The U.S. Army will launch a review this summer of its tape-test policy for measuring body fat as part of a larger evaluation of the service's Body Composition Program.
Sgt. Major of the Army Daniel Dailey recently requested that the G1 review the method the service uses to determine body-fat composition, commonly known as the tape test.
Military.com on Tuesday reported that G1 officials said they were unsure when the service would carry out the SMA's request for a review of the policy. Later that evening, the Army sent out the following update.
"The revision process for AR 600-9, The Army Body Composition Program (dated June 2013) will begin this summer 2016. As part of the revision process, AR 600-9 in its entirety will be addressed to include a review of the Army's tape test," according to a statement from G1 spokesman Paul Prince.
Soldiers are screened at least every six months to ensure they meet the prescribed body-fat standard, measured by the circumference-based tape method outlined in the regulation.
"Commanders have the authority to direct a body fat assessment on any soldier that they determine does not present a soldierly appearance, regardless of whether or not the soldier exceeds the screening table weight for his or her measured height," according to the regulation.
Dailey's request for the review, which was previously reported by Army Times, was prompted by solider complaints that the test is not the most accurate method for measuring fitness, said Master Sgt. Michelle Johnson, a spokeswoman for the SMA.
-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
