The Department of Defense demands service members maintain their physical fitness, cardiorespiratory endurance, and muscular strength and endurance. Integral to this is the maintenance of body fat, and the DOD considers an excess of more than 26 percent in men and 36 percent in women to be detrimental to performance.
Tape Test Method
The Army uses the Tape Test Method to measure body fat. The method involves making a series of measurements and putting these into equations, which may seem complex at first, but if followed correctly, are simple enough to perform. It is essential to take accurate measurements with a tape made of non-stretchy material, and a scientific calculator should be used for the equation. If you don't have a scientific calculator, you can find one on the Internet.
Women
The equation for women is:
Percentage of body fat = [163.205 x Log (waist + hip -- neck)] -- [97.684 x Log (height)] -- 78.387
To calculate, measure your neck, waist, hip and height, and then use a scientific calculator to work out the logs. Add your waist to your hip, then subtract your neck and press the log key to get a figure. Write this number down, clear the calculator screen and type in your height and press the log key. Next do the multiplications. Multiply 163.205 by the first log, and multiply 97.684 by your second log. Finally, do the subtractions to get your body fat percentage.
Men
The equation for men is:
Percentage of body fat = [86.010 x Log (waist -- neck)] -- [70.041 x Log (height)] + 36.76
To calculate, measure your waist, neck and height, and then work out the logs. Subtract your neck measurement from your waist and press the log key to get a figure. Write the number down, clear the calculator and enter your height and press the log key. Next do the multiplications. Multiply 86.010 by your first log and multiply 70.041 by your second log. Finally, add those figures together and add 36.76 to get your body fat percentage.
Options
If you exceed the body fat standard, your commander will enter you into the Army Weight Control Program, which involves nutrition and exercise guidance and behavior modification assistance. If you have an underlying medical condition, which has caused you to gain weight, you may be exempt from undertaking the AWCP. Speak to your commander about this.
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