Physical Standards for New Recruits in the US Army
The United States Army has strict physical standards that new recruits must meet in order to be eligible for service. These standards are in place to ensure that soldiers are physically capable of performing the demands of military life, including combat and other physically demanding tasks. In this article, we will outline the physical standards for new recruits in the US Army.
Body Fat Percentage Standards
The US Army has body fat percentage standards that new recruits must meet. These standards vary based on age and sex. The standards are as follows:
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40-46 | 26% | 36% |
| 47 and above | 28% | 38% |
🚨 Note: These standards are subject to change, and recruits should check with their recruiter for the most up-to-date information.
Height and Weight Standards
In addition to body fat percentage standards, the US Army also has height and weight standards that new recruits must meet. These standards are based on a recruit’s height and age. The standards are as follows:
| Height | Male Weight Range | Female Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 58-60 inches | 91-135 pounds | 91-115 pounds |
| 61-63 inches | 100-145 pounds | 100-125 pounds |
| 64-66 inches | 110-155 pounds | 110-135 pounds |
| 67-69 inches | 120-165 pounds | 120-145 pounds |
| 70-72 inches | 130-175 pounds | 130-155 pounds |
| 73 inches and above | 140-185 pounds | 140-165 pounds |
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Standards
New recruits must also pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. The standards for each event are as follows:
| Event | Male Standards | Female Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Push-ups | 30-100 reps | 19-100 reps |
| Sit-ups | 30-100 reps | 19-100 reps |
| 2-mile run | 13:30-40:00 minutes | 15:30-40:00 minutes |
Medical Standards
In addition to physical fitness standards, new recruits must also meet certain medical standards. These standards include:
- Vision: 20⁄40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
- Hearing: able to hear a whispered voice at 15 feet
- Blood pressure: below 140⁄90 mmHg
- Body mass index (BMI): between 19 and 30
Disqualifying Medical Conditions
There are certain medical conditions that can disqualify a recruit from joining the US Army. These conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal conditions, such as a history of fractures or osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as a history of heart disease or high blood pressure
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis
- Gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Waivers and Appeals
Recruits who do not meet the physical standards or have a disqualifying medical condition may be eligible for a waiver or appeal. Waivers and appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be granted if the recruit’s condition is deemed not to be a significant risk to their health or safety.
In the US Army, physical fitness is a key component of a soldier’s overall readiness and effectiveness. New recruits must meet strict physical standards in order to be eligible for service. These standards include body fat percentage, height and weight, physical fitness test (PFT) performance, and medical standards. Recruits who do not meet these standards may be eligible for a waiver or appeal, but must demonstrate that they are capable of performing the demands of military life.
What is the minimum body fat percentage for male recruits?
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The minimum body fat percentage for male recruits is 20%.
What is the maximum weight for a 5’10” male recruit?
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The maximum weight for a 5’10” male recruit is 165 pounds.
What is the minimum number of push-ups required for a female recruit to pass the PFT?
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The minimum number of push-ups required for a female recruit to pass the PFT is 19.
