We will be discussing height and weight issues, plus any queries commonly asked in the military field regarding the height and weight standards for men and women. This guide will be useful for soldiers entering training, some that are getting a little on the plump side and also for the differences between men and women.
Why do army height and weight standards exist?
Army height and weight standards exist as many soldiers are a variety of heights and weights, therefore they must have a custom set of standards, due to their measurements.
When soldiers enter their military training phase and sometimes during their career they may need help to gain or reduce weight, to help them be healthier for their custom measurements (Height x Weight x Age). For instance, the Royal Marines Commando (RMC) are usually extremely physically healthy, as they have so much Physical Training in their role already; to the point that they have a section on their application page where they tell you the requirements including weight and height; whereas Chris Cagle says “The Physical Employment Standards are objective, role-related, age and gender-free physical fitness standards.”
The standards are incorporated within a structured suite of Army Role Fitness Tests which provides progression from entry into Basic Training through to employment in the Field Army.
- The Royal Marines is open to men and women.
- You must be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen.
- You must be fit and healthy – there is a strict medical examination and a fitness test.
- Men must be at least 145cm tall and weigh at least 65kg or have a minimum BMI of 23. You must be within the healthy range for BMI (max 28).
There is also a section on the British Army Website where you can ask a soldier/ officer if you need more information.
Soldiers who exceed the specified weight limits can be considered to be overweight and may not be able to perform to the standards expected of them. In this case, they are tested to determine whether they meet the set height and weight standards.
According to Norman Turner (writing for TheGunZone): “Because the maximum weight of soldiers is directly linked to their height, it is important to know your precise height. For example, female soldiers who are 5’4” tall can weigh a maximum of 143 pounds. It is also important to know that there is a minimum permissible weight, which is also linked to height.”
Soldiers who exceed the maximum weight for their gender, height, and age group may be granted a waiver, however, they still need to be under the maximum body fat percentage for their gender and age.
During the army fitness tests there are 3 main assessments:
1 – THE MULTISTAGE FITNESS TEST / BEEP TEST
You need to run between two lines, 20m apart, in time with a beep. The beeps get steadily faster. Your score is based on the point where you can no longer keep up.
Why test your running? The run measures your aerobic capacity. Aerobic fitness is essential for all military tasks and important for injury prevention.
How to prepare: regularly run 2km, jump squats, alternate squat thrusts & burpees.
2 – MEDICINE BALL THROW
Sitting with your back against a wall, you’ll throw a 4kg medicine ball as far as you can. Your best throw of three will count. You must throw at least 2.7m to meet the lowest soldier entry standard. Some trades will need you to throw the ball at 3.1m.
Why test your seated throw? The seated ball throw measures your upper-limb explosive strength. This is an important part of fitness and is essential to being able to perform many military tasks well.
How to prepare: Ball Throw, Front and Side Plank & Press Ups.
3 – MID THIGH PULL
Standing in front of a bar set to mid-thigh height, you’ll be asked to pull the bar upwards for 5 seconds, then rest and repeat. Your best score of the two attempts will count. You must pull 50kg or more to meet the lowest soldier entry standard, although some trades will need a higher score. Your score will be taken from the best of your two attempts.
Why test your mid-thigh pull? This test measures your lower-body strength. You need lower body strength in the Army for many everyday military tasks.
How to prepare: Squat with calf raise, Lunge, Glute Bridge & Bench Pull / Rope Pull.
The British Military fitness app can be found below to help with your fitness:
100% Army Fit on the App Store
If you’re looking to join the British Military, you’ll be expected to meet the following BMI scores:
Over 18: BMI = 18 – 29.9
16 & 17: BMI = 17 – 29.9
You might still be able to join if you are:
Male over 18 with a BMI between 30 and 32, or Female over 18 with a BMI between 30 & 32.
You can check your BMI on the table, or here where it will calculate your BMI for you.
In the American Military, the max weight for men is as follows:
Source: Army Height and Weight Standards for 2022
And for women:
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