Body composition across the military?

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:07:51 -0500

Recently, I have noticed more and more services members who seem to be a little larger than normal. Being in Hawaii, we have all branches within a close proximity. I can not just pinpoint on one branch out of tolerance, but all. For one, it's upholding a standard and placing a display to the civilian population. No one wants someone to defend our country who defends burger king more or who's uniform is as tight as spandex around the waist. As a master fitness, I can physically help them burn calories, but I can not control their diets once they go home. Even the DFAC is not the best. Not saying everyone should be super fit, just we should be able to stop what is in the picture below before it happens. My question to the community is should the military be more strict on their standards? Should it be one standard across the board? Should there be less popeyes and burger kings on installations? What are your thoughts on this?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 6:29 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:29:08 -0500

In this time of downsizing, WO1 Private RallyPoint Member, fitness (including height, weight, and BMI) might be a good discriminator. I've been reading on RallyPoint about people who are being booted out because they can't pass the PT test. I'm guessing it's the same for overweight SMs. And I think that's the right way to go. Not saying everybody has to be a skinny mini, but everyone should at least be able to pass the tape test.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 6:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:42:42 -0500

the problem with this is the amount of paperwork necessary to remove someone utilizing the ABCP. WO1 Private RallyPoint Member.

As a master Fitness Graduate you should know this. I am not sure about the other branches but in the ARMY if you are off on the procedures being done stringently then the Soldier can contest it.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 8 at 2015 6:43 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:43:53 -0500

That is one big boy

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 8 at 2015 6:44 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:44:16 -0500

AF just has a max waist tape of 39 in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 6:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:56:03 -0500

Yes there should only be one standard across the board for the military. Will make it easier and less painful. If he or she does not pass then counsel them, get them on a program. If that does not work they personally have to see the doctor and find out why and then report back to their chain of command. If your pass the weight allowed and bust tape but your body fat is still low its not a bad thing we are all built different just work with what you have and keep improving.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Feb 8 at 2015 7:06 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:06:04 -0500

How anyone in that condition can be allowed to remain in the Army/Reserves/Natl Guard is beyond me. That should be easy to resolve with a failed PFT and a swift removal from service. There is no excuse for that. I am surprised they make uniforms that would fit anyone that out of shape.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 7:16 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:16:57 -0500

The current mass production of food involves lots of processing and preservatives, the American diet is carb-heavy, we now have multiple sugar substitutes, GMOs; all of these have an impact on hormones, and our troops can eat as much as they like at the DFAC...isn't helping the obesity epidemic. There are numerous health conditions one can develop; the two that aggravate this weight gain epidemic is insulin resistance and hypo-thyroid, both slow down metabolism...the military could do more to monitor hypothyroidism, and Metformin is often an option for Insulin resistant Pre-diabetics....dietary counseling, extra mandatory PT, setting up a fat-body program...making troops accountable. Following a low carb diet is a fantastic start....for those that gain weight easily.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Feb 8 at 2015 7:31 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:31:19 -0500

I think the Army's standards for height/weight and physical fitness are about right. There may be improvements that can be made to the standards or betting discipline in uniformaly applying the standards across the board but this is like an algebra equation in high school. The left side of the equation includes the standards and the application of the standards while the right side of the equation is the individual responsibility to achieve and maintain the standard. Restricting fast food chains on installations and other top heavy type approaches (see NYC attempts to limit soda size) try to emplace on the left side of the equation what should be on the right side of the equation. Simply stated, if an individual Soldier can not or will not uphold a standard then the remedy should be an individual remedy (separate from the Army) and not a mass punishment remedy. The proximate cause of the problem is individual discipline so that is where the solution should lie.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 8 at 2015 7:52 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:52:09 -0500

The military is not forever, so they will do their time and get out. Everyone can get replaced.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Feb 8 at 2015 7:54 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:54:18 -0500

I agree that not everyone needs to be super fit, but jeez, that guy in the pic probably weighs close to what two guys his height should weigh to meet standards.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 8:28 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 20:28:50 -0500

The reality is that units often allow exceptions for those who don't meet the standards. Case in point, the leadership above the gentleman in the picture are aware of him and have tolerated his slide into whaledom. Bottom line is we need to hold our people accountable so what is pictured above never occurs again.

That guy makes me ill. His supervision make me more so.

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made Feb 8 at 2015 8:55 PM

SGT Kevin Gardner — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 20:55:53 -0500

I look at it this way, are you so freaking big that I can't pull your big #%% out of a burning MRAP? Then the people your hurting are the people trying to save your life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 10:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:48:09 -0500

I think the Army's Height and Weight standards need adjustment and updating. I mean let me get this straight - for instance the Army standards for a 35 year old male at 69 inches is supposed to be 184 lbs or less. Got it. Here's the interesting part. a person that has a 40 inch waist (stomach hanging below the belt) but has a 17.5 inch neck passes with 24% body fat. another person with a waist 2 inches smaller with a skinny (15") neck fails (The former would have a pear shape and the latter would have a V shape no less) Not to mention muscle mass is more dense therefore weighs more than fat. I wonder if the powers that be considered than when AR 600-9 was written. Just my two cents

Response by A1C Brian Sprick made Feb 8 at 2015 11:15 PM

A1C Brian Sprick — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 23:15:05 -0500

Every service members has an individual body type and metabolism. Passing your combat physical readiness training is held to a minimum standard to regulate when members of the armed forces meet, exceed or do not meet the passing standards. When a service member appears to be unfit or overweight, do not question his combat ability unless you have witnessed his requirements not being met. If he or she do not meet the minimum requirements, it is up to their chain of command to get these members fit for duty. Service members should not be judged by physical size, but how well they adapt and overcome the challenges set forth before them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 12:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:14:47 -0500

The only problem I have with the height weight standards is what about the Soldiers that can pass PT just fine but struggle with height and weight because of genetic make up... In MN we have a lot of Soldiers that are of Norwegian/German descent and therefore are stockier build... I have had quite a few females that I have taped and they will fail tape but they have a 270+ PT score... And being medical we have a lot of knowledge on nutrition, we have even had them do diaries documenting everything that they have eaten and calorie counted... We have nutrition specialists that will go over meal plans with them... These are good Soldiers that we can't promote or reward for anything because they stay flagged and some have been processed out... Yet the skinny one who scores a 183 on PT gets to stay in... We also saw this issue with anyone with Simoan background... It actually is something if anyone has any good advice or is there something else we can do for these soldiers... I heard plans at one point where the Army was going to look at possibly waiving some of the standard if they could pass a PT test with a higher score...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 4:31 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 04:31:10 -0500

While I doubt the person in the picture can pass an APFT, I think that if a soldier can pass the APFT and keep up with MOS requirements, why bother with height and weight? I mean in most cases the APFT knocks out overweight issues easy. Then again you got guys passing the APFT and failing the height and weight.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 5:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 05:13:16 -0500

The only problem I have is when a Soldier can score 270+ but still fail Height/Weight. There are some big people in this world, and a weight lifter can sometimes break the mold set forth by the regulation. I have seen good Soldiers chaptered by this exact reason. Now, I haven't seen it recently, but I'm sure there is the rare occasion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 7:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 07:00:08 -0500

The person in that picture didn't become overweight overnight, I can not tel is this person is RA, NG OR RC. Either case this soldier show lack of self discipline and a leadership failure. Where was his supervisor or CoC? IWA AR 600-9 Soldiers should be height and weight at least twice year or when the Commander notices the soldiers appear to be overweight. The program is not perfect but give us guidelines to monitor and help soldier maintain a healthy weight or at least pass tape test. We need more engage leadership and better enforcement of the current standard. I can only speculate about the guy in the picture, I don't know if he got a medical condition or is enrolled in the ABCP.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 9 at 2015 7:11 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 07:11:22 -0500

I have to say that genetics and a high metabolism kept me within the standards more than my physical fitness routine. I'm 6'4" and 180lbs wet, funny enough, the most I've ever weighed was 210lbs and that was while stationed in Hawaii. Too much Loco Moco I'm afraid :)

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 1:52 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:52:37 -0500

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member as an ex obese person, before joining, I know how hard is to loose weight. Is a learning process where you start to know your body, your "limits" (I have none :), and what works better for you. I think the Army, and all other military branches, should work in the mind set of their soldiers and expand it to work for themselves. I think that before being a soldier, the APFT or even defending the country in combat, if you don't take care of yourself, all that is as good as nothing. We need our soldiers healthy and physically fit because is the best for the us, not because we need to look good in uniform or we want a 300 in the next APFT. We have the tools and the trained people to work with these kind of soldiers. In the last months I've been going to the AWC and it has being very helpful, here is the link: https://armyfit.army.mil/awc/ Bod Pod, for accurate body fat %. Fitness test, for VO2 Max. Metabolism Test, to accurately set a goal within your calories burning rate. Stress Test, etc. The help is there, you just have to look for it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 1:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:58:35 -0500

The answer here is yes and no. I believe firmly that obesity as depicted above needs to be prevented, but in the modern age where people are technical experts the primary focus should be job proficiency.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 4:00 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:00:13 -0500

I agree with the majority here about it being an individual accountability issue and leaders should hold service members accountable. As one who's been retired for a number of years, I can tell you that the younger generation should watch out all the calories you can "afford" to take in because of the physical demands of the service. Once you get out, adjusting your diet down is a real challenge; especially if you aspire to a "corporate" (sit on your butt) job.

Response by MSG William Wold made Feb 9 at 2015 8:45 PM

MSG William Wold — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 20:45:15 -0500

Perhaps the biggest way to solve this is to better screen those who wish to join. We're being cut to the bone, smaller and smaller military. This idea would also solve on logistics and costs of uniform, one size fits all. Make one uniform size. Someone comes in and wants to join the military. Ok, go in there and put this uniform on. They come out, it looks terrible, or they can't button it. Sorry.... absurd I know but it does have some merits.
Seems sometimes they wine and dine someone into the military. They tolerate one re-enlistment, then after the second, try to go out of their way to make it more difficult to hang around much longer..
I remember basic training 40 years ago. I GAINED 9 pounds, and about 20 more over my career... My good friend who ended up in the same place, lost 14 pounds in basic.. and eventually gained it all back, but he got out after 6 yrs.
My last 2 years of Reserves I had to be taped, but I made the tapes. I had a permanent profile on my knee and foot, so I had to do alternate exercises. It was time to go...

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made Feb 10 at 2015 1:21 AM

1SG Todd Sullivan — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 01:21:29 -0500

People want to be treated just like everyone else even when they don't put nearly the same level of commitment into it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 1:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 01:37:07 -0500

I believe there could
Be some changes to the BMI rating, but I'm no rocket scientist on body mass so don't quote me. I have seen some heavy people that are not heavy because of muscle get by because of a big neck. All in all though, I agree with you and others here that a soldier should take pride in his appearance and his fitness. I went through a period of time where I had problems with height and weight and I got through it with a healthy diet and exercise. I don't do it just for the Army, but also for my family.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 1:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 01:39:36 -0500

I think the standard across the board for body composition is a joke. We are America's fighting force, we are the world's greatest military; we should look the part.

Response by 1SG Jeremy Evans made Feb 10 at 2015 1:57 AM

1SG Jeremy Evans — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 01:57:48 -0500

Ha, its hard to believe that this is a real photo, the unfortunate reality is that I'm sure it is. Let me shorthand my answer. Establish the standards, provide the direction, motivation, training (or retraining) and tools to accomplish the standard. Those that do not have the personal drive or discipline to meet the standard after being provided the above, thank you. You have just made it easier for the Army in a time of downsizing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 8:31 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:31:02 -0500

I think that it can be blamed both on the member and the branch of service. With doing more with less, we often times get put in shops where PT is solely on your own but the duty day is no less than 10 hrs a day 5-6 days a week! Add family time and school onto that and there's no time for PT. Of course we all should understand that we need it (or at less a healthy diet) but I just feel like we have to take a PT test, it's required by my job however they give me no time to do it! For some, choosing PT over school and family time is an wry hard decision.
Now, for those fat blobs that just eat crazy, sit on the couch all day, work easy hours and are still fat.... No words.

Response by PO3 Derrick Cripe made Feb 10 at 2015 10:36 AM

PO3 Derrick Cripe — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 10:36:30 -0500

I'm just going to guess that he is a reservist ...I hope :( don't believe people in the reserves should be deployed if they don't meet current standards.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Feb 10 at 2015 10:42 AM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 10:42:31 -0500

I can say that the photo posted above is shocking. However, that photo first surfaced during my second deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. Subsequently, I have watched the Army weed out soldiers like this. Also, this soldier was National Guard or Reserves if memory serves me correct. Not to say I am trying to validate the extreme case of obesity shown, but this soldier was not Active duty and most likely only retained as a number for the deployment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 11:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 11:54:19 -0500

I'm still not tracking this tape test debacle. You can be obese as long as the measurements are right. Didn't say that in the regulation but it might as well....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 6:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 18:41:48 -0500

It amazes me that even looking at a picture like this we can still get people to argue against HT/WT standards. "As long as they can do their job I don’t care how big they are." Or “if they pass the PT test it shouldn’t matter what the tape says”; Seems to be a very short sighted and unintelligent thought process. Service members are consistently focusing on one or two aspects of the job and trying to use that as a justification for not complying with another. We as service members are supposed to be the total package. The Army calls it the total Soldier concept. I agree that a skinny PT stud that cannot put together a coherent sentence has no place in the Army but neither do those that cannot meet the physical requirements. They are not a requirement because someone wants a bunch of skinny people around looking good. I challenge anyone of you to carry the Soldier in that picture out of harm’s way during a fire fight. Soldiers first right. Who wants to take that Soldiers shift when he injures himself just walking around because a large unfit Soldier has more trouble with basic everything. They do not have the coordination of a smaller healthy person. Who here is going to volunteer to pack up all this Soldiers gear to be shipped home when he has a stroke or heart attack because his weight is so unhealthy. You have to be good at all aspects of the job not just your MOS. Doesn’t matter how good you shoot your gun if you can’t change fighting positions when you have the enemy on the move or they are advancing. Doesn’t matter how good you are at getting a network up if when the network goes down you can’t move fast enough to get it back up. If you are too out of shape to carry your own pack, march more than a mile, lose your breath walking upstairs and can’t meet the minimum requirements of the Army get out. Everyone had to meet the requirement to get in; if you don’t meet the requirement your are counseled provided with free help i.e. a nutritionist, remedial PT or a doctor’s appointment.

Disclaimer: Before anyone says it; medical conditions that affect weight, injuries in battle that prevent passing an APFT and any other general exemption is not applied here. Use common sense and really look at the Soldiers I am talking about.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 11:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 23:36:06 -0500

If your neck is big enough...

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 12:07 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 12:07:40 -0500

The Navy has a program in place for about 7 or so years that seems to have worked for about 90% of the time. 3 PT test failures in 4 years constitutes a discharge. The PT Test also includes not passing weight/taping standards. In these 7+ years I have seen a lot of sailors booted out that just can't put down the fast food or work out other than command required PT. Now there is a few that some how have slipped by whether it be that commands are not doing the right thing by logging the failure or changing the numbers to keep these individuals off the chopping block or they have been doing the crash dieting prior to weigh ins to just slip under the max. In my opinion we should start up a command in all services that their entire job is to go command to command and administer the PT test so that there is no favouritism or command involvement to allow an individual to pass by. I also think that regular weigh ins either monthly or quarterly should also be implemented to catch the crash dieters or the "wrappers".

Response by 1SG Bruce Culver made Feb 11 at 2015 12:22 PM

1SG Bruce Culver — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 12:22:57 -0500

AR 600-200 and AR 601-2 says that body mass by height , and has a scale to be followed. a yearly for reserves and by-yearly for active duty is required. It looks like someone in his chain of command was penciling in his tests and weight . He probably says he has long work hrs and goes to school and doesn't have time . But by regs he shouldn't have been deployed ,but put on 90 day lose it or be put out . He looks like he rides and doesn't walk .

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Feb 11 at 2015 12:38 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 12:38:32 -0500

I do not believe this is a real active duty service member. How would he have been allowed to get that big? That does NOT happen overnight. Are telling me no one noticed? No that's gotta be a civilian wanna be maybe a contractor.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 11 at 2015 8:31 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 20:31:49 -0500

I did not have to see this image, any soldier, or person for that matter, should take pride in their appearence in whatever or whoever they represent, our country in particular.

Response by MSgt Michael Arkin made Feb 11 at 2015 9:04 PM

MSgt Michael Arkin — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:04:32 -0500

Body Composition is a joke! It came about in the early 70s during the Vietnam draw down after the draft. There is already a standard. It is the physical fitness test. If a service member can pass the physical fitness test, what difference does it make what his/her body composition is? If you pass the physical fitness test, you should be able to hold your own in combat. If you don't want to put "joe bag of doughnuts" out in public for the poster child, then don't, but why do we discharge so many great warriors because they wouldn't look good on a poster and they pass the physical fitness test. We went through this with Clinton in the early 90s, kicking good Marines out because they didn't match some imaginary body standard.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 11 at 2015 11:07 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 23:07:04 -0500

I remember whent the Navy Reinstituted it's PRT Program in 1980 when we had Sailors so fat they couldn't get through a Deck Hatch. Yeah that is when it becomes a problem for one and all especially say in Mass Conflaguration Fire onboard ship.

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Feb 11 at 2015 11:50 PM

SSG Sean Knudsen — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 23:50:56 -0500

This picture portrays the direct failures of this soldiers command and authority and ability to execute military order and discipline. One can only wonder how in the HELL this example of a service member ever passed retention and or a pre deployment physical. Disgusting and disgracefull and completely unprofessional.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 12:14 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:14:00 -0500

Omg. The simple solution is this. I will say this one time. No more neck taping. I see time and time again fat people getting taped and not fitting in their uniforms which are shapeless and loose as it is, all because they have a thick or gobble like neck. They walk around with a keggerator belly but they have the magical thick neck that prevents them from being flagged as fat.

We should just be taping waist and hips.

I

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 3:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 03:30:42 -0500

Not trying to disparage the guy. But damn! His belt is over it's allowed load limit. And yes, round is a shape so I guess he's in shape.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 12 at 2015 9:34 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 09:34:00 -0500

Well from the photo you have posted, I KNOW that he should not have been deployed. I'm over weight buy 30 lbs. I'm 6'3 and 46 yrs old. I'm RC and I hand to lose 25 lbs to deploy. This is very wrong and pisses me off because I worked damn hard to go and to attain my rank. To see this infuriates me! I'm not saying that the person is not a great soldier, but if I had to work my ass of to go, why did he get deployed like this. Is the standard different in each state? I had to be below 32 BMI at 6'3. he is not that tall. well over 32 BMI set, by from my understanding, DMoB Station.

Response by SFC Richard M. made Feb 12 at 2015 9:40 AM

SFC Richard M. — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 09:40:13 -0500

One thing about it, the current method of determining a Soldier's body fat is flawed.

The Soldier in the photo you posted is absolutely in violation of AR 600-9, but I blame the unit leadership for allowing it to slip through the cracks.

The unfortunate reality of it though, is that he's probably a decent soldier otherwise. I can't tell you how many hard working, motivated Soldiers I've seen get chaptered because they couldn't make tape.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 12 at 2015 1:22 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 13:22:12 -0500

I'm also stationed in Hawaii, and I know what you are talking about. Thankfully, I have heard that the Navy is tightening their standards in this regards. An SSgt in the Marine Corps told me that they have a standard for presenting a neat and fit appearance in uniform that they enforce. I'm not sure how they enforce this standard, but I think it would benefit the Army to adapt something similar. Personally, I hail from Fort Bragg and the mentality out there is much less accepting of unfit soldiers than Hawaii. It could be an airborne thing, but I am disgusted at the level of fitness my fellow soldiers have in Hawaii. To give you an example, I am on a permanent profile and I am confident in saying that I am the fittest female enlisted soldier in my unit and in the top 10 of enlisted soldiers overall. I participated in the Marine Corps Swamp Romp and my team finished 7th overall and 4th in the men’s warrior division (they forgot to switch divisions when I joined the team). The race wasn’t even a workout for me (15 minute miles/4.2 miles), so I am surprised by how well we placed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 3:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 15:56:05 -0500

Looks like a bean bag chair I threw out once.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 10:07 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 22:07:57 -0500

I truly believe the body composition test is unneeded. If you can pass the physical fitness test set before you, you should be good to go. Think about it. The majority of Soldiers (can't speak about the other services) who fail the APFT are clearly overweight. Meaning, the two go hand in hand.

When I see a flag for body composition, 9 times out of 10 it is accompanied by an APFT failure flag.

I knew an amazing Soldier who was the best at what he did. He was super strong and did well on the APFT. Unfortunately, his body composition was off. He wasn't the 190 lbs the Army wanted him to be. He was 205. Tiny neck and a tiny gut. He was not an embarrassment to the uniform. He just wasn't within the standards set forth in the 1970s.

Anyone else think the body composition of the average man has changed over the past 40 years? A few years back (8 to be exact) the Army adjusted the BC standards for women. Where is the adjustment for the men?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 1:08 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 01:08:26 -0500

That's a big O boy!! Few less helpings and more PT!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 1:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 01:49:03 -0500

I a sense I agree. The picture is not flattering at, but I can probably guarantee that that SM could run circles around some of the skinniest and most fit looking people, where those who fit the mold, can barely pass a PT test. I have and currently struggle to meet the standards of the military. It is an everyday battle that I fight along side many. Why do we do it, because we love what we do and love being apart of the military. To judge someone from a picture is kind of hurtful. I would hate to show a full picture of myself. It wouldn't represent the 273 PT score that I achieved on a PT test, at my highest weight and BF.
I do agree that with the military promoting health, they should do a better job at providing better options on post, that aren't going to break the pockets. In every dining facility, you have the performance enhancing food, and the non performance enhancing choice and the price difference between the two is ridiculous. I hate fast food, but I would rather spend the
5 bucks a burger and fries than the 7 to 8 on a salad.
The military standards are already strict enough. They are was less than what US doctors say the average person should be, which is fine, because as military we are not the average person. I know for some to see persons not fitting perfectly in their uniform may bother some. Some time is bothers me as well, because I know all the work I have put in to improve my appearance, but then I have to stop and think, that there isn't always a fix to what we may consider a problem, and I have to remind myself, that I was once in that situation and I did my job, I did my job very well and I continue to do my job. That big person maybe the only thing that saves you from a devastating situation and you may owe him/her a thank you and an apology.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 4:28 AM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:28:40 -0500

I don't really get why we have Burger Kings and Pop Eye's on all these installations. Seems kind of counter intuitive (Then again I am a huge hypocrite on this because I would probably be willing to murder if it meant I could have a Dunkin Donuts at every assignment I go to). During my 4 years of military school I kind of brushed off taking physical fitness seriously...spending an hour at the gym just to make myself sore and uncomfortable when I could be drinking beer and "studying" yeah right! But I never made excuses when I was pushing weight standards...It really is all about the choices we make.

My junior year I was pushing 200lbs and it was certainly not muscle. I was eating garbage and slacking off. I was fortunate enough to drop 20lbs during a 4 month exchange to Beijing. Determined to keep the weight off I started taking PT more seriously and kept myself on a strict diet. When I commissioned I was about 165lbs.

Now I run...a lot! I go to races and I'm running my first half marathon this month. I take my fitness seriously now because I don't think you can be seen as a competent leader and look anything like the way I did at 21 years old. A good officer and a good NCO needs to embody good physical fitness. You don't need to be crushing it an Iron Man but when it comes to physical standards nobody should even have to question your ability to perform.

I know I'm kind of all over the place here but I just don't get how you can be in the military of all places and be so unhealthy!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 5:10 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:10:09 -0500

Yogi Bear is on our side. I can sleep well this evening. lol

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Feb 14 at 2015 6:48 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:48:22 -0500

I'd love to see a "where are they now" pic of this guy. Hopefully becoming famous this way inspired him to make a change.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Feb 27 at 2015 4:41 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 16:41:27 -0500

That Soldier in the photo was stress testing the ACS prior to issue...embarrassing. I would like to have a long talk with his NCO Support Channel.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Feb 27 at 2015 4:46 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 16:46:46 -0500

I took this picture of me this morning. I think I need to get back in the gym...

The food as a whole in the Army (at least) is complete garbage. The hormones and preservatives pumped into the food do not bring about good health, nor does it encourage that. The issue is creating large capacities of food for the multitude of troops without making the food more chemical then food.

Response by MSgt Nancy Wilson made Dec 19 at 2021 8:31 AM

MSgt Nancy Wilson — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 08:31:35 -0500

wow, I would hate to be publicly humiliated like this. I wonder how the guy in the photo feels about his photo being posted here like this? Did he give permission?