Weight requirements

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Does anyone know the weight requirement for new grads joining the military? Do they base it solely BMI or a physical fitness test?

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Specializes in CCRN.

It depends on your age, sex, and height. There is a weight requirement to pass the physical and then there is a PT test you take later you will need to pass. The requirements for passing your PT test depends on your age and sex.

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Keep in consideration that the military is downsizing therefore they are more strick concerning these regs. During the height of the conflicts I saw ton's of overweight service members who their commanders would not push the paperwork to get them out cause they needed all the people they could get. Now that the tempo has decreased they are being more stringent with having the most motivated, educated, driven, and fit force they can. If weight is a concern get it in check before coming in. You don't have to necessarily have to meet weight but you HAVE to meet tape. Go to a recruiter near your area and have them check you out if your concerned.

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Ncox1, that's just what I was looking for. I'll call the recruiter I was chatting with.

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Seaofclouds, thanks as well.

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Here is one word of advise on weight coming from an NCO who taught remedial PT (PT for those who did not make the weight requirements at their unit) for 2 years at his last unit to both enlisted and officers.

Square away your weigh before entry and don't live on the edge. Don't think just cause you now in the military that you will be PT all the time and that you will lose weight in training. I have seen Soldiers do some drastic things to make tape and they basically live through hell trying to meet the standard, that's no way to live and unnecessary stress for someones life. Don't expect to go to "basic" and lose a lot of weight and you will be fine after that. Just trying to save from future unnecessary significant emotional events.

Been and NCO for a long time now (will be 2LT in a couple of months) and believe you me, get your weight in check BEFORE training.

I am not presuming that you have an issue with weight but this is more my soap box being a prior PT instructor for remedial PT...

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