Posted on Mar 28, 2016
Should the Height and Weight standards matter if they pass the physical fitness test??
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H&W and PT test seem to be a controversial discussion nowadays. Some say H&W shouldn't matter if the Soldiers are fit enough to pass the requirements. Some say the standards where set for the older generations before now. Some say PT is the only way to measure leadership and discipline. What are your thoughts?!!
Height and Weight
APFT
Fitness
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 93
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If they can pass the PT test and do their job well, damn the Height/Weight.
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It matters because it is an Army Standard and needs to be enforced by the Chain of Command. Letting the Soldier slide because their performance in PT would set that Soldier up for failure in the future. Do I personally agree with it? No, I think if the Soldier displays a Military Appearance they should be good to go.
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Well I'm not familiar with the Army regulations, however in the AF we still do H/W but only for detail purposes it plays no part in determining your score, what hurts those in the AF is the waste measurement, which plays at odds with Larger/Taller people or those women of Black or Hispanic decent as some have naturally wider hip bones, we are measured on the top of our hip bone. Women cannot exceed a 35inch waist and men cannot exceed a 39inch waist regardless of the genetic make-up or structure. I don't believe H/W should matter because genetically we are all different you simply can't generalize everyone and we all are built to have a percentage of body fat to muscle due to your natural size. I think simply test the physical ability of the person anything outside of that should not matter, if you can pass the standard for what can physically be done then your good.
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It is regrettable that appearance matters even if someone can reach high physical standards. Perception is a tool in battle strategy. Enemies look for softer targets and the appearance of your forces may determine the conflict's outcome or if there is a conflict at all. An enemy commander's perception of your troop strength, fitness, discipline, training and resolve can lead them to determine that the potential cost is too great and seek other avenues or even surrender. Physical fitness and appearance are equally valuable in warfare and one should not be preferred.
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LTC John Wilson
Yes, similar concerns of "perception" have often been used as a means of PSYOPS -- such as tall, bright red plumes affixed to the top of a Centurion's helm, and the bright red coats of British Grenadiers. Indeed, the Field Marshals of World War One continued to push men into the meat grinder convinced that massed infantry charges and the "Spirit of the Bayonet" (yes, even bayonet length was considered to have a psychological power to make foes cower) would eventually carry the day...in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. These cosmetic vestiges remain only of the parade ground where they may evoke a martial spirit at anachronistic ceremonies.
We cannot afford to field an Army filled with only "Recruiting-Poster Perfect" Soldiers. The only places these standards are truly "appropriate" as a measure of effectiveness is in the "Old Guard" or behind a recruiting desk.
We cannot afford to field an Army filled with only "Recruiting-Poster Perfect" Soldiers. The only places these standards are truly "appropriate" as a measure of effectiveness is in the "Old Guard" or behind a recruiting desk.
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Height and weight screening tables only identify people who may be overweight. The actual standard, as I understand it, is based on specific amounts of body fat based on someones age and sex. The problem is that measuring body fat with a tape test can sometimes be subjective. Some people have a tendency to pull the tape tight, others try to leave it as lose as possible without it sliding down. If it were up to me, I'd schedule everyone who was over the screen table weight for a water displacement test every 6 months. It's fair, it's accurate, and no one can game the system by focusing only on reducing their waist and building up their neck.
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It should matter, but it's weighed far too heavily for what it is. All soldiers must be able to shoot, move, and communicate. It seems ridiculous that you can get a 250+ on your APFT but fail height and weight it's the end of the world, but failing IWQ is no big deal. Hopefully the enemy respects our professional appearance enough to not engage us beyond 50 meters.
Tape test is inherently flawed. You see guys with huge guts get by because their necks are huge. I always get taped, but I run at a minimum 15 miles per week. Current ABCP seems to really only effects the marginal cases. I've yet to see someone who busts tape pass the APFT by more than the skin of their teeth.
Tape test is inherently flawed. You see guys with huge guts get by because their necks are huge. I always get taped, but I run at a minimum 15 miles per week. Current ABCP seems to really only effects the marginal cases. I've yet to see someone who busts tape pass the APFT by more than the skin of their teeth.
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I don't think height and weight matters as long as the soldier can pass the pt test. But we need a pt test that actually goes with the job. Being combat arms I believe we should have a pt test that has to do with heavy lifting and lots of sprints. Something we would actually be doing on the battlefield.
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How could you possibly measure leadership and discipline through pt? That's insane. H&W makes sense regardless of passing the APFT or not because perception of our great institution is as important as actually being prepared for anything our enemies might throw out way. Being steadfast in our core beliefs means we want to "look" like Soldiers. SMH, what has this Army come to for even wondering something like this. PT is there to mimic movements during wartime. We are evolving and things will change, but I pray H&W stay.
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I say yes as weight has a bearing on things such as joint and heart health, lowered cancer rates etc. It is more than a short term, "can we fight" but a long term question of are we encouraging a lifetime of wellness? On the flip side, if standards are so strict, one the member leaves service, many will lounge and gorge, winding up drastically overweight and defeating the purpose. What's the balance between the two? I'm not sure as I'm just a commo guy.
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