USMA Policy on Overweight New Cadets

avalon

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Mar 23, 2016
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I'm 178 cm (70 inches) tall and currently and I'm 84 kg (185 lbs). According to the Army Weight Requirements, I'm 10 pounds above the the maximum weight, which is 174 lbs (correct me if I'm wrong). I don't really have much body fat, as most of my weight comes from muscles. According to the Army Body Fat Calculator, my body-fat percentage is 14%. I'm trying my best to cut weight before R-Day, but I found lately about the weight requirements. What's is your advice, is something I should really worry about?
 
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No. Do not worry. Preserve your strength and arrive lean but healthy.
 
You aren't sent home based on the scale. They will determine your body fat composition and make a determination from that. If you are at 14%, you are well within the standard.
 
It is my understanding that any cadet who is over the weight requirement will be taped (measured in specific areas). My son is similar in size to you and he arrived to Rday a few pounds above the max allowed amount. He was taped and was within the requirements in this way - he has a very muscular build as opposed to a lean runners build.

You can look up the tape requirements. I'm assuming this info is available since my son had this info and knew that he'd be fine when taped.
 
My son is 5'10", 195-200, fit.

No problems. His TAC doesn't even tape him anymore.
 
If you feel you're a little over weight is the least of your troubles. You should worry about making it through the IOCT, APFT and combat swim. Those will usually separate the ones who are chubby. Oddly, football players really struggle in these areas.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I'm 5"10 and 195 lbs and I can do IOCT and swim pretty well. If you're heavy because of muscle you will be fine you will just have to work at running a bit more.
 
The height/weight scales don't do well to necessarily actually capture whether a person is healthy. Most of my buddies end up being taped and they all achieve 300+ on their APFT's. Don't sweat if you have to be taped. Now whether taping is the most accurate way to actually determine healthy body composition, totally different story (those people with a large neck...it makes a difference). Just be in shape and keep working out. You'll be fine
 
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