The program requires you to meet specific weight standards, which are based on height, weight and gender. Under the AWCP, you will be required to weigh-in at least once every six months. This may be done at the same time as your Army physical fitness test.
Height and weight will be taken officially at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). It is very important to be over your minimum or under your maximum.
Body Composition Rules
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.
You can still serve the U.S. Armed Forces if you are obese by receiving a medical waiver. Approximately 20% of new recruits need a waiver for their weight to attend boot camp. However, those that receive a waiver must lose weight and reach minimum requirements prior to the end of boot camp to continue training.
Gaining Muscle
Muscle takes up less space than fat, so you may see an increase in weight but a decrease in inches elsewhere through the body (waist, hips, upper arms and other places where fat is stored). Adding muscle typically takes 1-2 months.
This foreign happening to your body will cause a certain amount of water retention that aids in the healing process of the muscles. This water retention may cause a 2-4 lbs of weight gain over the first 4-6 weeks of an intense program. Don't freak out!
Gaining weight after working out is likely due to muscle fiber inflammation, muscle glycogen and water weight gain, and over time, muscle mass gain.
In most cases, failing to pass the Army's minimum weight or body-fat percentage standards will make you ineligible for promotion, transfer, reenlistment or opportunities to attend professional schools.
The maximum allowable percentage of body fat for men ranges from 18 to 26 percent depending on service and age, while for women it ranges from 26 to 34 percent (See Table 2-3).
We recommend that you work out at least 3-5 times per week, and at least six weeks prior to Basic Military Training. (Note: For your health and safety, you should consult a doctor prior to beginning this or any physical fitness regimen.)
Male recruits ages 17 to 21 have to do 42 push-ups, 53 sit-ups and a two-mile run in 15 minutes and 54 seconds or less. Women in the same age group have to complete 19 push-ups, 53 sit-ups and two miles of running in 18 minutes and 54 seconds or less.
Clothing: 2-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing. 1 pair of comfortable shoes. 6 pairs of white, calf-length athletic socks.
Luggage must be kept to a maximum of one small gym/travel bag. In addition to the clothing worn on the trip, recruits also may bring: One pair of prescription glasses, reading glasses or contact lens kit (if you have them)
On our 7 day camps weight losses of between 7-15 pounds can be expected, record is 35 pounds. The 14 day camps produce even greater, life changing results, with almost every camper who has completed a 14 day camp, losing up to or over 1 stone, record is 35 pounds.
The weight standards are about your height and gender. For example, if you're 60 inches tall and a male, you must be 141lb maximum. If you're 70 inches and a female, you cannot weigh more than 177lb. The weight range is from 127lb to 241lb but depends on your height and age.
Command Requirements before Separation. The commander must show that the soldier has failed to meet the weight control standards contained in AR 600-9. A soldier must be given reasonable opportunity to comply with and meet weight reduction goals.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has released a directive exempting all Soldiers scoring 540 points or more on the Army Combat Fitness Test from the body fat assessment, regardless of their height and weight. Soldiers must score 80 points or more in each event.
For decades, the Army has determined soldiers' body fat with a tape test that measures a man's neck and abdomen or a woman's neck, waist and hips.
The ideal body composition for a soldier is as follows: MALE: BMI 21-25 / 8-12 BF% / 80-85% MMP. FEMALE: BMI 18-20 / 15-20% BF% / 80-85% MMP.
Yes, it is possible to fail basic training. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.
The most common reason why people fail basic training is that medical issues prevent them from doing so safely. If this situation arises, you'll be medically separated from the Air Force but depending on how long you serve, you may still be entitled to some veteran benefits.
The Navy, Army, and Marines have recruits drop out at roughly the same rate as each other, between 11 and 14 percent annually. Contrary to what many think, the goal of officers in basic training isn't just to push recruits to drop out.
Do you weigh more after a workout? Yes. As part of this healing process, the body will retain more fluid in the muscles, making you weigh more. Extra glycogen is also stored in the muscles during the healing process, which also contributes to water retention.
If you're exercising regularly and doing a mix of cardio and strength training, it's very likely your body composition (ratio of muscle to fat) is changing for the better. If you're gaining muscle while losing fat, the scale may not show any weight change.