The United States Army takes physical fitness seriously for its active-duty members. One way to ensure soldiers remain in shape is by monitoring their body fat percentage. In this article, we will discuss how to calculate body fat percentage following the Army’s guidelines.

1. Measurement Tools

To begin, you will require a measuring tape and assistance from a partner. The Army uses a specific tape for such measurements, the Gulick II, which is made of cloth with tension springs to maintain consistent results. However, you can use any reliable measuring tape as long as it provides accurate readings.

2. Determine Your Gender and Age Group

Army body fat percentage standards are different depending on gender and age group (17-20 years, 21-27 years, 28-39 years, or 40+ years). Before making calculations, identify in which category you fall under based on your current age and gender.

3. Locate Measurement Sites

Measuring sites differ between males and females:

For Males: The primary site for measurement is around the neck and around the abdomen (at the naval).

For Females: The primary sites for measurement are around the neck, waist (at its narrowest point), and hips (at their widest point).

4. Measure Circumference Values

Ask your partner to measure each site ensuring that the tape remains parallel to the ground at all times.

Males:

– Neck: Place the measuring tape just below your larynx with a snug fit.

– Abdomen: Place it directly against your skin around your navel.

Females:

– Neck: Same as males, measure just below the larynx.

– Waist: Measure it at its most narrow point without compressing your stomach.

– Hip: Take measurement at widest part of your glutes.

Record all measurements to the nearest half inch.

5. Calculating Body Fat Percentage

For accurate results, the Army has provided official body fat percentage calculation worksheets for males and females, which can be found in the Army Regulation 600-9. Alternatively, you can use online calculators specifically designed following the Army’s guidelines.

To manually calculate body fat percentage, follow these steps:

Males:

Circumference Value (CV) = (abdomen measurement) – (neck measurement)

Body Fat % = ([27 × CV] ÷ Height in inches) – 37

Females:

CV = [(Waist + Hip) – Neck] measurement

Body Fat % = ([27 × CV] ÷ Height in inches) – 35

Remember that body fat standards may be adjusted for factors like age and gender.

6. Compare Results to Army Standards

Finally, compare your calculated body fat percentage to the Army’s standards for your gender and age group.

By accurately calculating your body fat percentage following the Army’s guidelines, you can ensure that you are compliant with physical fitness requirements or design a personalized fitness or weight loss plan based on your personal goals.