If you could change the Army's method of measuring bodyfat, cost and time a consideration, how would you do it.

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 21:52:18 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 10:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:03:08 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 14 at 2013 10:31 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:31:53 -0500

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>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 6:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:33:35 -0400

APFT failures only, and it would probably involve water displacement.

Response by SSG Genaro Negrete made Apr 25 at 2014 4:26 PM

SSG Genaro Negrete — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 16:26:50 -0400

I agree that the actual body fat testing should be linked to your overall APFT score. Since that is the only physical fitness measure we have that is Army wide and standardized, treat body fat as a possible symptom leading to a failing APFT score. Much like the weight control program, we would use the "tape test" to see if the soldier is "too fat" and a part of the reason he/she failed the test overall. Soldiers entering the weight control program have to be medically cleared to participate.

We've all seen those soldiers that score 270-300 but don't fit the Army's definition of "healthy body fat composition". Aside from the tables being severely out of date, if the soldier can perform physically, that's all I need to know.

Besides, where in the world are we getting these XXL or XXXL uniforms? Special order? It just looks ridiculous to drape something in that much camo pattern.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 12:00 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 12:00:49 -0400

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.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made May 21 at 2014 12:22 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 21 May 2014 12:22:04 -0400

Smack them in the belly and time how long they ripple.

In all seriousness though, a float tank would be nice and should only be used if they fail the APFT. This would reduce the number of the people that need tested. You can also do a tape measure and measure more areas (thigh, arm, etc).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 12:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:51:51 -0400

The taping system takes a long time and is not always right. The military should invest in bioelectrical impedance devices (handheld) that can capture the body fat percentage with a three percent error margin. This takes less time and a smaller error margin than taping which can be up to 5% off.

Response by SGT Shannon O'Connell made Mar 8 at 2015 12:44 AM

SGT Shannon O'Connell — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:44:27 -0500

This is my main frustration being in the Army. I'm a 36 year old woman. I consistently score 250-295 on my PT test. I wear a size six or S/M. I'm a long distance runner. In addition to unit PT I do 5+ hours of power core yoga a week and put in 20+ miles when I'm not in training for a race, higher if I am, yet because I'm built more muscular than most women, and because I have a slightly poochy belly from being very overweight in my twenties (pre-military) I consistently score around one percent under, or 33%. If you use the body fat calculator that measures more places on your body (calf, thigh, two abdominal sites, hips, forearm, wrist and neck) that drops to 27%; much more realistic. I had no body issues outside of the military and now I'm using laxatives, diuretics, wraps, and corset body modification just to make tape, as well as cutting calorie intake to 1000-1200 daily. When I went to the doc to ask about other options he recommended I cut my intake to 600-800). Another Army doc said if I ate bread and water I'd lose weight.

Response by SGT Shannon O'Connell made Mar 8 at 2015 12:44 AM

SGT Shannon O'Connell — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:44:46 -0500

Response by SSG Edward Joy made May 31 at 2018 5:09 PM

SSG Edward Joy — Thu, 31 May 2018 17:09:40 -0400

The only person that can tell you that your overweight is an MD.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 10:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 22:48:57 -0400

Caliper measurement.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 11:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 23:55:09 -0400

Marines are looking to waive weight if PT test is passed - food for thought !!!
quote " The proposal, which is outlined in a document obtained by Marine Corps Times, recommends that height and weight standards and body fat measurements be waived for those who max their physical fitness and combat fitness tests — an estimated 10 percent of Marines."

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2016/04/05/marines-consider-more-lenient-body-fat-rules-new-tape-test-tools/

Marines consider more lenient body fat rules, new tape test tools

Fitness buffs and female Marines are likely to benefit most from recommended changes to the Corps’ body composition standards that will soon be presented to senior leadership.