Should there be exceptions to policy allowed for not meeting height/weight requirements outlined in AR600-9 (Army Body Composition Program)?

2015-07-09T18:39:57-04:00

If the Army is not going to change the way it measures body fat (even though studies have shown that it can vary by as much as 15%, plus or minus*), then should there be exceptions to the policy? First of all, it is perplexing to me that Company Commanders are trusted to conduct investigations into allegations of sexual assault as well as act as the judge and jury, but the exception to policy authority concerning body composition is the DCS, G-1**. Here's an idea, if the Soldier can pass the APFT, then he or she is exempt from meeting height/weight requirements. If that is not tough enough, then how about if the Soldier scores above a 225 on the APFT then he/she is exempt from meeting height/weight requirements? Another idea would be that if a Soldier does not meet the body fat standards, then he or she can schedule an appointment with a certified dietician that uses a more accurate method to measure body fat, i.e. the caliper or hydrostatic body fat testing, and if they pass using those methods, then the Company Commander can grant the exception to policy, not the DCS, G-1. Your thoughts?

*http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20130513/OFFDUTY03/305130008/Experts-Tape-test-has-huge-margin-error

**AR 600-9, Para 3-17(a)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-07-09T18:52:19-04:00

I'm all for updating AR 600-9 if it makes sense. That way, there may not be as many exceptions made. Otherwise, like most things, if it's not a matter of safety, and doesn't violate other critical regulations, officers and NCO's always need to exercise good judgement and common sense when it comes to soldier care and these policies. A prime example are soldiers that are in the top 2% of fitness. They are "overweight" by standards but BMI is healthy. There are soldiers that might meet the standards (technically) but may not be in good health. The criteria should be more thoughtful and intelligent to take into account ability to perform soldier functions.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-07-09T19:06:45-04:00

I think that the Army height/weight standards should be revamped but not taken away. For example, according to the Army, I'm supposed to weigh no more than 210 lbs. I currently weight 225 and get taped every 6 months and trust me, with a 14% body fat composition I do not look 15 lbs overweight. I still think you should have to pass height/weight and tape and this standard is in place to ensure Soldiers look fit in uniform. So if you are a bigger/sloppy looking Soldier and you pass the APFT barely with a 180-240 you shouldn't have to pass height/weight and tape, I don't agree with that at all. Revamp the measurement techniques and tables but don't get rid of the standard.

Response by MSgt C Madd made Jul 9 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-07-09T19:11:18-04:00

Army getting rid of 40,000 personnel, don't count on any exceptions. What the Air Force calls force shaping, or in English means reduction in manpower.

Response by COL Michael Aberle made Jul 13 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-07-13T15:14:52-04:00

I don't think there should be any Ht/Wt requirement for those that can pass the APFT with no waivers. When you need a waiver for the APFT, then apply AR 600-9.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-07-13T15:20:12-04:00

I think the body fat measurements should be done away with entirely. If people can pass their fitness tests, who cares what their body type is?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-07-13T16:25:00-04:00

I think that there should be some allowances. However, I think that they should change the taping procedure or use the caliper method. One allowance should be made for those who have some kind of medical condition that makes it difficult to lose weight. As long as you do not look too large in your uniform you should be good.

Response by SSG Keith Evans made Mar 12 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-03-12T14:38:28-05:00

I think there should be exceptions. I know a few folks who have gotten injured, eat only about 1800 calories a day and still gain weight because they have a low Basal Metabolic Rate. Some folks just can't keep the weight off if the lose the ability to run, regardless of how many hours they are on a bike.

I hope "Big Army" reconsiders the ABCP soon. We are chaptering out good Soldiers who probably aren't even overweight. The tape test is highly inaccurate and highly subjective.

In my dream world, the DEXA would be used for body composition measurements. I would like to see the ABCP program go away with altogether with the PT caveat mentioned in the original post, but that's not gonna happen. The DEXA/DXA has recently become the new Gold Standard of body-fat measurement. The dietitian here on Ft Sam has one for the clinic she's in. Honestly I think we could incorporate this into our annual Physical Health Assessment (PHA). The unit won't need to do it anymore, when you have your PHA, your provider will automatically schedule you an appointment for it. MEDPROS!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 22 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-03-22T15:25:51-04:00

Part of the issue is that APFT and Ht/Wt have morphed from what they were originally intended to be, I.e. screening/assessment tools, to HR tools to put people out of the Army.