FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Army has replaced their long-standing standard for assessing and measuring the weight and fitness of soldiers with the new Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) health assessment tool.
Instead of the circumference-based tape test, supplemental body fat assessments, and weight tables, the new process will measure a soldier’s waistline at the belly button and divide that number by their height in inches. This ratio should land at 0.55 or lower to be in compliance. A solider that does not meet the new standard will receive an additional confirmation test before formal flagging action is taken.
A news release from the Army Public Affairs says this immediate change is part of a broader effort to accurately assess soldier health, increase force readiness, and continue to align the Army Body Composition Program with medically validated practices.
“This is about lethality and health,” said Sgt. Maj. Monsanto, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Directorate of Prevention, Resilience, Readiness. “We are adopting new metrics to ensure our soldiers are healthy and physically fit to fight and win.”
Under the new policy, all soldiers will undergo a WHtR assessment twice per year, or it may be initiated by commanders at any time if concerns arise. The Army will conduct a 180-day assessment of the new assessment to validate accuracy and determine if adjustments are needed. During this window no action for failing will occur.
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