by Stew Smith

The Army's Physical Fitness program has two factors: the Physical Fitness Test and the Army Weight Control Program.

The AWCP ensures every soldier is healthy, physically fit, and combat ready. The program requires you to meet specific weight standards, which are based on their height, weight, and gender. 

Under the AWCP you will be required to weigh-in at least once every six months.  This may be done at the same time as your Army Physical Fitness Test. In most cases, failure to pass the Army's minimum weight or body fat percentage standards will make you ineligible for promotion, transfer, reenlistment or opportunities to attend professional schools.

View the current AWCP height for weight chart.

If you do not meet the initial height/weight requirements, the Army uses a calculation based on your abdominal and neck measurements to determine your body fat percentage. The following is chart shows the maximum allowable body fat percentage:

Age Group	Gender	Body Fat
17 - 20	Male	20%
	Female	30%
21 - 27	Male	22%
	Female	32%
28-39	Male	24%
Female	34%
40 & Older	Male	26%
	Female	36%

Army Weight Control Charts

If you exceed the Army's body fat percentage requirements you will receive an official letter stating that you will be placed on a weight-monitoring program. The program will require you to loose a specified number of pounds per month. You will also receive personal counseling to help you develop a fitness and nutrition routine to help you reach your weight loss goals. 

Loosing weight requires a commitment to a healthy diet and a regular workout routine. Stew Smith has a variety of articles to assist you in learning how to eat to lose weight as well as better prepare you for the rigors of military fitness. Check out the following links to reach your fitness and weight loss goals:

- Five Phases of Fitness
- Pass the Tape Test - Body Composition
- Lean Down Meal Plan
- Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Food Pyramid
- Ace the PFT

Many of my favorite PT programs to train for the Army PFT can be found in the following Military.com links:

- Pull-ups / Flexed Arm Hang
- Pushups and Sit-ups
- Running
- Prepare for Ruck Marches

Other Related Army Fitness Articles:

- Army Basic Training PFT Requirements
- Army Fitness Workout Plan
- Army Ranger Fitness
- Performing for the Special Forces
- Physical Fitness Test Anxiety

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com.

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