Army Sets Waist-to-Height Ratio Standard for Soldiers

The U.S. Army introduced a waist-to-height ratio requirement of 0.55 or lower for soldiers Tuesday. The ratio is calculated by dividing waist circumference by height. Soldiers who exceed the limit will be referred to the Army Body Composition Program for nutrition counseling. The policy replaces the previous height-and-weight table standard.

The change aligns Army standards with those already in place for other branches. Marines must maintain a maximum ratio of 0.52. Airmen, Space Force guardians, and sailors are held to a limit below 0.55. A December memorandum directed all military services to adopt the 0.55 threshold. The Army's update follows that guidance.

Stated Purpose "This is about lethality and health," said Sgt. Maj.

Edgar Monsanto, deputy chief of staff for the Army's Directorate of Prevention, Resilience, and Readiness. The policy applies the same measurement used across the Department of War since the December directive.