Questions about weight requirements

Gennaver, MSN · Sep 11, 2006

Hi,
I am currently an LPN and will graduate with my ADN in May. I would like to join the ANCP after completing my ADN while I finish my BSN. My question: I have had some issues with my weight (big issues!) I am working hard to get the weight off, but I want to know when would be appropriate to talk to a recruiter? I don't want to go in overweight and have them laugh me away. If you are AT ALL overweight, will they send you away, or is there some leverage. I have heard about the "fat boy" stuff from my Army brother-in-law, but I don't know what that means!! Help!!!

Hello,

Currently I am in the process of applying. I did go to Meps for the physical and there were about 16 women altogether that day. when we went to the room for the range of motion movements, (duckwalk, bend over, adams check for scoliosis, finger movements and so on) we also had to have our barefoot and underwear, with bra, height and weight taken. For the women who didn't fit into the weight category for their height they were measured for body fat, or to "Make Tape".

I would like to remind you to talk to an AMEDD recruiter and you will not have the same experience as your Army Brother-in-Law, you will be commisioning in as an Officer, if accepted after all and after making weight or tape, you will not experience the same sort of hazing or ridicule that he is discussing.

Good luck. If accepted now I will have one year towards completion of my program and Officer Basic Course but, I am working on improving my Physical fitness for the test already!

Gen

macanes, BSN, MSN, DNP, CRNA · Sep 11, 2006

For the women who didn't fit into the weight category for their height they were measured for body fat, or to "Make Tape".
I would like to remind you to talk to an AMEDD recruiter and you will not have the same experience as your Army Brother-in-Law, you will be commisioning in as an Officer, if accepted after all and after making weight or tape, you will not experience the same sort of hazing or ridicule that he is discussing.

You will need to "make tape" throughout your Army (or any service) career in order not to be "flagged for no favorable action" -- that is no promotion or awards and bad juju with the chief nurse.

It is a pain, but the truth. If you are overweight and do not "make tape," they will require you (at most places) to attend remedial PT. Every morning or evening, you and the rest of the flagged folks do physical training with the NCO of the month assigned to such duties. Great way to get in shape -- takes away the ability to decide not to work out. But, again, a pain.

I know this because that's how I spent most of my Army career. Wouldn't change it. Glad I did it. But, I don't miss it now that I'm out.

Talk to your recruiter. If you're a little bit over, you can work that. If you are a lot over and don't see that changing, be sure to consider carefully.

John Z, CRNA

Ft. Benning, GA

TBROOKS550 · Sep 11, 2006

Thnaks for the replies. My biggest concern is whether or not they will completely turn me away if I am at all over. The requirements for my height (5'6) is 150 with my age being 32. If I were to, hypothetically, go into MEPS and be 160, for instance, what would they do? Hopefully this won't happen, but I just want to be prepared incase I can't get it all off before it is time for me to go. Thanks again!

JaxiaKiley · Sep 11, 2006

Don't you have to 'make tape' at MEPS? I know enlisted people that went to MEPS to ship out, didn't make tape and had to go home to lose the weight and get another ship date.

Is it different for officers?

Corvette Guy · Sep 12, 2006

Thanks for the replies. My biggest concern is whether or not they will completely turn me away if I am at all over. The requirements for my height (5'6) is 150 with my age being 32. If I were to, hypothetically, go into MEPS and be 160, for instance, what would they do? Hopefully this won't happen, but I just want to be prepared incase I can't get it all off before it is time for me to go. Thanks again!

When I took my physical at MEPs as part of the direct commission application packet I was almost five pounds overweight per Army Regs. However, being an avid weight room enthusiast I easily made the allowable bodyfat percentage for my age group. Thus, anyone deemed overweight during the MEPs physical gets "taped".

Per AR 600-9, the max allowable percent body fat for female age group 28-39 is 32% [10 JUN 1987]. Body fat composition will be determined for those whose body weight exceeds the allowable max body weight, your's being 150 lbs. for female age group btwn 28-39. Circumference sites for females [areas to be measured for determining BF%] are the neck, forearm, wrist, and hip. *I've heard the bodyfat percent standards for female Soldiers are being updated. Your Army Health Care Recruiter should be able to provide the most recent data.

Macanes is absolutely correct... you need to keep in mind your weight issue will not go away during your military career. Twice a year is the APFT & "weigh-in".

Again, an AHC Recruiter is the one to give you the best advice... after all he/she should be putting the best application possible together for you.

Gennaver, MSN · Sep 12, 2006

Don't you have to 'make tape' at MEPS? I know enlisted people that went to MEPS to ship out, didn't make tape and had to go home to lose the weight and get another ship date.
Is it different for officers?

No, this is not different for anyone. From what I hear, if you do not make the weight you must make the tape.

Gen

JaxiaKiley · Sep 12, 2006

I didn't think it was. Thanks for clearing that up.

TBROOKS550 · Sep 12, 2006

Thanks for everyone's replies. I get discouraged easily. I have wanted to be in the Army since I was a kid, but other things always got in the way. Now I am ready and the weight issue is looming over me. I'll just keep trying and keep my fingers crossed. I think that if I can get back in shape and join, the Army is a pretty good way to make sure that it stays off!! :wink2:

olivedrab · Sep 13, 2006

[dear OP - this is not going to help you with your question, but i hope you don't mind me piggybacking on your thread]

a marine told me she lost about 20 lbs in basic and that they gave her a couple of posters that showed her which exercises to do to prepare herself for it. i know that the USMC basic is much longer and more intense than the army officer's course, but does anyone know if the army also gives out the same pre-basic workout posters (or whatever materials) before being accepted?