Understanding the Army's New One-Site Tape Test (2023)

What Changed in the Army's Body Fat Assessment?

In June 2023, the U.S. Army made a significant update to its body composition measurement protocol by introducing the one-site tape test through Army Directive 2023-11. This new method represents a substantial departure from the previous multi-site tape test that had been used for decades.

The Old vs. New Method: What's Different?

The Army's decision to move to a single-site measurement came after extensive research in the Army Comprehensive Body Composition (ACBC) Study, which collected data from over 2,690 soldiers. The research found that the old method frequently misidentified muscular soldiers as exceeding body fat standards.

The Science Behind the New Formula

The new Army body fat calculation formulas are:

These formulas were developed based on comparative data with more accurate body composition measurement methods such as DXA scans. The new approach is not only simpler to administer but also provides a more accurate assessment of a soldier's actual body fat percentage.

How to Take the One-Site Measurement Correctly

For accurate results with the Army's new one-site tape test, follow these steps:

1. Position: Stand upright with arms relaxed at sides and feet together.
2. Measurement location: Measure directly at the level of the belly button (naval), not at the narrowest part of the waist.
3. Tape position: The measuring tape should be placed flat against the skin, neither compressing the soft tissue nor held too loosely.
4. Breathing: Take the measurement at the end of a normal exhalation (not while holding breath).
5. Recording: Record the measurement to the nearest half-inch (0.5 inch).

Using a proper measuring technique is crucial for accuracy. The Army typically uses a non-stretchable tape measure specifically for this purpose.

Understanding the Army Body Fat Percentage Standards

The Army's body fat percentage standards are age and gender-specific. Knowing these standards is essential for assessing whether you meet the requirements.

Maximum Body Fat Percentage for Active-Duty Soldiers

Maximum Body Fat Percentage for Enlistment

Note that the Department of Defense's goal is 18% body fat for males and 26% body fat for females in the military, though the maximum allowable percentages are higher as shown in the tables above.

Exemptions to Body Fat Assessment

Under Army Directive 2023-08, soldiers can be exempt from the body fat assessment if they score 540 points or higher on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), with a minimum of 80 points in each of the six events. This recognizes that high-performing soldiers with significant muscle mass may exceed the body fat standards while still being physically fit for service.

The ACFT includes these six events:

1. Three-repetition maximum deadlift
2. Standing power throw
3. Hand-release push-up
4. Sprint-drag-carry
5. Plank
6. Two-mile run

Each event is scored on a scale of 0-100, with adjustments based on age group. The exemption acknowledges that muscle mass can contribute to higher weight and body fat measurements while still indicating excellent physical fitness.

What Happens If You Fail the One-Site Tape Test?

As of June 9, 2024, the one-site (abdomen) circumference-based tape method is the only authorized method for measuring body composition in the Army. If a soldier fails the one-site tape test, they have several options:

1. Supplemental Body Fat Assessment: Soldiers may request a supplemental body fat assessment using one of these more accurate technologies (if reasonably available):
   • DXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry): Uses dual low-power X-ray beams to differentiate between bone mineral, lean mass, and fat mass
   • InBody 770: Uses multiple mild electrical currents to calculate body fat, muscle, and water
   • The Bod Pod®: Uses air displacement plethysmography to determine the body's fatty mass to lean mass ratio
2. Enrollment in the ABCP: If a soldier either doesn't request a supplemental assessment or fails that assessment as well, they will be referred to the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)

Soldiers enrolled in the ABCP receive exercise guidance from a master fitness trainer and counseling from a registered dietitian or health provider. They are expected to make satisfactory progress in reducing their body fat percentage to meet Army standards.

Using Our Army Body Fat Calculator

Our Army Body Fat Calculator implements the Army's official 2023 one-site tape test formula. To use it:

1. Select your gender
2. Enter your age in years
3. Enter your weight in pounds
4. Enter your abdominal circumference in inches (measured at the belly button)
5. If applicable, check the ACFT exemption box and enter your ACFT score
6. Click "Calculate" to see your results

The calculator will show your estimated body fat percentage based on the Army's formula, whether you meet the standard for your age and gender, and if not, how much you would need to reduce your measurements to comply with Army standards.

Conclusion

The Army's transition to the one-site tape test represents a significant improvement in how body composition is assessed within the military. The new method is simpler, more accurate, and less prone to misclassifying muscular soldiers as overweight. Whether you're a current soldier, a recruit preparing to enlist, or simply curious about military fitness standards, understanding this new assessment method is valuable.

For those preparing for a body fat assessment or working to meet Army standards, our calculator provides a convenient way to estimate your body fat percentage according to the official Army formula.