Posted on Jul 9, 2015
Should there be exceptions to policy allowed for not meeting height/weight requirements outlined in AR600-9 (Army Body Composition Program)?
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If the Army is not going to change the way it measures body fat (even though studies have shown that it can vary by as much as 15%, plus or minus*), then should there be exceptions to the policy? First of all, it is perplexing to me that Company Commanders are trusted to conduct investigations into allegations of sexual assault as well as act as the judge and jury, but the exception to policy authority concerning body composition is the DCS, G-1**. Here's an idea, if the Soldier can pass the APFT, then he or she is exempt from meeting height/weight requirements. If that is not tough enough, then how about if the Soldier scores above a 225 on the APFT then he/she is exempt from meeting height/weight requirements? Another idea would be that if a Soldier does not meet the body fat standards, then he or she can schedule an appointment with a certified dietician that uses a more accurate method to measure body fat, i.e. the caliper or hydrostatic body fat testing, and if they pass using those methods, then the Company Commander can grant the exception to policy, not the DCS, G-1. Your thoughts?
*http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20130513/OFFDUTY03/305130008/Experts-Tape-test-has-huge-margin-error
**AR 600-9, Para 3-17(a)
*http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20130513/OFFDUTY03/305130008/Experts-Tape-test-has-huge-margin-error
**AR 600-9, Para 3-17(a)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
I think the body fat measurements should be done away with entirely. If people can pass their fitness tests, who cares what their body type is?
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I'm all for updating AR 600-9 if it makes sense. That way, there may not be as many exceptions made. Otherwise, like most things, if it's not a matter of safety, and doesn't violate other critical regulations, officers and NCO's always need to exercise good judgement and common sense when it comes to soldier care and these policies. A prime example are soldiers that are in the top 2% of fitness. They are "overweight" by standards but BMI is healthy. There are soldiers that might meet the standards (technically) but may not be in good health. The criteria should be more thoughtful and intelligent to take into account ability to perform soldier functions.
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Part of the issue is that APFT and Ht/Wt have morphed from what they were originally intended to be, I.e. screening/assessment tools, to HR tools to put people out of the Army.
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