Taped?

cadet85

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Somebody on one of these threads informed me that for my height, 6' 1.5", I exceed the maximum weight limit at 215 lbs. However, they also told me that I could get taped, and if that revealed that I am under 20% body fat, I could still pass the physical requirements. When and who has to perform the taping, and could I request a submersion test instead? (I am currently being recruited for football and I am borderline 20%, not fat, just big)
 
Somebody on one of these threads informed me that for my height, 6' 1.5", I exceed the maximum weight limit at 215 lbs. However, they also told me that I could get taped, and if that revealed that I am under 20% body fat, I could still pass the physical requirements. When and who has to perform the taping, and could I request a submersion test instead? (I am currently being recruited for football and I am borderline 20%, not fat, just big)

At least initially, you may not request a submersion test. Taping is the army standard.
 
In the Army, usually a senior NCO does the taping, but for West Point, if requested, they'll ask you to have the school nurse or a doctor to do the taping. It's pretty simple measurements of your neck and waist/abdomen. If you have the right proportions, then there is nothing to worry about.
 
Talk to whoever your recruiting contact is. You may fall under a special category for height and weight
 
When does this need to be done? Also, the taping doesn't work well in my favor because I am a relatively slim guy but I have huge hips (I wear size 38 pants, and have for years). I was just born with big hips and a skinny neck.
 
eh, borderline 20%? You're over 72"? Work on that neck--check AR 600-9 for Army Weight Standards. You sound like you'll be fine. Pant size doesn't mean anything. Tape your own waist (using cloth tape measure) around the belly-button all the way around making sure you're level. See what it says and jot it down. Neck, waist and height matter for tape testing. At this point, weight doesn't matter--though being over is what got you here. You can do more for yourself by increasing the neck size (just don't stick your neck out, keep chin parallel with the floor and neck straight--like leaning against wall) by taping the neck at the level below the ol' adams apple--and like I said, decreasing your waist will do wonders too. No sucking in your belly while being taped but you also don't want to be so relaxed you look like you just had dinner--need to be somewhere in between ;). Just make sure you appear in a natural state. PM me if you need to know more.

Do this at the beginning of the day and stay consistent when you measure yourself (same part of the day). There are several body fat (army standard) calculation programs around. Use them to figure out your percentage. Or else you're stuck doing it by paper--but the AR tells you how.

I was in charge of plenty of these programs and I did a stint as a recruiter for several years. People are different, I know the standard should remain the same but you'd be surprised how one tapes versus the next. They do three measurements and average out the tally. There is someone else usually checking for level tape, posture and jotting measurements. So it's usually a two person job. Most of the time it's you, the person with the tape measure and an NCO monitoring if you really want a mental picture.

I've seldom seen the submersion test performed. Bodybuilders like using that test and they're always taped. :) In fact, they like being taped--they get to take their shirt off.

If you have questions, PM me. This was some random thoughts I spurted out so you might need more.
 
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Still a big question here with the "When does this need to be done?". I really need to know this so I don't have to repeat any steps I have already completed or will complete in the application process. Does it have to be done before CFA or just before I am offered admission?
 
Still a big question here with the "When does this need to be done?". I really need to know this so I don't have to repeat any steps I have already completed or will complete in the application process. Does it have to be done before CFA or just before I am offered admission?

If I remember correctly, it is done as a part of your DODMERB assessment
 
My son wasn't taped until way after passing the DM physical. They ht/weigh you during the physical but don't tape you. WP then notifies you if you don't meet standard. Most people already know if they are over IAW AR 600-9

That said, you can easily have a tape test performed by your local recruiter, or an Officer/NCO or Retiree. It'll happen regardless once notified.

Take this form to one of those individuals...

http://armypubs.army.mil/eforms/pdf/a5500.pdf

...after your physical.
 
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