Do you think the Army height and weight standards are too strict, too lenient or not accurate?

I would like to know where all the masses of these fit overweight Soldiers are hiding. Majority of the Soldiers I tape. BTW after being an SGL for three years/PSG and 1SG, I have taped a fair share of Soldiers. I promise you majority, about 98% who bust over the allowable percentage are not fit Soldiers and APFT scores easily confirmed. there may be a Soldier who passes APFT, and appear fit but if he does not meet the allowable body fat percentage then he did not meet the standard. Every persons body is different but you can easily change body composition through diet and exercise, especially weight training. Muscle weighs more than fat and more muscle equals less body fat. BLUF, the standard is the standard and it is achievable if you want it bad enough.

As much as I have seen how retarded the ABCP H&W standards are ( I have taped people here that are "overweight" but have like 10% under the max allowed fat percentage) but unfortunately it's the system that the Army wants to use so we as NCO's the only thing we can do is enforce the standard

I think there is MAJOR room for improvement when it comes to height/weight standards. However, the thing that irritates me the most is hearing Soldiers complain that they busted tape because they weren't taped properly. If you're that close to being over the percentage limit, then there are things that need to be worked on already.

I think there are far better practices than we use in the Army, but since I have been in this is what we have been stuck with.

I think that they are somewhat antiqueted,

Deep breath time, folks. This is a professional forum. The Army physical fitness program is as fair as any such program can be. I've already addressed this in at least two other posts...so slow down and consider the following. This program does address exceptions - the individuals who put it together recognized the fact there are human beings out there who are physically outside the 'norm' - hence the TAPING aspect. That is NOT the end. Any unit COMMANDER is the final link, and has the authority to waive results IF - a) the service member meets the "EYE" test by NOT presenting a slovenly or obese appearance b) PASSES the PT test (I did NOT say make a perfect score) and c) performs an acceptable function within the unit (would earn at least a 'meets expectations' level efficiency report). If you fall into this category, go to your unit top NCO and/or Commander and talk to them. Keep in mind this program provides a lengthy time period spread out over months to come up to an acceptable level - why would anyone NOT believe in the fairness of this program? That said, perhaps the focus of this thread is on the wrong aspect...meaning it's not the 'program' some have a problem with but rather the 'person' doing the judging? If that's so, one can request that they be graded by another - preferably a disinterested 3rd party. JCH

We just had a conversation about this very issue this weekend. I would like to see some sort of exemption for Soldiers who score high on the APFT. if you can score a 270, I don't care if you're built like Danny DeVito. (Plus that would be hilarious to see)

I have to be taped every time. I'm in good shape for the most part. I don't mind being taped though. Some can't carry the weight well and could stand to lose a few. Myself included, but I surpass the standards mostly so it shouldn't bare any real weight against anyone as long as they do as well.

Height and weight don't equal physical fitness. There are plenty of people who are in shape but not fit and there are out of shape people who are for.