Army Tape Test Standards For 2021 (Male & Female)

Every military branch has expectations for a service member’s weight and body mass, and the Army tape test is a way to measure a person’s body fat.

There are two ways the Army determines if you are fit enough.

The Army determines a soldier’s fitness level by the Army Physical Fitness Test.

However, the Army also has weight and height standards.

The weight and height standards determine the minimum and maximum weight you need according to your height.

If you do not pass the initial assessment according to the chart, you will face the Army tape test to determine fitness.

Related Article – APFT Standards For 2021

What Does the Tape Test Measure?

The Army tape test measures the circumference of the neck and waist for men.

However, women are measured at the neck, waist, and hips.

There is any that’s design determines a circumference value.

This value compares against a more detailed body fat chart.

Army PT Test Standards

Before needing the Army tape test, soldiers go through boot camp to help get them in shape.

Soldiers that leave boot camp meet the Army’s expectations because they passed the Army PT Test standards.

There are three events for the army physical fitness test.

These events include the pushups, 2 minutes of setups, and a two-mile run. Also, these events occur in the order listed.

There are different standards for the fitness test depending on a person’s age and gender.

Also, to graduate from basic training, you need to score 50 points in each of those events.

You earn points for the situps or pushups you perform within the allotted time.

Also, this coincides with your age.

For instance, if you are 27 years old male, you need to perform 30 pushups and 36 situps within the allotted time.

Also, you need to perform a two-mile run then 17 minutes and 54 seconds for those 50 points.

If you are a female, you still must score at least a 50 to pass the PT test.

A female age 27 should perform 10 pushups and 30 situps and run the two-mile run within 21 minutes and 42 seconds to succeed.

Your maximum score is 100, but if you score less than 50, you are on probation.

Also, once you exit boot camp, you must hit a score of 60 to remain fit enough for the Army’s standards.

If you do not meet those expectations, you are likely to have an Army tape test.

The male height and weight expectations are below.

Also, there are female height and weight expectations. 

Related Article – Army Height and Weight Standards

FAQ

The Army tape test is a part of how the Army ensures soldiers are fit enough for combat.

As discussed above, soldiers must meet expectations for fitness in boot camp.

After boot camp, however, those expectations increase.

Also, soldiers must have their height and weight evaluated to determine their body mass index is appropriate.

According to the chart, if the body mass index is too high, the Army tape test helps determine the BMI.

What happens if I fail the Army tape test?

There are some consequences if you fail the Army tape test. 

For example, if you do not meet the expectations, you might miss out on promotion or reenlistment opportunities.

Also, attending a professional school or training or qualifying for a transfer might be off the tape if you fail the Army tape test.  

After failing the tape test, you will likely receive a letter letting you know you are on a program to help monitor your weight.

You will have a goal weight under this program, and you receive counseling to implement a routine to help you achieve your weight loss requirements. 

Is the Army going to stop using the tape test in the future?

The Army is undergoing testing to determine if there is a better way to assess body composition than tape.

There is some question on the accuracy of the tape test.

For instance, some soldiers are very fit, but the test overestimates their body fat because of what the tape tests measure.

Also, for the same reasons, the tape test can underestimate the body composition of unfit soldiers.

Therefore, a study is underway to determine if there is a better option that provides more consistency.

What kind of tape does the Army use for the test?

The Army has strict regulations on what kind of tape measure is used.

Tape measure has to be a non-stretchable material.

Ideally, fiberglass tape measures are ideal. Cloth or steel measuring tapes are prohibited.

Also, a tape measure needs calibration. In other words, it must be compared with a metal ruler to make sure it measures correctly.

Conclusion

The Army has standards for physical fitness and body composition for soldiers.

These expectations exist because it is critical that soldiers are always prepared for the demands of combat.

Recruits leave basic training with the ability to meet minimum expectations for fitness.

However, the standards for fitness increase after boot camp.

Also, the Army has idea weights for your height.

If you are overweight, the Army will do a tape test to determine your body composition.

If the tape test confirms your Body Mass Index is too high, you will be on a weight management plan.

Not being able to meet minimum standards for fitness and body composition could impact your career in the Army. 

References

www.esd.whs.mil/Portals

armypubs.army.mil

 

• Author
• Recent Posts

Rob V.

Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics.

Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.

Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.

Latest posts by Rob V. (see all)

• 12 Best Magnifiers For Red Dots For 2021 - November 29, 2021
• Bravo Zulu Meaning: 3 Things You Never Knew - November 28, 2021
• Senior Chief Mike Day: Navy SEAL Shot 27 Times…and Lived - November 26, 2021

Tape Test

4.5 out of 5 (75 Ratings)

Learn more about the Army Taping standards, including how the Army measures body composition, the PT test requirements, and more.