The U.S. military has a huge problem with obesity and it' | Military Times

My first squad leader at Ft. Campbell back in '92. Master Fitness, maxed every PT & Diagnostic since AIT. Lived in the weight room basically. But was one of those guys with a long skinny neck. Passed tape finally & was off to BNOC. Failed tape at BNOC. Two months later was charptered out of the army.... We lost a damn good leader that day!

Interesting article. In my opinion, as someone who has been taped for my entire time in the military, America is fat and the Army is keeping me from being fatter. I don't think there is a huge problem, I think the Army is dealing with the problem. The only issue I have is the tape test is a bit out dated and I think the actual weight numbers are off. The max weight for my height is 189. I weighed 185 in high school and I was skin and bones. Is that what we want for our service members? I weigh 210 and yes, I have a bit of belly fat but I am solid everywhere else and hit the gym just about everyday. I could probably lose 10 pounds off the belly but any more than that and I would be losing muscle mass.

Also, should there be two standards? A combat arms standard and then a support standard? I have heard that idea tossed around before. I can see pro's and con's to both sides of it.