Two components factor into the United States Army Physical Fitness Standards: a soldier's weight and his score from a three-part physical fitness test. The test includes two measures of muscular endurance and one of cardiovascular endurance. A passing score is at least 60 in each event, or a minimum of 180 points. But this is the bare threshold for what is acceptable, and it is below average. Promotions and command assignments generally require higher scores.
Cardiovascular Endurance
The U.S. Army measures cardiovascular endurance through a 2-mile run, with points awarded for the time required to complete the length. A man aged 17 to 21 must complete the distance in 15:54 to achieve a score of 60 in this event. A woman of the same age must complete it in 18:54 minutes. A woman between the ages of 22 and 26 must cover the distance in 19:36 to achieve a score of 60, while men of the same age have up to 16:36. If men in either age group complete it in 13 minutes, this is exceptional and earns a top score of 100. Women require a 15:36 time to score 100 points in both age groups.
Muscular Endurance
The Army measures muscular endurance using sit-ups and push-ups. Within two minutes, men must do between 40 and 42 push-ups to earn a 60 score, and between 71 and 75 push-ups for a 100-point score, with men in the age group of 22 to 26 requiring the least. Women must perform 17 to 19 push-ups for a 60-point score and between 42 and 46 for a perfect score. As with men, the older age group must achieve a lesser number.
Sit-up requirements within the same time limit are 53 for a score of 60 for both men and women aged 17 through 21, and 50 for a score of 60 for men and women aged 22 through 26. A perfect score requires 78 sit-ups for younger men and women and 80 for the 22 to 26 age group.
Male Body Fat Standards
Men are encouraged not to exceed 18 percent body fat, but the U.S. Army will accept 20 percent body fat for men aged 17 to 21 and up to 22 percent for men aged 21 to 27. A teenage man who is 5 foot 11 inches tall must not exceed 185 lbs. and a man of the same height aged 21 through 27 may not exceed 189 lbs.
Female Body Fat Standards
Non-pregnant women are permitted up to 30 percent body fat in the 17 through 20 age group and 32 percent body fat in the 21 through 27 age group. However, 26 percent body fat is recommended. A woman younger than age 20 may weight 150 lb. at 5 foot 5 inches tall. An woman aged 20 to 27 may weigh up to 156 lbs. at the same height.
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