Soldiers Scoring 465+ on Fitness Test Exempt from Body Fat Rule

Soldiers scoring at least 465 on the Army Fitness Test will be exempt from body fat percentage regulations, according to a new directive issued by the United States Army. This policy, announced on September 4, 2023, allows for soldiers who achieve a minimum of 80 points in each of the test’s five events—deadlifting, pushups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and a two-mile run—to avoid flagging actions related to body fat standards.

The directive specifies that soldiers who pass the fitness requirement but do not meet the body fat standard will not be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program. Additionally, these soldiers will not undergo the tape test, which measures waist circumference to estimate body fat. The Army will continue to record height and weight data as part of its health monitoring.

New Policy Aims to Encourage Physical Readiness

The Army’s decision is framed as an initiative to promote physical readiness and foster a culture of high performance within its ranks. In a statement, Sgt. Maj. Christopher Stevens, a senior enlisted advisor in the Army Deputy Chief of Staff office, described the change as a continuation of previous policies under the former Army Combat Fitness Test. He emphasized that it rewards soldiers who consistently demonstrate high levels of fitness, thereby enhancing overall readiness and health.

The directive clarifies that this modification to the body fat standard is not retroactive and applies only to soldiers who complete the Army Fitness Test without alternative events. Regular Army soldiers, as well as activated National Guard and Army Reserve troops, are required to take the fitness test every eight months. In contrast, National Guard and Army Reserve personnel not on active duty are tested annually.

Recent Changes to the Army Fitness Test

Earlier in the year, the Army revised its fitness testing procedures by eliminating the ball throw event and making the assessment sex-neutral for combat arms roles. The minimum required score was also raised for 21 combat-focused jobs. As of June, the test transitioned from being designated as the Army Combat Fitness Test to the more simplified Army Fitness Test.

This latest policy adjustment is part of the Army’s broader efforts to enhance its holistic health and fitness programs for all soldiers. By incentivizing high fitness scores, the Army aims to build a more robust culture that values sustained performance and operational readiness.