At what point does the Army tape test become completely inaccurate?

2015-10-24T10:22:08-04:00

I have a Soldier who is over weight by 61 lbs and by no means presents a professional appearance. He's 5'8", 250 lbs, with a 42 inch waist and a 20 inch neck. He's allotted 24% body fat but the tape test puts him at 22%. Looking at the Soldier anybody can see there is no that is accurate.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-10-24T10:27:30-04:00

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 2:46 PM

2015-10-24T14:46:51-04:00

The tape test is inaccurate. Statistically, studies have shown the test is generally + or - 4 percent, with outliers of more than +or - 15 percent. So the Soldier you mention may or may not be over fat, but the tape test is not going to tell you that. Unfortunately, it's the Army standard.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-10-24T15:47:45-04:00

Tape test is highly inaccurate. Like showed in your example. It favors a larger neck.

Another example is myself im 6'5 at 240lbs but have a small neck. As a result I'm always coming in just on that line of allowed. Curious one time after I got taped coming to a 23% (allowed 22%) I went to army nutrition to get a more accurate reading from a BIA. Those results had me at 16%.

After presenting my report to my 1stsgt he allowed me to retape under his supervision and I came to 21%

Remember your command can authorize a tape test at any point in time. Doesn't have to be biannual.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 5:32 PM

2015-10-24T17:32:21-04:00

SGT McDonald, my recommendation is this (and yes I feel the tape test is not exactly accurate). Have your robust Soldier be taped by NCO's from another company (either within the same BN or a different BN) and see what those numbers are.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-10-24T20:18:59-04:00

I think the tape test becomes inaccurate when the tester is doing the tested Soldier a "favor". I recommend either observing directly or having another certified tester from another element do the test. If there is a large disparity, it becomes First Sergeant business to square away and enforce the standard.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-10-25T14:40:45-04:00

Just like we have soldiers who receive the opposite effect. Pass their PT tests with a 270+, look good in uniform, just big people in general, and fail tape.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-10-26T09:41:46-04:00

That is a massive neck. And I don't think the calculations are done right, 68" H with a circumference value of 22" puts him at 24% body fat. I'd reread the neck measuring instructions and make sure it is done correctly. And the rounding numbers work into the Soldier's favor. Round up for the neck down for the waist. And yes the Army's standards are that low.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-04-11T13:02:45-04:00

The tape test is absolutely not accurate. The difference between a person's neck and waist is a question of measured proportions, not an indicator of a specific percentage of body fat.