Posted on Mar 28, 2016
Should the Height and Weight standards matter if they pass the physical fitness test??
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H&W and PT test seem to be a controversial discussion nowadays. Some say H&W shouldn't matter if the Soldiers are fit enough to pass the requirements. Some say the standards where set for the older generations before now. Some say PT is the only way to measure leadership and discipline. What are your thoughts?!!
Height and Weight
APFT
Fitness
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 93
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H/W and body fat are a waste of valuable time. Let me explain a few of my thoughts.
#1 If you can pass the APFT to standard which is 60% then you are good to go.
#2 In my experience MOST of the H/W failures are ALSO APFT failures. so see #1
#3 I have seen bellies so big that the person could not do a proper pushup or situp, see #1
#4 If we are trying to look good, why do they keep giving us uniforms that are sloppy looking, the new manufacture should replace every uniform they have supplied the military, because they do NOT fit the sizes stated on the label. Not to sideline to much, but I went in to get some and the clothing sales was full. every soldier in there was complaining to me about how poorly they fit. They look good on a handful of soldiers. Well guess what, we can not be effective with a handful of soldiers. So it is obvious that our intent is not "looks" any longer, so see # 1.
#1 If you can pass the APFT to standard which is 60% then you are good to go.
#2 In my experience MOST of the H/W failures are ALSO APFT failures. so see #1
#3 I have seen bellies so big that the person could not do a proper pushup or situp, see #1
#4 If we are trying to look good, why do they keep giving us uniforms that are sloppy looking, the new manufacture should replace every uniform they have supplied the military, because they do NOT fit the sizes stated on the label. Not to sideline to much, but I went in to get some and the clothing sales was full. every soldier in there was complaining to me about how poorly they fit. They look good on a handful of soldiers. Well guess what, we can not be effective with a handful of soldiers. So it is obvious that our intent is not "looks" any longer, so see # 1.
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MSG Dan Castaneda
SSgt Joseph Baptist so your right about one thing, I didn’t read your profile prior to my last comment. I just did however, and I am still unsure how you can comment on Special Operations standards. “Oh yeah,” you trained with them? My bad. Regardless of how you feel your retired which means your irrelevant. I’ll be there one day too. Just not today.
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Ash Soto
I had and have a love and hate relationship with H/W and Bodyfat Standards. I was that soldier that got on their PT Test over 285 and in ruckmarches came in 2:45 ish to 3:00 hours but when it came to get weighted failed every single time. I’m 5’3 weigh 152 and lift weights. Also whenever it was time to get taped that was also a problem why hips measurements should be even taken in consideration. Like you can tell when someone is actually taking care of themselves working out and doing things right from those who aren’t. If they pass the PT test with flying colors let them be.
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SSG Samuel Kermon
Thank you. I agree that it is a waste of time. And yes, uniforms look ill-fitted and not militarily sharp.
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SPC July Macias
What CSM said is 150% on point! If we we're more focused on meeting fitness standards, then none of us would be overweight in the first place. Plus, the fitness standards could also be raised if soldiers are still too fat or too skinny. Besides, most fat soldiers will skate around the H/W standards anyway. Same with PT tests... Soldiers will find ways to perpetually stay on profile to avoid PT at all costs.
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Yes it should matter, but I think that instead of taping, there should be a sliding scale height weight chart. The higher your PT score, the higher your allowed weight. I think it would simplify the weigh in, and it would allow for those guys (who I've heard a lot about, but have never seen) who can't pass tape, but are PT studs.
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MAJ Raymond Haynes
I would be careful SSgt, logical and common sense thinking like that could get you thrown out of the Army.
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SSG Samuel Kermon
Interesting idea, a sliding scale. And I actually did have a guy in my unit who was a PT nut. Made the 290's+ every Army APFT but would not have passed the H/W at any time. My thoughts were "so what", he passed by more than necessary and could do the MOS required skills. A sliding scale both ways could be an anawer.
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This is one of those horrible things...
I've known folks that were well within H/W regs and couldn't do PT to save their lives. I've known folks that were so far out of H/W regs that the AR burned - and they could get 290+ every time.
Unfortunately, I think it comes down to professional appearance - and that SUCKS...
And, as a side note: just remember that Arnold Schwarzenegger had a 49 BMI when he won his last Mr. Olympia. He also had a 3% body fat percentage...
I've known folks that were well within H/W regs and couldn't do PT to save their lives. I've known folks that were so far out of H/W regs that the AR burned - and they could get 290+ every time.
Unfortunately, I think it comes down to professional appearance - and that SUCKS...
And, as a side note: just remember that Arnold Schwarzenegger had a 49 BMI when he won his last Mr. Olympia. He also had a 3% body fat percentage...
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SSG Samuel Kermon
SGT Anna Kleinschmidt ma'am, I'm saddened this happened to you. But I praise you for sticking to the career you chose. Thank you for serving. And I agree with the uniform problem. They are made to look sloppy and unmilitary, which is to say not flattering.
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