Posted on Nov 14, 2013
If you could change the Army's method of measuring bodyfat, cost and time a consideration, how would you do it.
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AR 600-9
APFT
Policy
Responses: 12
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I think body fat should only be measured when an individual fails a PT test. It is nonsensical to flag someone who scores a 250 on their APFT and fails their tape for whatever reason.<div>Body fat% should only be a factor when it affects performance or health.</div><div>If the concern is "military appearance" that is very subjective. As long as they fit in a uniform then they should be accepted. If not then maybe we shouldn't make uniforms that big if we don't want soldiers that big.</div><div>When it comes down to it we should be using the Bod Pod. Should be one machine per brigade.</div>
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SSG Genaro Negrete
If we maintain the current height/weight tables, that would be the busiest office at brigade hq.
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Cpl (Join to see)
I don't know that it is appropriate that I "weigh in" (groan) on this topic, as it is an Army topic; however, the USMC has the same problems. I think your answer is outstanding, I believe too much effort is made in categorizing appearance and height weight standards that could be focused on warriors skills. Let the individual prove they need to be adjusted by their inaction.
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MSgt Bill Miller
Cpl (Join to see) - I was an Air Force guy, but I did my SNCO Academy at Quantico (yeah, they called me Gunny from them on). On Day 0 one of my classmates showed up being a bit "rotund" for the Corps. The next day we ran the initial assessment and that guy left me behind like I was running backwards, maxed chins and pushed the planet out of alignment. Once I got to know him he told me that was the only way he could stay in, by maxing
the PFT each and every time. Over brews he was tagged Stud Level 10 from there on out.
the PFT each and every time. Over brews he was tagged Stud Level 10 from there on out.
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This is a hard question. Pondering it i think that it does in someways need to be changed but i don't have the magic answer on how.
I like the principle but the method doesn't work for everyone. I had a guy in my unit that was a 300 PT score on the over weight program because he lifted weights and his measurements caused him to sadly be flagged. Yet i have seen people out of shape pass the scales. I wish the PT score was also included in the mix of considerations.
I like the principle but the method doesn't work for everyone. I had a guy in my unit that was a 300 PT score on the over weight program because he lifted weights and his measurements caused him to sadly be flagged. Yet i have seen people out of shape pass the scales. I wish the PT score was also included in the mix of considerations.
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SGT (Join to see)
I feel like that is a problem people who work out know this but muscle weighs a lot more then fat but they still get flagged if they are "overweight" even though its just muscle
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Said it before and I'll say it again - my buddy just scored a 400 on the APFT and is classified as 2% below being overweight via tape. He's probably 2% body fat, but his neck to torso ratio is off. I on the other hand scored a 270 on the last APFT and at 185 lbs I'm almost 20% below max on tape because I have a big neck. When my last kid was born and I spent 3 months in the hospital, I went up to 205 lbs and my body fat ratio according to tape actually went DOWN. It makes no sense. If you have people running 6 minute miles and they're called "overweight", your system is broken.
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