Military Height And Weight Standards: Are You Eligible?

Whether you are going to join the US Air Force or the US Navy, it is important to keep in mind that before engaging in further assessment you have to ensure the military height and weight standards. Due to service specificities, each branch of the US military develops their own height and weight standards that must be obeyed by the applicants. Understanding these requirements is the initial step if you want to enlist yourself into any branch of the military. In this blog post, we will delve into each military’s branch height and weight standards and provide other physical requirements to help you comprehensively equipped and successfully get a position in the US military. 

What are the military height and weight standards?

To ensure that you are physically fit for the service, each branch of the US military has its own height and weight standards that need to be carefully considered before enlistment. Generally, these standards differ among genders and age groups. Depending on each branch’s specificities, the military height and weight standards among them are slightly different to ensure that every personnel has a well-physical capability to handle their tasks.

Military height and weight chart for females

• The US Navy: Height standards for female desiring to join the US Navy is from 57 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 127 and 227 pounds respectively
• The US Army: Height standards for female in the US Army is 58 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 119 and 236 respectively
• The US Air Force: Height standards for female in the US Air Force is 58 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 126 and 216 respectively
• The US Coast Guard: Height standards for female in the US Coast Guard is 58 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 91 and 250 respectively
• The US Marine Corps: Height standards for female in the US Marine Corps is 52 to 86 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 73 and 274 respectively
• The US National Guard: This branch of the military has two different branches which are the US Army National Guard and the US Air Force National Guard. These two branches have the same height and weight requirement as the US Army and the US Air Force

Height and weight chart for military for males

• The US Navy: Height standards for male desiring to join the US Navy is from 57 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 127 and 241 pounds respectively

Curious about the US Navy height and weight standards? Reach out to our blog post on Navy height and weight standards for more!

• The US Army: Height standards for male in the US Army is 60 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 132 and 250 respectively

Continue to read more details on Army height and weight standards here.

• The US Air Force: Height standards for male in the US Air Force is 58 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 153 and 254 respectively

Get full access by clicking US Air Force Height And Weight Standards.

• The US Coast Guard: Height standards for male in the US Coast Guard is 58 to 80 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 91 and 250 respectively

Follow the US Coast Guard standards to get more information.

• The US Marine Corps: Height standards for male in the US Marine Corps is 52 to 86 inches, the minimum and maximum weight standard is 73 and 289 respectively

Read our USMC height and weight standards for full preparation.

• The US National Guard: This branch of the military has two different branches which are the US Army National Guard and the US Air Force National Guard. These two branches have the same height and weight requirement as the US Army and the US Air Force

Other physical requirements for Military

Besides height and weight standards, the US military also develops Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Body Fat rate which aims to comprehensively assess the candidates’ physical capability as well as provide them with other alternatives if they do not meet height and weight requirements.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

In addition to the military height and weight standards, each branch of the US military also developed the Body Mass Index (BMI) which often served as an alternative for those who do not meet the height and weight requirements for the military. The BMI standards are based on each individual’s height and gender.

Body Fat Percentage

Another physical requirement offered for the enlistment is the Body Fat Percentage. These standards should also be considered seriously since you can still be disqualified from the military if you do not meet the body fat percentage even if you meet the height and weight requirements for the military.

Other requirements

Besides mentioned-above requirements, the US military also develops several standards requiring the applicants to meet to ensure they can perform well in the service. Depending on the branch you want to register, each branch has its own standards.

• Fitness Test Requirements: Each branch of the military has specific height and weight requirements based on age and gender. Recruits must meet these to qualify. Those who exceed the weight limit might be eligible if they pass a body fat percentage assessment.

Recruits must pass a fitness test, which typically includes: 

• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• Running

Each military branch has different fitness test standards

• Army: Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
• Navy: Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
• Air Force: Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
• Marines: Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
• Coast Guard: Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
• Vision and Hearing
• Medical and Health Standard
• Adaptability and Endurance 

FAQs

1. What is the Army regulation for height and weight?

The Army’s height and weight standards are governed by Army Regulation 600-9, known as the “Army Body Composition (ABCP)”. These standards vary by age and gender. Soldiers must maintain a weight that corresponds with their height within an allowable range or meet a specific body fat percentage if over the weight limit. 

2. Can I join the Army if I’m overweight?

Yes, you can still join the Army if you are overweight, but you must meet the height and weight or body fat standards before shipping to Basic Combat Training (BCT). If you exceed the limit, you may be required to lose weight before being allowed to enlist. The Army has fitness programs to help recruits meet these standards before enlistment.

3. Can I join the Army if I’m skinny?

Yes, you can join the Army if you’re underweight, but there are minimum weight requirements based on your height. If you don’t meet the minimum weight, you may need to gain weight to qualify. The Army wants to ensure that all recruits are physically fit enough to handle the rigors of training and military service.

4. Can you be too short to join the Army?

Yes, there are minimum height requirements for joining the Army. For males, the minimum height is 60 inches (5 feet), and for females, it’s 58 inches (4 feet 10 inches). If you fall below these height standards, you may not be eligible to enlist.

5. Can I join the military at 42 years old?

Yes, but it depends on the branch of service. The maximum enlistment age for the Army is 35 years old. However, prior service members may receive an age waiver if their combined age and years of service don’t exceed certain limits. The Army Reserves and Army National Guard sometimes accept waivers for individuals up to 40-42 years old depending on the circumstances.

Final thoughts

Meeting the military’s height and weight standards is essential for anyone looking to enlist to work in the US military service. By meeting all the requirements, you can ensure to be physically fit for the demands of the service. Understanding these guidelines, and how to meet them, is key to passing the enlistment process. Whether you need to lose or gain weight, it’s important to stay within the allowed ranges or body fat percentages. Staying prepared will help you meet the physical expectations and embark on a successful military career. Hope this blog post helpful; otherwise, you can leave questions below for further discussions.

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