ARMY TAPE TEST: NEW METHODS ARE COMING, EVEN IF THEY TOO ARE FLAWED


By bblouin
U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine researcher Julie Coleman conducts a body composition test on Army Logistics University student 1st Lt. Tom Burcham using a bioelectrical impedance analysis machine during the Army Comprehensive Body Composition Study held at the Williams Multipurpose Room Feb. 7. The study -- which included a traditional Army tape test and bone mineral density tests -- aims to provide data regarding Soldiers' body weight and composition that could be a factor in making changes to the Army Body Composition Program.

It’s been a staple of the Soldier experience for several decades, even if it’s not the most effective method of judging fitness. The Army tape test persists, but there are changes coming. The stress of how to pass the Army tape test is very real, and so are some of the risks that Soldiers who may be overweight when undergoing the test may face. It’s far from a secret that being in the U.S. Army is a physically demanding job and Soldiers that are not at the right weight could injure themselves while serving and pose a threat to our fighting force as a whole. Overall, accuracy matters on multiple fronts, which is why change is welcomed. Related read: Does Delta 8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Army Tape Test Has Been the Cause of Controversy for Decades

There are a few conflicts involving physical fitness in the U.S. Army. This begins with the Army tape test standards themselves. These are flawed at a time in which ten percent of Soldiers are thought to be overweight and recruitment is hurting because people can’t meet the guidelines. The Army tape test calculator is commonly used to determine whether or not a Soldier meets the requirements necessary for service and while the test itself has been known to be a problem for decades, it’s difficult to see a complete, modern solution taking its place. The flaws go far beyond improving the test just for the sake of it. Being a Soldier is a demanding job that requires physical sacrifices. With the flawed tape test, Army leadership mandates problematic standards and puts overweight Soldiers at risk. Most errors involving the Army tape test chart are actually helpful toward Soldiers passing the exam. While this may be a surprise if not a delight to Soldiers, this can also lead to injury and hinder the American Armed Forces as a whole. However, changes are coming and they may not be as forgiving for Soldiers being measured. There are still lacking particulars and a perfect solution with modern methods, yet the newer methods are here to stay. But should Soldiers fail their Army tape test, they can choose to be retested with the previous method. However, this too will phase out in 2024. Suggested read: The Legendary Chicken Gun Is the Ultimate Quality Control Test for Military Planes

A New Method is Looking to Improve the Way We Measure Soldiers

The Army is implementing a new standardized tape test for measuring body fat in Soldiers. Previously, male and female Soldiers were measured differently, but now, the Army's new tape test will have all Soldiers measured around the waist. This change follows an Army study on body fat composition conducted in 2021, and the new policy will be introduced gradually throughout 2023. Until June 2024, Soldiers who fail the new tape test can opt for the old method or request a more thorough body fat scan if available. Additionally, Soldiers scoring 540 points or more on the Army Combat Fitness Test will be exempt from the Army tape test altogether. The Army recognized the outdated and inaccurate nature of its previous taping method for measuring body fat. The Army tape test was found to be accurate only 65% of the time and disproportionately affected women. Some Soldiers resort to extreme measures to meet the requirements, aiming to pass through various Army tape test tricks, as seen on Reddit. The new Army tape test standards aim to align with the Army Combat Fitness Test, emphasizing overall fitness and balanced strength. The goal is to have well-rounded Soldiers rather than individuals focusing on specific areas to meet arbitrary standards. If this is the goal and the main function is being prepared for war, then the new Army tape test is more than just welcomed, it’s completely necessary. Still, technology has evolved passed the need for such measurement techniques. But logistical issues persist. Although the new Army tape test regulations will allow for body scanning when possible, there are issues keeping the best method from being as widespread as they should be.

Army Tape Test Persists Due to Impracticality of Body Scanners

The use of the Army tape test is far from new, but neither are its critics. For decades, there have been calls to replace the use of this method and this drove the Army to look into body scanners. A great idea that would fall in line with professional standards found elsewhere, but ultimately the idea was too impractical. While body scanners may be used throughout healthcare and by professional sports teams, they can be quite costly. On the low end, body scanners can run around $15,000 and this can balloon quickly to reach heights of $100,000. Costly enough, it’s one thing when a multi-million or multi-billion dollar hospital or sports arena is purchasing the technology and it's quite another when you need to replicate the technology throughout the world on around 5,000 military bases. Furthermore, let’s talk about those military bases. Some have practical capacities in which a body scanner can be used, but this is far from a standardized situation. For many, the use of body scanners is simply not a practical move, even if the U.S. military does foot the bill. Despite its inaccuracies, negative side effects, and downright annoyances, the Army tape test persists. But thankfully, now with improvements. Hopefully, the Army continues to innovate to deliver a method of measuring Army height and weight standards that's not only fair to Soldiers but helps them be better versions of themselves. Read next: Exploring Viable Treatments for PTSD in Veterans


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