Navy Weight Requirements

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NavyWaterpolo23

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Hi I was looking at the height and weight requirements yesterday and for my height 5'11"(71 inches) the maximum weight is 195. My question is are there exceptions, I am currently in 210lbs and about 15% body fat so dropping 15lbs isn't the most realistic. My personal Physician said I am a good weight for my body type and that my body type doesn't fit most height weight scales. So does Navy take this into account or is it a strict rule.
 
Yes and no. If your overweight according to the charts they will do a tape measure of various body parts and compute from that. If that says you are within guidelines you're good, otherwise you're out. If you google 'Navy Tape Test' you should be able to find out more.
 
I was wondering if they were super strict on the weight requirements like if your a few pounds over or under is that bad
 
NavyWaterpolo23 said:
Just googled it and used this website http://fitness.bizcalcs.com/Calculator.asp?Calc=Body-Fat-Navy and based on the measurements it said 17% BF 36lbs of fat 176lbs of lean muscle and body fat category was fit.
I am assuming this means I would pass and meet the requirements, am I right to assume this?
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As @kinnem suggested, use the Navy taping method. It may or may not align with the non-military one you used, last updated July 2007. You can never assume you are good to go.

Here is the Navy guide. Someone else should tape you. Follow the instructions exactly with regard to location of measurement and pressure used. This, of course, will not be official, but should give you an idea of how far you are out or in standards.

https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-...uide 4- Body Composition Assessment (BCA).pdf


The tape test has long been criticized for being unfair to certain body types, but it’s the governance right now. Studies are ongoing to find suitable alternatives, but no changes have been made yet.
 
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navy22 said:
I was wondering if they were super strict on the weight requirements like if your a few pounds over or under is that bad
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The easy answer is yes..Navy height/weight standards can be very strictly construed, particularly at the entry level. Do not assume that you are "good" if a few pounds over. As noted, the system is not perfect ..in fact, many will say not very good, and I saw some unfortunate results when I was on active duty. Bottom line, do everything you can do to avoid being in that gray zone
 
+1 Old Navy BGO.

I would add that if you are topping out on the standards now, it will become increasingly difficult to pass as you age. If you are serious about joining the military, you need to drop weight and find a way to keep it down in a healthy lifestyle.
 
My DS is in the same boat. He has a LOA, waiting on DODMERB for another issue. USNA did ask for more measurements, he is under the body fat max (25% I believe) so just had to confirm that and I believe he is good to go (we did get a follow up letter saying he met the standard).
 
Sea story alert!! In my day, my squad leader (a football player) was deemed "overweight" based on pounds. His body fat was 7% -- no, not a misprint. However, in those days, they only cared about pounds, so he had to go on a diet in order to graduate. Go figure . . .
 
From my understanding they give waivers to athletes who are overweight on purpose, like the linemen. They must meet the standard by the end of their 7th semester though.
 
Jackflerp said:
From my understanding they give waivers to athletes who are overweight on purpose, like the linemen. They must meet the standard by the end of their 7th semester though.
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They just have to meet standards by graduation. Many of the football players start on crazy diets after their firstie season is over and are expected to drop it by May.
 
So if your DS is a varsity athlete, and trying to make height-weight standard for I-day (currently 3 pounds over with a week to go. 6'4" and 228), is it better to make weight by not eating on I-day, or chance being a couple pounds over?
 
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