Should Height/Weight be Disregarded if the PT Score is High Enough?

I have to both agree and disagree with the current system. The reason I disagree with it is the tape method is the most inaccurate way of finding an individuals body fat percentage. I have seen bodybuilders and powerlifters who regularly score 250+ on their PT tests get flagged for failing to maintain their weight and also disagree with that.

The one thing I do like about the current system is that regardless of how your perform, every soldier is supposed to look the image of a soldier in the eyes of civilians and if you can score high on an APFT but look like a bag of smashed assholes, then I have a problem with it. We are a professional organization and all soldiers should adhere to that image if they wish to be successful in my opinion.

By no means am I a PT stud (I don't train for the APFT), but I have never failed a test and have always maintained a consistent weight and appearance since I was a Private.

Speaking from experience, the tape test is the only place I've lost weight and been told I had gotten fatter. Yes, its because I lost weight in my neck and gut at the same time, and I'm working on building up my neck. But I've passed 4 pt tests in a row, not by a whole lot, but I passed. And I've dropped 20 pounds, and the tape test said I went from 24 percent to 25 percent, needing 23 percent to pass and go to wlc.so yes. It's a dumb test.

I always struggled with the height / weight because the system is terrible. I would be 1-2 lbs over weight and fail the tape test every time. But easily scored over 270 on the PT test. It used to piss me off when the LT running the fat farm was smaller than me and I beat him on the PT test but he would have to teach me about proper eating and exercise etc... Who would you rather have watching your back, a "fat" guy like myself who did well on the PT test or some little 125 lb soldier who could not pull you out of trouble if needed because he was just to damn smal.
Screw the whole system. Not only the PT score should be the better standard but overall strength standards should be implemented too.
This height / weight was a big part of why I got out after 15 years. I was sick and tired of the battle. Every year was tougher because I would gain back all the weight I was forced to loose and then a couple extra lbs. it really added up over the years.

I'm not sure that scoring a number is enough to make a decision on this. I agree if you score >270 should be fit... but I've seen Large not muscular guys sore well but were not exactly fit. Even with the current System there is areas for improvement. I think there should be allowances for Fit soldiers to avoid having to always do tape or BF%, but how do you manage something that diverse in a program to make allowances while not being too loose to catch the Fatties? The current system while not without flaws seems to work without having to reinvent the wheel.

The way i see it, if we're in combat and he gets shot im not sure i can drag him to safety... the height and weight system needs to be revised but not gotten rid of

I am a powerlifter, have weighed between 175-200 my entire career so far. I normally score between a 275-290 on the PT test. I have had to cut-back on my lifting so I don't bust tape. I don't look fat, my uniform looks nice. I don't think the height weight should matter if you look professional. However I am biased.

Performance should be the only quantifier...period!!!!

I agree that the Army PFT is certainly due for a revamp. However, it's one thing to pass a PFT, especially when the standards on not that hard...But, to look like Jonny Bag O'donuts in uniform is NOT OK. That said, the standards should be written in accordance (if memory serves correct) with FM 22-5 and ensure professional appearance is to standard. To do away with it all together would create more of a cluster and allow the slackers to slack better.

If the army changed due to everyone's opinion on this discussion, what would be the solution for alternate events?? For example I've seen walkers who have an outstanding appearance but then some that do not. Both passing the pt test. The system is extremely flawed but it's the same standard for all... Any thoughts?

Checks and balances.