Updated Army Height and Weight Standard

Recently, an updated Army Height and Weight Standard was implemented by Army Directive 2026-13, available for download at this link.

The updated Army Height and Weight Standard now consists of simply dividing a Soldier's waist measurement by his/her height - if the ratio is less than .55, then the Soldier in question has passed the test.  Furthermore, the following provisions were implemented by Army Directive 2026-13:

• Soldiers must be measured at least twice a year;
• If it is determined that the Soldier's initial ratio does not meet the standard, a confirmation measurement will be conducted on the same duty day by a team other than the one that took the initial set of measurements;
• No AFT score exempts a Soldier from meeting the standard and Army Directive 2025-17 is rescinded;
• DA Form 5500 will be used;
• Soldiers in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) will receive a non-transferable flag;
• Progression requirements and mandatory monthly assessments while enrolled in the ABCP are rescinded. Commanders and supervisors will determine when to assess Soldiers and will administratively remove a Soldier from the ABCP as soon as the Soldier meets the standard;
• Units may initiate separation actions for a Soldier flagged due to failure of ABCP but no Soldier will be separated until an 180-day assessment is completed by HQDA and further guidance is disseminated;
• For active Soldiers, following a Soldier’s enrollment in the ABCP, the commander will request a medical examination to verify that no underlying medical condition may be the direct cause of weight gain or be the direct cause of inability to meet the standard; and,
• For National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, Soldiers may request a medical examination if there is reason to believe that there is an underlying medical condition that may be the direct cause of inability to meet the standard. This exam is at the Soldier’s own expense for Soldiers not on active duty

Additionally, the updated Army height and weight standard revokes the Commander's requirement to appoint an NCO to manage unit programs and places the responsibility solely with each Commander.

This Article was written by Attorney Matthew Barry. Attorney Barry is highly rated by former clients and has a proven track record of success. He has extensive experience with all types of Military Adverse Actions, including those related to the ABCP.

The Law Office of Matthew Barry represents Servicemembers worldwide. He has offices on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Central U.S.