6 answers
Logan
Student
Locust Grove, Georgia
3
Questions
Asked
2496 views
What are some physical requirements to join the military?
I am interested in joining the military, but I know that I have a long way to go until in physically ready. I have plenty of time to prepare my self but I dont know what my goals should be I am 5,10 and I dont know the weight suggested for this height. #military
Login to comment
6 answers
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
38
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
The physical requirements to join the military depend on your branch of service. Each branch has its own body composition requirements and its own physical fitness test. In general, body composition requirements are based on your sex, height, and age. If you exceed your weight standards, a secondary method (these methods vary for each branch as well) such as taping abdominal circumference is used to estimate percentage body fat. If you are under allowed percentage even if you are above weight standards, you can still pass the body composition component of the fitness test. I posted all links to body composition charts below so you can see what the upper weight limit is for your height.
Each service has different occupational requirements so each service's fitness test is slightly different. Of note, the Army and Navy are in the process of implementing changes to their fitness testing programs so these requirements are shifting over the next few years based on a phased implantation approach. Also, many of the services have suspended their fitness tests currently for current service members due to difficulty administering fitness testing in the COVID-19 pandemic environment.
For the Army, the fitness test is called the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). This consists of maximum push ups, maximum sit-ups, and a two mile timed run. However, the Army is currently transitioning to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) consisting of three reps maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push up-arm extension, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two mile run.
For the Navy, the fitness test is called the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PFT). This consists of two minutes maximum push ups, two minutes maximum sit-ups (though this is shifting to maximum timed plank), and a 1.5 mile timed run. There are alternate cardio options including the stationary bike and swim, with implementation of a rowing option coming soon.
For the Air Force, the fitness test is called the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). This consists of one minute maximum push-ups, one minute maximum sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile timed run.
For the Marine Corps, there are two fitness tests used. The first is the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). This consists of two minutes maximum pull-ups OR push-ups, timed crunches OR plank, and a three mile time run. The second fitness test is the Combat Fitness Test (CFT), and is used to measure functional fitness. It includes a Movement to Contact (880 yard sprint in combat boots and utilities), two minute maximum overhead ammunition lift (an ammunition can is about 30 pounds), and a Maneuver Under Fire (300 yard course used to simulate combat challenges, such as crawls and buddy carry).
Hope this helps shape your goals and good luck on your fitness journey!
View Army body composition charts: https://usarmybasic.com/army-physical-fitness/army-height-weight-standards
View Navy body composition charts (on page 15): https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/physical/Documents/Guide%204-%20Body%20Composition%20Assessment%20(BCA)%202016.pdf
View Air Force body composition charts: https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/06_CAREER%20MANAGEMENT/03_Fitness%20Program/Fitness%20Charts.pdf
View Marine Corps body composition charts: https://www.fitness.marines.mil/BCP_Standards/
Talk to a Recruiter about a physical fitness training plan or find a work out plan online
Each service has different occupational requirements so each service's fitness test is slightly different. Of note, the Army and Navy are in the process of implementing changes to their fitness testing programs so these requirements are shifting over the next few years based on a phased implantation approach. Also, many of the services have suspended their fitness tests currently for current service members due to difficulty administering fitness testing in the COVID-19 pandemic environment.
For the Army, the fitness test is called the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). This consists of maximum push ups, maximum sit-ups, and a two mile timed run. However, the Army is currently transitioning to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) consisting of three reps maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push up-arm extension, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two mile run.
For the Navy, the fitness test is called the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PFT). This consists of two minutes maximum push ups, two minutes maximum sit-ups (though this is shifting to maximum timed plank), and a 1.5 mile timed run. There are alternate cardio options including the stationary bike and swim, with implementation of a rowing option coming soon.
For the Air Force, the fitness test is called the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). This consists of one minute maximum push-ups, one minute maximum sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile timed run.
For the Marine Corps, there are two fitness tests used. The first is the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). This consists of two minutes maximum pull-ups OR push-ups, timed crunches OR plank, and a three mile time run. The second fitness test is the Combat Fitness Test (CFT), and is used to measure functional fitness. It includes a Movement to Contact (880 yard sprint in combat boots and utilities), two minute maximum overhead ammunition lift (an ammunition can is about 30 pounds), and a Maneuver Under Fire (300 yard course used to simulate combat challenges, such as crawls and buddy carry).
Hope this helps shape your goals and good luck on your fitness journey!
Meighan recommends the following next steps:
Ivy Tao
Sr. Legal Assistant
2
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Ivy’s Answer
Hi Logan,
Great question. Today's Military has a breakdown on the physical requirements to join: https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining-eligibility/eligibility-requirements?gclid=dff71dd3247f1b2250c57dc02268e5d7&gclsrc=3p.ds#jump-physical-requirements
"Physical requirements vary greatly across each Service branch. Generally speaking, potential recruits should be in good physical condition, of appropriate weight and able to pass a standard physical screening prior to entry. For specific information, please contact a recruiter."
Great question. Today's Military has a breakdown on the physical requirements to join: https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining-eligibility/eligibility-requirements?gclid=dff71dd3247f1b2250c57dc02268e5d7&gclsrc=3p.ds#jump-physical-requirements
"Physical requirements vary greatly across each Service branch. Generally speaking, potential recruits should be in good physical condition, of appropriate weight and able to pass a standard physical screening prior to entry. For specific information, please contact a recruiter."
Rebecca Newman-Mahoney
Network Security Incident Commander
11
Answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
I would definitely agree a recruiter would be able to guide you to your physical requirements. Each branch does have it's own requirements per job. I have included the actual height to weight chart for the Air Force. I would definitely focus on the type of job you are interested in before you start to begin to prepare physically for the military. The guidance provided will apply to all jobs in the military however there are some jobs that require different/additional height/weight requirements.
https://www.airforce.com/height-weight
https://www.airforce.com/frequently-asked-questions/physical/what-are-the-height-and-weight-requirements-to-join-the-air-force
https://www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter
Rebecca recommends the following next steps:
Maria Collins
7
Answers
Updated
Maria’s Answer
It would actually depend on the branch as they all have different requirements based on age height and weight. They calculate your Body fat. There is also a Physical fitness test that you must pass typically run 1.5 miles, do 50 push ups and 100 sit ups. I myself was not a physical person when I was in the military but I would push this out twice a year to meet the requirement. Good luck
Moses Ocampo
Marine
30
Answers
Shafter, California
Updated
Moses’s Answer
Hi,
I would highly recommend looking into each branch and seeing which physical perquisites are realistically attainable for you since not all branches have the same requirements. Every branch will have these specific height and weight standards posted on their respective websites. I know that the better shape you are in prior to departing for basic training, the more you'll succeed.
I would highly recommend looking into each branch and seeing which physical perquisites are realistically attainable for you since not all branches have the same requirements. Every branch will have these specific height and weight standards posted on their respective websites. I know that the better shape you are in prior to departing for basic training, the more you'll succeed.
Brooklyn C.
X-Ray Technician, Corpsman
6
Answers
Updated
Brooklyn’s Answer
Hello Logan!
As stated above, it depends on what branch you go with. It also depends on your age. Just doing a simple google search of Navy PRT and BCA standards can clear up some questions, at least for that branch. There is also the fact that if you don’t make the suggested weight(which is a ridiculous number for some people, depending on your body type) they will use a tape measure to find your neck, waist, and hips in in inches snd average them out. If you’re below a certain amount of inches, you’ll still pass even if you don’t make the weight. Good luck!
As stated above, it depends on what branch you go with. It also depends on your age. Just doing a simple google search of Navy PRT and BCA standards can clear up some questions, at least for that branch. There is also the fact that if you don’t make the suggested weight(which is a ridiculous number for some people, depending on your body type) they will use a tape measure to find your neck, waist, and hips in in inches snd average them out. If you’re below a certain amount of inches, you’ll still pass even if you don’t make the weight. Good luck!