The army body fat percentage is a measure of the amount of fat in a Soldier’s body, compared to their total body mass. The army body fat percentage is used to determine whether a Soldier meets the medical fitness standards for joining and staying in the U.S. Army. The army body fat percentage is also related to the Soldier’s physical fitness, health, and performance.
In this blog post, we will explain what the army body fat percentage is, how it is measured, what are the requirements, and how to improve it.
What is the army body fat percentage and why is it important?
The army body fat percentage is the ratio of fat mass to total body mass, expressed as a percentage. Fat mass is the weight of the fat tissue in the body, while total body mass is the weight of the fat tissue plus the weight of the lean tissue (such as muscles, bones, organs, and water).
The army body fat percentage is important because it reflects the Army’s commitment to readiness, resilience, and health. Excess body fat can impair a Soldier’s ability to perform physical tasks, increase the risk of injury and illness, and reduce mental alertness and stamina. On the other hand, maintaining a healthy body fat percentage can enhance a Soldier’s physical fitness, operational effectiveness, and longevity.
The army body fat percentage is also one of the medical fitness requirements to join and stay in the U.S. Army. The Department of Defense releases its body fat standards every few years as part of the Standards of Medical Fitness. On June 27, 2019, the newest release was issued, and the requirements are presented in the following two tables:
| Maximum Allowable Body Fat Percentage to Join | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Age 17-20 | 24% | 30% |
| Age 21-27 | 26% | 32% |
| Age 28-39 | 28% | 34% |
| Age 40 and over | 30% | 36% |
| Maximum Body Fat Percentage Standard after Entry | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Age 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| Age 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| Age 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| Age 40 and over | 26% | 36% |
The Department of Defense goal is 18% body fat for males, and 26% body fat for females.
How is the army body fat percentage measured?
The army body fat percentage is measured using a circumference-based tape test and a supplemental body fat assessment if necessary. The tape test measures the neck and waist circumference for males, and the neck, waist, and hip circumference for females. The tape test is based on the assumption that the circumference measurements are proportional to the body fat distribution.
The tape test is performed by a trained and certified personnel, using a non-stretchable tape measure. The tape measure should fit tightly but not squeeze the skin. The measurements should be taken at least three times and averaged to the nearest half or quarter inch. The measurements should be taken at the following locations:
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- Neck: just below the level of the larynx (Adam’s apple)
- Waist: at the level of the navel (belly button) or at the point of minimum abdominal circumference
- Hip: where the glutes are most prominent
The body fat percentage is then calculated using a formula that takes into account the height, weight, and circumference measurements. The formula is different for males and females, and can be found in the Army Regulation 40-501—Standards of Medical Fitness.
The tape test does not apply to Soldiers who achieve a minimum of 80 points in each event and a total of 540 or higher on the ACFT. The ACFT is a six-event test that measures the Soldier’s strength, power, endurance, agility, and mobility. The ACFT events are the three repetition maximum deadlift, the standing power throw, the hand-release push-up, the sprint-drag-carry, the plank, and the two-mile run. Soldiers who meet this exception are exempt from the tape test and are considered to meet the body fat standards.
If a Soldier fails the tape test, they may request a supplemental body fat assessment using a device that can more accurately estimate the body fat percentage. The device must be approved by the Army Surgeon General, and currently there are three authorized devices:
- Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA): The DXA uses dual low-power X-ray beams that can differentiate between bone mineral, lean mass, and fat mass. During the test, the Soldier lays on a flat DXA table, and a scanning arm extends over them to deliver the X-ray.
- InBody 770 Body Composition and Body Water Analyzer: The InBody 770 uses multiple low-intensity electrical currents on the body to get up to six different impedance readings that assess body fat, muscle, and water.
- The Bod Pod® Body Composition Tracking System: The Bod Pod® uses air displacement plethysmography (ADP) to determine the body’s fatty mass to lean mass ratio. It is the only authorized ADP device for the supplemental body fat assessment. The Soldier sits inside a chamber that measures the volume of air displaced by the body.
The supplemental body fat assessment is only used when the tape test results are questionable or disputed by the Soldier. If a Soldier does not request a supplemental body fat assessment or fails the assessment, they will be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP).
What is the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and what are the consequences of failing the body fat standards?
The Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) is a program that regulates the body fat standards for all Soldiers in the U.S. Army, including the Active Army, the Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. The ABCP aims to ensure that all Soldiers achieve and maintain optimal well-being and performance under all conditions.
The ABCP works by assessing the body fat percentage of Soldiers using the tape test and the supplemental body fat assessment if necessary. The body fat percentage is then compared to the Army body fat standards, which vary by age and gender. Soldiers who exceed the Army body fat standards are enrolled in the ABCP and are required to take corrective actions to reduce their body fat and improve their fitness.
The corrective actions include:
- Receiving exercise guidance from a master fitness trainer and counseling from a registered dietitian or health provider.
- Following the tenets of the Performance Triad, which are sleep, activity, and nutrition.
- Participating in a monthly body fat assessment and a record ACFT every six months.
- Developing and implementing a personalized action plan with the help of their commander and supervisor.
- Accessing additional resources such as the Army Wellness Center and the online U.S. Army Public Health Center Technical Guide 358.
Soldiers who are enrolled in the ABCP are also subject to certain administrative actions that may affect their career progression and retention. For example, they are not eligible for promotion, reenlistment, or attendance to professional military education courses until they meet the body fat standards. They may also receive a bar to continued service or be separated from the Army if they fail to make satisfactory progress or show unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
How can Soldiers improve their army body fat percentage and maintain a healthy body composition?
Soldiers can improve their army body fat percentage and maintain a healthy body composition by adopting a balanced and sustainable lifestyle that incorporates the following elements:
- Getting enough quality sleep, which is essential for recovery, performance, and health. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7 to 8 hours per night.
- Engaging in regular physical activity, which can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, body composition, and mental well-being. The recommended amount of physical activity for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus two or more days of muscle-strengthening activities.
- Eating a nutritious and varied diet, which can provide the energy and nutrients needed for optimal function and health. The recommended dietary pattern for adults is based on the Healthy Eating Plate, which consists of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, and water.
- Avoiding or limiting the intake of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances that can impair performance, health, and judgment. The recommended limit for alcohol consumption for adults is no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. The recommended goal for tobacco use is to quit or seek help to quit.
By following these guidelines, Soldiers can enhance their physical fitness, operational effectiveness, and longevity. They can also avoid the negative consequences of failing the body fat standards and enjoy the benefits of being in compliance with the Army Body Composition Program.
Conclusion
The army body fat percentage is a measure of the amount of fat in a Soldier’s body, compared to their total body mass. The army body fat percentage is used to determine whether a Soldier meets the medical fitness standards for joining and staying in the U.S. Army. The army body fat percentage is also related to the Soldier’s physical fitness, health, and performance.
The army body fat percentage is measured using a circumference-based tape test and a supplemental body fat assessment if necessary. The tape test is based on the assumption that the circumference measurements are proportional to the body fat distribution.