
If Rd. 5, for ‘YEAR’ display the second calendar year of the panel (SecondPanYear).
If Rd. 7, for ‘YEAR’ display the third calendar year of the panel (ThirdPanYear).

Display
Instructions:

Testing/Editing
Notes:

BOX_370

Route Details:

Variable collected at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY.EM_Main.EM_A
Variable stored at MEPS(Fall/Spring)YYYY_PersSect.EM_Main.EM_A

(EMA3205)

Item Type: Route

Type Class: If Then

Continue with END_LP10 (in EM-O)

[End of EMA]

EMA - Page 138 of 138

(EMA3205)
(EMA3205)
(EMA3205)
(EMA3205)

)