Military Body Fat Standards
Monday October 8, 2007
Contrary to popular belief, there is no maximum "weight" to join or stay in the military. "Weight" is not the standard. Body-Fat percentage is.
However, it takes more time to measure body-fat than it does to weigh a member. Therefore, each of the services have weight charts that they use to "screen" members. If a military member weighs more than the allowed weight on the chart, they are measured for body-fat percentage.
However, it takes more time to measure body-fat than it does to weigh a member. Therefore, each of the services have weight charts that they use to "screen" members. If a military member weighs more than the allowed weight on the chart, they are measured for body-fat percentage.
Comments
I used to work PT programs in a couple of commands I was stationed. During one those times, I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of physical physiologist, both who said that the body fat measurements do not come close to what the true body fat of the individuals are. The trueist way to get a true body fat of someone is to do hydro-static testing. Until the military realizes this, the body fat charts are not true.
Not only that but adding a set 9 pounds per 2 inch up thru 6 foot 5 doesn’t work. At best it only “works” for between 5′4″ and 5′10″ outside of that you are getting really overweight short people and rail thin tall people.
I am 6′2″ and weigh in around 225lbs. A tape test shows me at about 23% a hydro tank shows me at about 18%. In any case the army says im unhealthy every specially trained doctor in the world would say that 18% body fat is about perfect.
I am the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP) NCOIC for my unit. I am also a Exercise Physiology graduate student. The issue here is not some much the accuracy of the screening process (height and weight tables)and the accuracy of the Body composition worksheets ( DA Form 5500), it is the process afterwards. All body composition tests have margin of error, these errors are mostly due to the professionals conducting the test. The standard by which the US Army measures is inaccurate, no doubt, but for the purpose of mass screening, it is better than height and weight tables alone. The major issue is that with the known inaccuracy the soldier is only given the opportunity to have a Physician determine if there are underlying causes to their “weight problem” and not the opportunity to have an accurate test by a professional, not a E-5 with a tape measure, to ensure that their career in the military is not jeopardized. The commander of a unit has the authorization to request a body composition to be done on a soldier based off of appearance, but with such a large margin of error the soldier should be given the opportunity to have an Exercise Physiologist conduct such tests as Under Water Weighing, Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Skin Fold Testing, or Bod Pod (air displacement). All these test require professionals training and experience. The Army simply needs to ensure that they are taking a positive step forward in dealing with our soldiers health over all, and also ensuring that inaccurate testing methods do not cost us experienced soldiers by Flagging them from promotion, reenlistment, or favorable actions based off this standard alone. The weight tables and the measurement standards need to be reconsidered along with post test opportunities to ensure we are not punishing good soldiers whom are not being given the level of expert guidance in PT and Weight Control that is possible. We should staff Exercise Physiologists (on a Brigade level at least) within the Army to give advice to commanders on the physical fitness and weight control of their soldiers and conduct these tests for soldiers whom challenge their units Body Composition results
After almost 13 years on active duty, hearing an NCO say this about the tape test is surprising (in a very positive way). I’m 6′5″ and weigh in at 255. I’ve been taped for all 13 of my active duty years and all of my ROTC years and it’s something that flat out grates on me everytime I get checked. Insofar as the weight standards, yes, they’re skewed to short overweight and tall skinny. I’m supposed to weigh 223 for my height, but I don’t know too many NBA players my height that weigh less than 220. But yes, the tape test is a good enough measure for mass consumption. As a former commander in a field artillery unit, I gave my soldiers the benefit of the doubt unlike some of my peers. But a standard is a standard and Soldiers should make an effort to meet it. I do… I don’t like the standard, but I still meet it. And I expect my subordinates to do the same.
I THINK THAT THIS TAPE TEST ISSUE IS JUST A WASTE OF ARMY TIME DUE TO THE FACT THAT SOLDIERS ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING WHICH IS PASSING THE (APFT) ALSO KNOWN AS THE ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST BUT THEY STILL GET HELD BACK FROM PROMOTIONS, SCHOOLS, AWARDS AND BLOCK LEAVE etc….. FROM NOT MEETING THE SO CALLED ARMY STANDARDS OF BODY FAT, DUE TO THE INDIVIDUAL BEING TOO SHORT FOR HIS WEIGHT OR TOO TALL FOR HIS WEIGHT…. SOLDIERS THEN GET FALSE MOTIVATION DURING THEIR TIME IN THE ARMY AND DONT BOTHER TO RE-ENLIST OR PUT OUT ANY EFFORT TO BE A LEADER OR AN OUTSTANDING SOLDIER…. I THINK THEY SHOULD JUST “STOP” WITH THE TAPE TEST AND STAY WITH THE APFT TEST….
Warrent that is probably because you are male and muscular. BMI is not very good for men, let alone muscular ones.
I know plenty of shorter guys who also weigh well over what the height/weight charts suggest that have a healthy level of body fat.
As with many programs in the Military, this one, weight control, is approached with a “magic wand” mindset:
1) As stated in previous comments, the hydro-static/”dunk” test is the ONLY way to achieve results anywhere near accurate. This, of course, requires much in the way of facilities, time, personnel training, etc. Rather than doing it right, the expedient method of taping has prevailed. True, either way, the majority of “lardos” will be I.D.d, however, in the process, many fine-to-outstanding Military members must contend…this, of course, can have a somewhat devestating impact on careers.
2) On the other side of the camp, there are many who, in the judgement of this Ole Army Salt, and for a variety of reasons, have no business wearing the uniform. Young Soldiers, after repeated go-arounds, fail APFT after APFT; in the process, bolo weigh-in/tape-in after weigh-in/tape-in…yet, somehow, by the wisdom of the powers that be, are allowed to remain in uniform, wasting Army chow in the process, not to mention NCOs’ time.
3) Tape-in is easily passed, in many situations, by going “light on the heels” at altitude check, and “sucking it in” come tape time. A good ab workout regimen goes a long way in this regard.
The whole point in this reply is two-fold:
1) Like my Pappy used to say, “If you’re going to do something, do it right”.
2) If, after identifying Military members who continualy fail to measure up in terms of BMI standards, they are, nonetheless, allowed to remain in uniform…WHAT’S THE POINT OF THE ENTIRE EXERCISE?
My daughter is a MP in the Army. She has been flagged since last yr. when the new tape standard came out. I spoke with her today on PX, she is in Germany. She is upset because they are putting her out of the Army due to her BMI. The old tape standard she is fine. Now I can’t understand if you can pass a PT test why put a soldier out.
I AM A FEMALE SOLDIER.I AM 5′10″ AND WEIGH 190 LBS,BUT I SCORED A 282 ON MY LAST PT TEST.WHEN I AM TAPED THEY SAY I AM 34%,4% OVER AR 600-9.I HAVE BEEN FLAGGED WHICH HAS KEPT ME A PFC FOR OVER 18 MONTHS AND I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN BARED.WHAT GIVES?IT’S JUST NOT FAIR!I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO MAKE THE ARMY A CAREER,BUT THIS NEW STANDARD IS PREVENTING ANY PROGRESSION.PLEASE HELP!
After 10yrs active duty Family Physician. This issue came up often, around the time of every APFT. My approach was to get a “gold standard” dunk test measurement, if locally available, or a caliper test. Although the caliper test is not perfect, it is certainly better than the “old” tape test standards. Once armed with an accurate Body Fat Percentage, I’d approach the SM command. Over the years, I spoke with many COs and First Sgts. Usually, they appreciated the more accurate measurement and would score the SM based on my numbers. But, not always. And unfortunately there was not a thing I could do about it. The Army saw the physicians job as finding “why are they fat” not “are they actually fat”. Some COs were quite unhappy with my efforts and could not have cared less. In most of these cases it seemed they were using the tape test as a punitive measure.
I will not rest until I personally have done all I can to convince whatever yahoos came up with the ridiculous new female standards that they are full of crap. If this really were, in fact, all about “being healthy” and trying to screen people that carry excess weight around their middle because of long-term adverse health effects, WHY ARE THEY NOT BARRING PROMOTION TO TOBACCO USERS????? There are MANY, MANY more studies that show smoking has a detrimental effect on one’s health (let alone the rest of us that have to breath their ******* smoke second-hand) that if they want to not be hypocritical, they need to start flagging and barring smokers. Another thing I’m sick of is damn NCO graders standing around smoking while I’m TRYING to do well on my APFT!!!!! That is WRONG.
If this truly is a “health” issue and not a “women should look sexy in uniform” issue, you need to start targetting smokers because they are causing themselves long-term ill health effects.
Bottom line is if I can score a 270 on my APFT, you really need to leave me the f*** alone about the bodyfat issue until you can come up with a really accurate method to measure it, ok? I bet I could carry a beer-gutted E6 off the battlefield easier than someone that meets the height/weight screening table and/or bodyfat standards but that can’t pass the APFT. Which would you rather have? A muscular female that can do her part as a solid, functional member of a team or some female that meets the so-called “bodyfat standard” but that may or may not be able to pass the APFT and is weak? Answer me that one, whatever flippin’ idiot came up with this new standard.
I have been in the military for almost eight years. I have been an E-5 since July of 04″ and is unable to make promotion because of this new standard. I was three percent under with the old standard and now five percent over with the new. What dictates a soldiers outstanding performance, both physically and professionally? I am 5″ 11″, play basketball and can lift almost anything you show me. I always look professional and often commended for my appearance. So, how is it that now all of a sudden, I have to have a skinny waistline in order to me army material? I tell you what, with all the war going on and the amount of soldiers coming on the program, I’m sure the army wont be happy until they dont have no more soldiers to fight. Because who aint dead gonna be put out for being to fat. THink about it and reconsider this ridiculous rule. Promotion and all favorable actions shoule be granted by unit command based on performance, not weight.
The topic of height - weight standards and military appearance is paramount to “self control” not weight, it never was. I “volunteered” to serve our country as most of you however, all branches are equally concerned with (I) the conduct in which we serve (II) the ability to follow regulations, obey lawful orders of those elected or appointed over us. To make an argument of the height - weight standard is follie and a waste of time. I struggled my entire career, two pounds over, five pounds over yet, it was my “self control” that was in question not bouncing five pounds over and back. If what I type does not make sense, you’re in the wrong profession. Am I, are you going to trust a squad leader, platoon sergeant etc… whom lack the ability and effort to stay fit, work well and look good while doing it? Has “Walking Tall and Looking Good” gone with the wind? This “New Combat Army” is not mine, this Army of One? Horse Dump! Biggest oxymoron of the last two-hundred years. The USA, she doesn’t need an Army of One, seperate individuals makes for a rable of complaining mal-contents, not an Army. When this “individual plague” struck it was the end of discipline, self-esteem. A true patriot follows regulations including NOT GETTING FAT, it bad for morale, it’s bad for the Army which reflects directly on the United States. I ate apples and drank diet soda, did remedial PT and voluntary extra PT to keep five lousy pounds at bay, I submitted to caliper testing or the equivalant in this “so-called” modern Army however, I see many things that haven’t become so modern, excuses, shamming, self-control topics. A few blogs prior to this a troop complained about promotions, leave and schools and yes, it’s true. These things must be earned and as I was told by a draftee “you volunteered no one forced you”. It’s OK to be reminded of that, daily. The young NCOIC of his unit’s “FATBOY” program is so very right-on. Uncle Sam is dealing with the mass Army and dealing with mass there are always minority errors however, as he stated and I’ll use my own words, it’s usually the opeartors “Head Space and Timing”. It’s a soldiers duty to bitch and complain but he must be willing to deal with the consequences. Some of us, including myself fight weight daily. That few dollars pulled from your “pay voucher” that represents the “Old Soldiers Home” that would be me and this advice, eat in the mess hall, stay away from the garbage food industry and most important P.T. be there, do it and you’ll get that promotion, leave or school or go sweat it out in Iraq on patrol. Be good.
I see some very interesting comments here, which beg an evaluation on a bit of a broader, though no more or less of importance, concern.
The military, particularly the Army, has, in recent months, drastically reduced some of the time-honored requirements for enlistment. When the “New Volunteer Army” was hatched, in the post Viet Nam era, much was made of the “enhanced” requirements which would lead to a more-professional fighting force. The minimum requirement of a high school diploma was one of these “new and improved” standards (hear the resounding applauding in the background, accompanied by the inevitable self-congratulatory back-patting within the ranks of those who establish these goals, only to withdraw them in time of need). Moral standards, once on a level beyond reproach, are also on the sacrificial alter in the name of expedience.
Now it appears that the very same “powers that be”…those who would permit “once-undesirables” to populate the Force, are indeed ready and willing to disrupt, if not ruin, established/budding careers of those who actually met the standard.
With the realization that we’re talking about two seperate issues…Enlistment Standards and Promotion/Retention Standards, the common factor remains, ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING AN EFFECTIVE FORCE.
When a Soldier aspires to become an Aviator, the entry vision standard is 20-20. After flight school, the Soldier is permitted to continue flying, with waiver/corrective lenses, with less-than 20-20.
Employing the same approach for Soldiers not meeting weight/tape standards would indeed be a wise decision.
The Sarge
I have noticed a lot of comments that say if one can pass the physical fitness test then they should be left alone with it comes to weight issues. These standards are put in place to insure that individuals are carrying on a proper military appearance. I know multiple service members that have an excellent PFT score but they look completely disgusting in uniform. Unless an individual is a gym buff or just had a child they should not have problems meeting the weight standards. I have never met or seen someone that looked good in uniform while being over their weight limit; unless they are a gym rat. On another note, if a service member is put on BCP they are given at tops one year to get within standards if they show some signs of improvement on their 6 month eval. Military members are suppose to be physically fit and “look” fit at the same time. Fat rolls, jigglies, and beer bellies do not belong in the military no matter how fast the legs that carry them can run!
What is this “looks good in a uniform” thing? I cant count the number of military members who may have looked good in a uniform, but where pathetic, lazy and spoiled soldiers. When does appearance alone determine the quality of soldier? I am one of those who can pass every other Body fat test out there, but cannot pass the tape test. I am off by 2%. I have had a caliper test given to me, I did it twice in one day and then the next day did it twice again. I was between 20% and 21% both times. I go to the tape test, and I test at 26%. I am suppose to be 24%. A 6% difference between the two tests is ridiculous. I get professional opinions and they each say there is no way I am at 26% body fat. But the Army doesnt accept any test or professional opinions. Just a test that is inaccurate. Why can’t the Army accept more than one test. Use the Tape test to weed and then when you get the ones that are obviously not over the max amount accept the Caliper or the “Dunk” test.
Or better yet. Spend $15.00 and get a caliper set, then train and certify soldiers to give this test and stop ruining good careers. Why aren’t the people that give the tape test required to be properly trained and certified in the first place?
In the Civilian world a company would be sued over a test like this. But, I guess the Army doesnt need many people, so sending them to the Civilian world for better pay, working conditions, less hours, and less ridiculous regulations is doing them a favor.
But quit showing your ignorance by judging someones abilities and job performance by how they look in uniform. When the surgeon has you open and he is saving your life, do you care if he is sexy in a uniform? If you do, Don’t ask and Don’t tell.
Weight and tape measurements are the most ridiculous thing the military could ever do. When I was in the Army I was sent to KOREA in 1991 and served on the western corridor in a unit Camp Edwards 296 FSB that no longer exists. I carried an M-60, 200 rounds of ammo a full pack, M-16 and by the middle point of a 15 mile road march usually another ruck from some TINY PUKE THAT FIT WELL WITHIN THE MILITARY WEIGHT STANDARDS. My weight was always an issue and required the fat boy program for a while to “whip me into shape.” Why did my fat body get strapped with two rucksacks, 200 rounds of ammo, an M-16, and web gear? BECAUSE I WAS CAPABLE! DID THAT MATTER? NO! Did I ever complain? NO!!!!!!! But I am now because the Army saw fit to put me out over 0.4% body fat in 1995! A person’s abilities should be measured appropriately! Are they trying to save wood/ metal on coffins by ensuring soldiers are not too wide for the boxes they make en mass! Even now I would challenge any soldier to a test of intelligence, abilities, physical strength and endurance. I guarantee there is a better soldier in me at 37 years old physically and mentally than at least 75% or more of all that are in this ARMY of 1 B*** S*** now!
Dale and Forcex:
I completely agree with both of you; in fact with a good chunk of the comments posted here. The army tape measurements, old standards or new standards, are outdated regardless. Soldiers should get a second opinion, not from a different E5 with a tape measure, but from someone who is certified to give a caliper test. Give the soldiers an option. If they happen to fail a tape test, let them go to a licensed physician and get a waiver with a caliper test, or dunk test. Who should argue with an actual doctor who will know if you are over the weight or not. If the doctor passes you, hey, that’s great. If the doctor in the end doesn’t pass you, then you know whose judgement you should listen to.
Stop griping and complaining and do something about it! Like it was said many times before, fail the initial tape, go to a doctor! They are really the only ones who should tell you if you are unhealthy or not. Soldiers should be allowed to take this option. I, personally, would not listen to an E5 to tell me by weight is unhealthy due to the tape test. I trust my licensed doctor to tell me that, and guide me to a skilled nutritionist to bring me to my standard.
And Forcex, I would like to tell you that I would 100% trust the “fat boy” to save my butt on the battlefield, than some skinny person who can barely carry their own weight. Many times have I seen those “Fat boys” carry the largest loads without an effort, while I see the “Skinny Boys” suffer.
I am 5′9 and weigh 173lbs, and I score a 300 on my pt test almost everytime. The lord blessed me with great wide hips and I fail the tape everytime. I am only 2 lbs over the MAX. So can anyone explain to me why I am getting flagged and barred???
Oh! thats nothing in the unit im in they tape at 1500 with acu’s and then pretend for you to pas a tape test? are we suppoused to be tape in acu’s as far as i know,no,under the AR 600-9 thanks
I have been in the Army for almost twelve years and I had never failed a tape test and have never failed a pt test. However since last April when the new height and weight tape test came in to effect I am taping atleast 5% over but if taped on the old one I am still coming in around 7% percent under. I am fearing for my military career. I give it my all I am 45 yrs. old and a female. Other soldiers are in complete ah when they find out I am on the over weight program so imagine how I feel. I love working with my young soldiers and really would love to finish the Army with a hard earned retirement. I do pt atleast twice a day I am not all that big however I do not have a tiny waist. If anyone holds the secret please let me know. SSG Jones