Posted on Jan 13, 2017
Should a Warrant Officer promotion packet require a DA 5500 (Body Fat Worksheet) if you've never been taped? Does it send a bad signal?
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Here's a new one - I was asked several times for my 5500 for my CW2 promotion packet (in the Guard). I've never once in 14 years been taped. Despite my insistence that I don't have one, "S1"supposedly insisted on including one, which my Readiness NCO made one for. Of course, there's no measurements, presumably, only the documented H/W from the 705.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Posted in these groups: 
Promotions
Warrant Officers
Promotions Warrant Officers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
I can see a reason for a promotion board wanting to see it as verification that you meet the body fat standards (I don't agree with it, but I can see it). That form shouldn't hurt you IF it's a requirement for everyone (regardless of whether or not anyone has ever been taped). If that isn't enforced across the board, then I can see it being problematic. The "if applicable" seems to indicate that it's only needed if you required being taped.
Regarding the taping itself, I can see the merit of having the form, even in cases where someone has never been taped. Meeting or failing the height/weight really doesn't mean anything at all. The height/weight is just a simple way of identifying those soldiers who are most likely to be overweight. Failing the height/weight won't get you flagged, but failing the follow-on body fat standards will get you flagged. So, it's all about meeting the body fat content. I've seen people fail the height/weight, but still pass the body fat. Conversely, it is conceivable that someone could pass the height/weight table (and not get taped), but still not meet the body fat standards. Requiring the form thereby ensures that you have actually been fully screened against the actual standard (body fat) that can be problematic.
Personally, I don't think it should be in your packet if you've never had any problems with your body fat. The only additional issue is how you look in uniform. Some research has shown that simply looking big can be problematic, even when you meet the body fat standards. In a way, having that form in there gives you a visible reminder to the board that you do, in fact, meet the standards.
Regarding the taping itself, I can see the merit of having the form, even in cases where someone has never been taped. Meeting or failing the height/weight really doesn't mean anything at all. The height/weight is just a simple way of identifying those soldiers who are most likely to be overweight. Failing the height/weight won't get you flagged, but failing the follow-on body fat standards will get you flagged. So, it's all about meeting the body fat content. I've seen people fail the height/weight, but still pass the body fat. Conversely, it is conceivable that someone could pass the height/weight table (and not get taped), but still not meet the body fat standards. Requiring the form thereby ensures that you have actually been fully screened against the actual standard (body fat) that can be problematic.
Personally, I don't think it should be in your packet if you've never had any problems with your body fat. The only additional issue is how you look in uniform. Some research has shown that simply looking big can be problematic, even when you meet the body fat standards. In a way, having that form in there gives you a visible reminder to the board that you do, in fact, meet the standards.
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A command can tape a Soldier even if they meet the height/weight standards.
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CW3(P) (Join to see)
I certainly don't disagree with that at all. My issue lies with S1 requiring one when the checklist clearly states "5500/5501, if applicable." But it's also only required, if applicable, if RCAS is not up to date. So essentially, if one does require one yet RCAS is up to date, according to the packet checklist, the 5500/5501 would still not be required. It's a whole mess of the left hand not talking to the right hand. But all of that aside, no other promotion packet I've ever done had any such requirement, including the packet for SFC/E7 that I put together prior to getting picked up for Warrant.
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CPT (Join to see)
CW3(P) (Join to see) - just do the tape and move on. Boards do not prejudice a Soldier needing a 5500 vs not needing one as long as the meet the BMI standard.
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LTC (Join to see)
I've been taped every year since 1996, even when I was 30 lbs "overweight", had an 8-pack and was a 300+ on the APFT extended scale.... Now at 44 years old that 8-pack is a 2-pack but i still find the whole system ridiculous.
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It likely is a packet requirement, not an option.. And if it is, I'd assume it needs to be filled in, not just HT & WT with a "GO"
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CW3(P) (Join to see)
The checklist has 5500/5501, if applicable. but I've never heard of getting taped if you meet 600-9 limits. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, it just seems like a misapplication of the form. He responded saying he created one, so unless he made up numbers I imagine only the top portion is filled in. I have a feeling this is going to backfire somehow. Either that, or they will see in RCAS that I'm a GO, and just put the 5500 in the round suggestion can.
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SGM Erik Marquez
CW3(P) (Join to see) - You can be taped anytime the commander deems it warranted, exceeding table screen weight not required. And yes, some ATTRS schools require a 5500 as a check and balance that the unit properly screened the SM
Drill Sergeant Course was one.
Its your packet, if you dont want to submit it, dont.
If you think it needs to be in the packet, my suggestion is to complete it.
Call the proponent agency for your promotions branch.. ask them what they want, their opinion is the only one that matters.. and if it differs from what your S1 is requiring, get an email from the person you spoke to at promotions stating its not needed (or is and not filled in, or is and filled in) and have a chat with the BN S1
Drill Sergeant Course was one.
Its your packet, if you dont want to submit it, dont.
If you think it needs to be in the packet, my suggestion is to complete it.
Call the proponent agency for your promotions branch.. ask them what they want, their opinion is the only one that matters.. and if it differs from what your S1 is requiring, get an email from the person you spoke to at promotions stating its not needed (or is and not filled in, or is and filled in) and have a chat with the BN S1
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LTC Jason Mackay
SGM Erik Marquez - I get the angst about including it, but I love taping (not for attribution) someone who has always been below screen weight that talks a big game about people getting taped. To see the fear in their eyes when they don't make tape, but make height weight. They gain a whole new understanding, and crow a lot less about all those fat f---s who need to be taped.
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