7 Must-Meet Army Basic Training Requirements
Physical Fitness Requirements
If you’re considering joining the army, you’ll need to meet certain physical fitness requirements to ensure you’re capable of performing the demands of basic training. The army requires new recruits to be in top physical condition, and this is reflected in the physical fitness test, also known as the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The APFT consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run.
Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) Requirements:
- Push-ups: You’ll need to complete a minimum of 30 push-ups in one minute for men and 19 push-ups for women.
- Sit-ups: You’ll need to complete a minimum of 30 sit-ups in one minute for men and 19 sit-ups for women.
- 2-mile run: You’ll need to complete the 2-mile run in 16 minutes and 36 seconds or less for men and 19 minutes and 42 seconds or less for women.
Body Fat Percentage Requirements
In addition to the APFT, you’ll also need to meet the army’s body fat percentage requirements. These requirements vary depending on age and sex.
Body Fat Percentage Requirements:
- Men:
- 20-29 years old: 20% body fat or less
- 30-39 years old: 22% body fat or less
- 40-49 years old: 24% body fat or less
- 50 years old and above: 26% body fat or less
- Women:
- 20-29 years old: 30% body fat or less
- 30-39 years old: 32% body fat or less
- 40-49 years old: 34% body fat or less
- 50 years old and above: 36% body fat or less
Height and Weight Requirements
The army also has specific height and weight requirements that you’ll need to meet. These requirements vary depending on your age, sex, and height.
Height and Weight Requirements:
Height | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight |
---|---|---|
5’0” (152 cm) | 91 lbs (41 kg) | 145 lbs (66 kg) |
5’1” (155 cm) | 96 lbs (44 kg) | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
5’2” (157 cm) | 101 lbs (46 kg) | 155 lbs (70 kg) |
… | … | … |
6’3” (191 cm) | 159 lbs (72 kg) | 208 lbs (94 kg) |
6’4” (193 cm) | 165 lbs (75 kg) | 214 lbs (97 kg) |
Vision Requirements
You’ll also need to meet the army’s vision requirements, which include:
- Distant visual acuity: 20⁄40 in each eye
- Near visual acuity: 20⁄40 in each eye
- Color vision: Normal color vision
Medical Requirements
The army has specific medical requirements that you’ll need to meet. These requirements include:
- Blood pressure: Less than 140⁄90 mmHg
- Hearing: Normal hearing in both ears
- Body mass index (BMI): 18.5 or higher and 40 or lower
Educational Requirements
You’ll need to meet the army’s educational requirements, which include:
- High school diploma or equivalent: You’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to enlist in the army.
- GED: If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can take the General Educational Development (GED) test to demonstrate your academic abilities.
Citizenship Requirements
Finally, you’ll need to meet the army’s citizenship requirements, which include:
- U.S. citizenship: You’ll need to be a U.S. citizen to enlist in the army.
- Green card: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you can still enlist in the army if you have a green card.
🚨 Note: These requirements are subject to change, and it's always best to check with an army recruiter for the most up-to-date information.
To increase your chances of meeting these requirements, it’s essential to start preparing yourself physically and mentally before enlistment. This can include:
- Exercising regularly: Focus on building your strength, endurance, and agility.
- Eating a healthy diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods to support your physical fitness goals.
- Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your body recover from physical activity.
- Managing stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
By meeting these requirements and preparing yourself physically and mentally, you’ll be well on your way to a successful army basic training experience.
The journey to becoming a soldier is not an easy one, but with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goals and serve your country with pride.
What is the minimum body fat percentage required for men and women in the army?
+
The minimum body fat percentage required for men in the army is 20% for those aged 20-29 years old, 22% for those aged 30-39 years old, 24% for those aged 40-49 years old, and 26% for those aged 50 years old and above. For women, the minimum body fat percentage required is 30% for those aged 20-29 years old, 32% for those aged 30-39 years old, 34% for those aged 40-49 years old, and 36% for those aged 50 years old and above.
What is the minimum height and weight requirement for men and women in the army?
+
The minimum height and weight requirements for men and women in the army vary depending on age and sex. For example, for men aged 20-29 years old, the minimum height is 5’0” (152 cm) and the minimum weight is 91 lbs (41 kg). For women aged 20-29 years old, the minimum height is 4’11” (150 cm) and the minimum weight is 85 lbs (39 kg).
What is the minimum vision requirement for men and women in the army?
+
The minimum vision requirement for men and women in the army is 20⁄40 in each eye for distant visual acuity and 20⁄40 in each eye for near visual acuity. Additionally, normal color vision is required.