Evaluation Methods
The Army determines body fat percentage using the girth method. (This is described in AR 600-9, pages 12 to 21.)

Body composition is influenced by age, diet, fitness level, and genetic factors (gender and body type). The Army’s screening charts for height and weight (shown in AR 600-9) make allowances for these differences. A soldier whose weight exceeds the standard weight shown on the charts may not necessarily be overfat. For example, some well-muscled athletes have body weights that far exceed the values for weight listed on the charts for their age, gender, and height. Yet, only small percentage of their total body mass may be fat. In such cases, the lean body mass accounts for a large share of their total body composition, while only a small percentage of the total body mass is composed of fat.

Soldiers who do not meet the weight standards for their height and/or soldiers whose appearance suggests that they have excessive fat are to be evaluated using the circumference (girth measurement) method described in AR 600-9.

A more accurate way to determine body composition is by hydrostatic or underwater weighing. However, this method is very time-consuming and expensive and usually done only at hospitals and universities.

Soldiers who do not meet Army body fat standards are placed on formal, supervised weight (fat) loss programs as stipulated in AR 600-9. Such programs include sensible diet and exercise regimens.