How fat is too fat to join the military?
Your goal is to have a healthy BMI between the range of 18.5-24.9. Meanwhile, any BMI reading that is above 25 qualifies you as being overweight* and therefore you should attempt to lose weight prior to service.
Can I join the army if I’m fat?
The military usually rejects obese recruits because the weight won’t all come off during basic training. Can I get a waiver? About 20% of recruits need a waiver to enter the service, of those a third get medical waivers. Waivers for obesity have been studied for years.
What is the max BMI for Army?
Male soldiers between ages 17 and 20 must have a BMI of 25.7 or less; men 21 to 27 years old must have a BMI of 26.4 or less; men ages 28 to 39 must have a BMI of 27.1 or less; and male soldiers ages 40 and older must have a BMI of 27.5 or less.
What’s the minimum weight for Army?
The Army has age and weight requirements for both men and women. The weight limits are based on the body type, height, and gender of the applicant. The minimum requirement is 39 pounds, and the maximum is 68 pounds. The maximum body fat level allowed is 12 percent for men and 10 percent for women.
Can you go to basic training overweight?
The answer is yes, you can go, but some stipulations may affect your success. The most important thing that will affect your success is how much weight you have lost by Basic Training. The more weight you lose before enlistment, the better your chances of being fit for service.
Is the Army strict about weight?
At a minimum, Army personnel are required to take a physical-fitness test every six months, which includes a weight screening. If a soldier is above the maximum body-fat percentage (PDF) for his age, he must take part in a “weight control” program that includes a workout regimen and nutritional counseling.
How does MEPS measure body fat?
Men are taped at their neck and waist, while women are measured at the neck, waist and hips, and the numbers are then crunched to determine body fat percentage. Those who don’t meet the standard must go into weight control programs or face dismissal from the military.
Does the military use BMI?
The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps use a basic height-weight body mass index tool as an initial assessment, and then those who exceed weight limits get taped.
Does the army have weight requirements?
These requirements are on a scale based on age, gender, and height. For example, an 18-year old male Army recruit who is 5’5 must weigh no more than 163 lbs. A 25-year old male Army recruit who is the same height can weigh no more than 165, and a 30-year old male Army recruit who is 5’5 can weigh no more than 168.