Do you have to make weight before leaving for basic training?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 12:21:25 -0400

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 29 at 2019 12:53 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 12:53:26 -0400

It doesn't hurt to.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 29 at 2019 1:00 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 13:00:42 -0400

Yes, or you haven't met the required standards.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 1:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 13:49:12 -0400

Yes. If you set yourself up for failure before leaving for Basic Training imagine the rough time you’ll have during.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 2:10 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 14:10:59 -0400

What if I can pass the tape test? I am
Over weight but 15% body fat.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 2:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 14:46:01 -0400

It would certainly benefit you that you should make weight.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 10:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 22:30:19 -0400

If you’re prior service you’ll have to make weight or pass the tape. They could possibly tape you in basic or AIT, but it didn’t happen to me until I reached my first unit. If you’re a fresh recruit, then more than likely not.

Response by SPC Ted Ronayne made Aug 3 at 2019 8:41 PM

SPC Ted Ronayne — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 20:41:57 -0400

I believe you do, it wasn't a personal issue for me, but I have friends who needed to make weight before shipping.

You want to go into basic with a little weight on you though. You will be thrown into physical activity right away and you won't get to eat as much, so you will most likely lose weight when you start training. If you are underweight or on the weaker side, this will make your life rough and may lead to injury if you don't have the endurance you need.

You can get a profile for double rations if you are really underweight, but this isn't a good strategy, especially since basic training DFAC food and constant MREs are not going to bode well for your physique.

Response by Kiersten Childs made Aug 12 at 2019 5:16 PM

Kiersten Childs — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 17:16:56 -0400

I'm not sure what branch you are referring to but I know the Navy wants you within 15 pounds. I have to take a tape test before I even am allowed to go to MEPS if I'm overweight but within the 15 pounds. At least that's what my recruiter told me.