The Complete And Final Guide To Tape Standards At MEPS

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As a military recruit, you may be wondering about what you should expect for the physical fitness test at MEPS. One of the most misunderstood exams is the tape standards test which measures your body fat percentage. Read on for a comprehensive guide on this test at MEPS

The Complete And Final Guide To Tape Standards At MEPS
The Complete And Final Guide To Tape Standards At MEPS

What is MEPS?

MEPS is an acronym for Military Entrance Processing Station. These stations have both military and civilian personnel. Recruits go through different tests to determine their physical fitness, mental aptitude, and moral standards. In the MEPS offices recruits go through the ASVAB aptitude test, a physical exam, job selection, and swearing-in. Everyone that wants to join the US military must pass the fitness and aptitude test at a MEPS before they can be enlisted.

For the physical test, one of the most important measurements taken is recruits’ height and weight. In case you are found to be overweight by military standard then you must go through a fat percentage test called the tape test. US military standards require male personnel to have a body fat percentage below 28% whereas women should have a body fat below 36%. Failing the tape test can prevent you from joining the military due to obesity.

The Complete And Final Guide To Tape Standards At MEPS
The Complete And Final Guide To Tape Standards At MEPS

The Military Tape Test

The tape standards test measures the circumference of a recruit’s waist and neck. These measurements along with the recruit’s height and gender are put into an algorithm to determine the body fat percentage of the enlistee. The tape test is quite accurate for most adults having a reported accuracy of within 1-3%

All branches of the military use the tape standards test to determine body fat and obesity. It is preferred because it measures abdominal fat which is the unhealthiest fat you can carry on your body. Excessive abdominal fat is an indicator of heart disease and diabetes. Military personnel carrying excessive abdominal fat also negatively affect the image of the US military.

Failing The Tape Standards Test At MEPS

Failing the tape test means that you are overweight hence you will not be allowed to enlist to the military. Depending on how overweight you are you will be given a certain amount of time to safely lose the excess weight after which you can retake the physical test. The military recommends that you follow a healthy method to lose weight, usually a combination of diet and exercise.

Criticisms Of The Tape Test

Some US soldiers are against the tape standards test for several reasons. First of all, they feel that it isn’t the most accurate measure of body fat. Hydrostatic testing is actually more accurate than the tape test, however, it is more time consuming and cumbersome.

Secondly, some members of the military feel that the tape test is overly concerned by image rather than the actual health of the personnel. There have been cases whereby soldiers have failed the tape test yet passed the fitness test with flying colors.

Finally, many soldiers feel that too much importance is placed on the tape test causing those deemed overweight to lose out on enlistment as well as career progression and development opportunities.

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