Will I still get flagged for missing my height and weight, even if I pass my PT test?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 22:32:47 -0500

So basically they told me today that I have high and weight for no reason. My pt test was a 538 and I go to my AIT on march and since I go to the gym I always get tape but I passed it, but I gain a lil more pounds during this time I’m pretty sure I will fail it I will be flagged?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2024 8:33 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:33:47 -0500

First, it is not "for no reason", it is required by reg every six months:
4 AR 600–9 • 16 July 2019
3 – 2. Standard
a. Soldiers are required to meet the prescribed body fat standard, as indicated in appendix B. Soldiers will be screened
every 6 months, at a minimum, to ensure compliance with this regulation
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN7779_AR600-9_FINAL.pdf

Second, if you are worried about making tape, you have several options:
1. lose enough weight to make your screening weight every time
2. lose enough weight to pass tape every time
3. always score 540 or better with at least 80 points in each event on the ACFT so that you do not have to tape if you are over screening weight. if you are flagged and on ABCP, you can also complete a new ACFT, scoring 540 with 80 in each category to get off ABCP and remove the flag:
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN37812-ARMY_DIR_2023-08-000-WEB-1.pdf

So yes, if you fail the tape you will be flagged and ineligible for schools. You can either lose the weight, inches, or a complete new, higher ACFT score to lift that flag.

ARN7779_AR600-9_FINAL.pdf

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2024 8:46 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:46:15 -0500

Soldiers are required to conduct HT/WT every 6 months at a minimum, but the Commander of a unit can order Soldiers at any time to conduct HT/WT. The only time you do not have to get HT/WT is if you score 540+ (min 80 points in each event). Your 538 means you get HT/WT and taped.

If you fail the tape, then yes you will be flagged. If you purposefully try and skip the HT/WT, then yes you could be flagged because you could be facing some sort of administrative action.....like an Article 15 for disobeying a direct/lawful order.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Feb 22 at 2024 4:23 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:23:06 -0500

Everyone is required to be within standards. Height and weight is a requirement with exceptions. As MSgt Livingston said if you have 540 plus as your score you get a pass. You didn't. If you fail height and weight the tape is an exception to help you out. If you fail height/weight and also fail tape then anyone would get flagged. If you are going to school you will need to have this under control because I assume they will test you at school and do height/weight while there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2024 4:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:01:19 -0500

As of March 2023:
"Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth approved the change at the request of Grinston, following preliminary findings of the Army Comprehensive Body Composition Study, which was initiated by Army senior leaders in 2021.

The study looked at the relationship between body fat and fitness levels, with the understanding that results could inform changes to the Army Body Composition Program. It was the largest and most comprehensive assessment of Soldier body composition and fitness to date."

"The study found that Soldiers with a high volume of lean muscle mass were still at risk of failing the body fat assessment as prescribed in Army Regulation 600-9. To avoid erroneously flagging those Soldiers, one recommendation of the study was to exempt those who scored exceptionally high on the ACFT. Army senior leaders approved the exemption for Soldiers scoring 540 points, with a minimum of 80 in each event."

So if you can score that on your ACFT, if you fail table weight you won't have to get taped. If you're under that, you get taped. But if you fail table weight doesn't necessarily mean you fail tape.

But yes you can pass your ACFT and fail ht/wt/tape and get flagged for ABCP violation. They're separate. They did change the tape test site though too in June 2023:
"The U.S. Army has published a new directive called “Army Body Fat Assessment for the Army Body Composition Program” that will make immediate changes to the Army Body Composition Program. The directive, which is based on the results, findings and recommendations from the Army's recent Comprehensive Body Composition study, includes guidance on the Army’s new tape test methodology, which will yield more consistent and accurate estimates of Soldiers’ body fat and fitness."
"The new guidance requires tape testing at only one site on the body, and the use of a corresponding calculation model for all Soldiers. The height and weight screening table will remain as the first line assessment.

Although the one-site tape test will be implemented immediately, Soldiers will be still authorized to use the body multisite circumference-based tape method as their confirmation body fat assessment for 12 months after the date of the new directive.

Soldiers who fail the circumference-based tape methods will be flagged, but they may request a supplemental body fat assessment if the means for such testing is reasonably available."

Who is "they?" You said you go to AIT in March? Are you in basic? Or did you do the split ops or whatever where you do basic the summber between JR/SR year and then go to AIT after you graduate? That part is confusing you say "they" told you that you had ht/wt and you go to AIT in March. But a commander can perform height/weight check anytime they want. If the commander sees a soldier who even just looks overweight, they can make them get screened for ht/wt and taped if they have to.

Honestly I can't stand the way the Army does body fat composition at all and since I had my kid, pretty much have an eating disorder because of it. Thus one reason I'm retiring this year. Basing it on BMI is so ridiculous when that system was never based in diet, science, etc.

Response by SSG Dale London made Feb 28 at 2024 8:01 PM

SSG Dale London — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:01:57 -0500

Yes - or at least this was the case when I was in. Height/weight requirements are/were independent of your physical fitness.