Should the Height and Weight standards matter if they pass the physical fitness test??

Excess weight is not good on anyone. I have seen many big and powerful Soldiers throughout the Years, they are. Ore prone to injury, health related issues etc. these are medically proven facts. Why not simply meet the standard. Thank you for your service.

The answer is this: Only enlist people that look like blue tick hounds. No bulldogs, St Bernard's, and such.

There is a point where too big is too big. It would take two or more men to drag a 300 pound wounded body builder. Also, conducting Close Quarters Battle is hampered and in some cases impossible. I have seen a body building trend simce the 90's where guys just got plain huge which medical personnel would have to consult commander for a standard. There is a point where strength affects stamina and performance. I believe the PT Test should include at least 7 events, pushups, situp, run dodge & jump, low crawl, crap walk, 15 meter smim in combat uniform and 5 mile run, instead of 2 mile run. Every soldier need to be able to swim far enough to save themself. I seriously doubt the dude picture could pass the recommended test. It is almost the same test given decades ago. Opinions will vary.

I can understand both sides of the Height and Weight vs PT score debate, I just wish someone had set these standards before people enlisted, so they could know what was expected of them? Oh wait, was that sarcasm?

it's more then your ability to pass the APFT. H&W standards are also in place to address military appearance.

I think that if a service member can pass their pt test height and weight should not matter.

All I can say is I'm a big guy, 54, with 37 yrs in. I'm 6'3", 235, I have a 52 inch chest, 40 inch waist and a 19 1/2 inch neck. Granted, I only do the walk since being injured in Iraq in 2004 but I've NEVER failed an APFT, however, for the last 15 or so yrs, I've been taped or calipered and always passed. At least taping isn't as painful as the calipers... (anybody remember the pinch test?) To answer your question, we do have some fat bodies that look like shit in a uniform. On the other hand, expecting me to weigh 220 or whatever it is is laughable. There needs to be some sort of standard - I think if they can make tape that's good to go. Yes, there are offensive linemen in the NFL who could probably pass our APFT but would you want to see them in class A's?

As a soldier who struggled with height and weight while i was in the military i think that the standards should be reevalutated and redone just like the pt program.... because i was a weight lifter in highschool i had already a solid build but in the military for pt they focused more on cardio and definition which actuallly hurt me in the long run. going from a bigger guy i passed my pt tests but had t be taped every thime and sometimes because i was dropping inches off my neck faster then the belly area i would have to go on remedial pt. it wasnt until i started lifting weights again and built my neck back up that i started to pass my h an w by tape test. even that needs to be reevaluated because sometimes those are inaccurate as well.. the only true way to measure bmi and body fat is with a doctor who has the proper tools to do so.

My personal opinion aside; neither program has one to do with the other. The ABCP can also be applied to Soldiers who make screening weight. Over fat is over fat. Commanders are authorized to direct a body fat assessment on any Soldier that they determine does not present a Soldierly appearance.

Of course we don't want overly obese Soldiers. However, ht/wt was more significant during World War I & II when Soldiers were jumping into combat. During those times Soldiers were looked at as cargo. Now when we deploy everyone takes a commercial flight, then bus, and from there walk to your living area. Until it's time for you to mount up in you Fox, MRAP, or Bradley.