My niece is debating going into the Air National Guard. She is a very large person. Do they have programs that will assist her?

2019-05-26T10:45:59-04:00

She is very intelligent and wants to get her masters in avionics. Also pilots license. I would hate for them just to deny her do to weight.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made May 26 at 2019 12:18 PM

2019-05-26T12:18:22-04:00

Easier to do something about it before hand. Maybe seek professional help too and get a physical.

Response by CPT Daniel Cox made May 26 at 2019 12:35 PM

2019-05-26T12:35:16-04:00

SSG Randy Jeter This is not solely a "Women in the Military" issue, since the answer would be the same for a male or female enlistee. When I was in the Army, working at the US Army Recruiting and Retention School, recruiters were always looking for ways to get people enlisted, especially if they were borderline for the requirements. They would have off-duty Physical Fitness Training or guide them into weight loss programs.
Have her talk to her local recruiter to see if they have official or unofficial assistance to offer.

Response by Kiersten Childs made May 26 at 2019 2:12 PM

2019-05-26T14:12:37-04:00

They have weight requirements for a reason and denying her entry because of her weight is for her own safety. If she really wants it, she'll work hard to lose weight. If she's naturally broad, they'll do a body fat percentage calculation to see if she's eligible to get in. She needs to be working out and getting fit anyway so some weight will naturally come off!

Response by TSgt James Potter made May 26 at 2019 6:06 PM

2019-05-26T18:06:13-04:00

The best thing to do is talk to the recruiter. He will have the answers. In years past the Guard and Reserve Recruiters were part of the unit they were filling vacancies in. So you got a pretty square deal with them. They did not want pissed off people in their unit talking trash about them. Of course I joined in 1982 things may have changed. The AF usually doesn't have much sympathy for being over weight. I know people that have been given the boot because they have weight issues. PT scores and run times play big part in your career now days. Good luck....

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made May 27 at 2019 9:32 AM

2019-05-27T09:32:41-04:00

My opinion:
Your niece is going to have to institute and maintain a lifestyle change. Losing weight will not be enough. She will have to become healthy (both mentally and physically, sorry for her loss). The ANG will not have anybody forcing her to PT daily. She will have to develop that herself. I have seen people get themselves into good enough shape to join, pass bootcamp, graduate tech school, and then when they are required to demonstrate self-discipline rather than forced discipline regarding diet and PT, they quickly become overweight again and are discharged.

The first thing I would recommend is counselling to help her with her grief and her unhealthy relationship with food. I would also recommend consulting with a nutritionist. That in conjunction with a robust physical training regimen, will result in the long lasting changes required for her to be successful in the ANG.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 27 at 2019 1:53 PM

2019-05-27T13:53:59-04:00

So what is her ht and wt?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2019 4:08 PM

2019-05-27T16:08:14-04:00

Look up he height and weight standards. If she meets them then a trip to MEPS is in her future. If she doesn’t meet them then a diet and exercise program is in her future until she does meet them. They can and do deny enlistment due to weight. We aren’t all fatties in the Air Force Reserve/ air guard like the jokes would have you believe. The military needs smart people but it also needs ones willing to comply with the standards necessary to complete the mission. It was much easier staying in shape as a 20 something than it is now in my 40s but it is part of the requirements so I limit the cookies and jog long distances regularly. She can do the same. The AF reserve/ air guard is a great experience. She should go for it!

Response by Wendy Lay made May 28 at 2019 8:39 AM

2019-05-28T08:39:30-04:00

Please review these links:
https://www.google.com/search?q=air+national+guard+pt+standards&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS807US807&oq=air+national+guard+PT+standards&aqs=chrome.0.0l2.4495j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.military.com/military-fitness/air-force-fitness-requirements/air-force-basic-military-training-fitness-test

What are the female PT requirements for the Air Force?
New Air Force Basic Training Fitness Standards
Activity Male Standards Female Standards
1.5 Mile Run 12:54 15:21
Push-Ups 44 27
Sit-Ups 46 42
Abdominal Circumference 37.5 34

air national guard pt standards - Google Search

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 28 at 2019 12:40 PM

2019-05-28T12:40:50-04:00

Well, the good news is that the Air Force uses the same chart for men and women, but the bad side is that you have to meet both weight and BMI. You can find those charts online, it will give her the guidelines to where she will need to be.

Response by Michelle Rogers made Jun 16 at 2019 3:46 PM

2019-06-16T15:46:25-04:00

If she’s motivated she can lose it. I’m down 80 lbs of having to lose 100+ to join the Army, nothing worth having is going to be easy but it’s been so worth it. A I did speak with an AF recruiter and they wouldn’t even work with me until I was at signing weight. National
Guard might be different, and some recruiters might offer weight loss help
Like group exercises but that will be on the recruiter. She’ll have to talk to some recruiters to see what they offer. I wish her luck!