The Army Tape Test is the body circumference-based method used to determine compliance with the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and Army body fat standards. The following guidance outlines official Army procedures for body fat measurements, circumference sites, and recording requirements.
Determining body fat using body circumference process
a.
Although circumferences may be looked upon by untrained personnel as easy measures, they can give erroneous results if proper technique is not followed.
The individual taking the measurements must have a thorough understand-ing of the appropriate body landmarks and measurement techniques.
Unit commanders will require that designated personnel have read the instructions regarding technique and location and obtained adequate practice before official body fat determinations are made.
Individuals taking the measurements will be designated unit fitness trainers, certi-fied in body circumference methodology, a certified master fitness trainer, and/or a NCO trained in body circumfer-ence methodology, as specified in paragraph 2–16b(1) and/or 2–17a(1).
Two members of the unit will be utilized in the taking of measurements; one to place the tape measure and determine measurements and the other to assure proper placement and tension of the tape, as well as to record the measurement on the DA Form 5500 and DA Form 5501.
The unit member recording the measurements is responsible for signing the DA Form 5500 and DA Form 5501 in the “prepared by” block.
Soldiers should be measured by trained individuals of the same sex.
If a trained individual of the same sex is not available to conduct the measurements, a female Soldier will be present when a male measures a female, and a male Soldier will be present when a female measures a male.
The two will work with the Soldier between them so the tape is clearly visible from all sides.
Take all circumference measurements sequentially three times and record them to the nearest half inch.
If any one of the three closest measurements differs by more than 1 inch from the other two, take an additional measurement and compute a mathematical average of the three measurements with the least difference to the nearest half inch and record this value.
b.
Soldiers will be measured for body fat in stocking feet and standard Army physical fitness uniform trunks and T-shirt.
Undergarments that may serve to bind the abdomen, hip, or thigh areas are not authorized for wear when a Soldier is being measured for body fat composition.
This includes, but is not limited to spandex shorts or girdle-like undergarments.
c.
When measuring circumferences, compression of the soft tissue requires constant attention.
The tape will be applied so it makes contact with the skin and conforms to the body surface being measured.
It will not compress the underlying soft tissues.
However, the hip circumference measurement requires more firm pressure to compress the authorized physical fitness uniform trunks.
All measurements are made in the horizontal plane (parallel to the floor), unless indicated otherwise.
d.
The tape measure will be made of a non-stretchable material, preferably fiberglass; cloth or steel tapes are un-acceptable.
Cloth measuring tapes will stretch with usage and most steel tapes do not conform to body surfaces.
The tape measure will be calibrated, that is, compared with a yardstick or a metal ruler to ensure validity.
This is done by aligning the fiberglass tape measure with the quarter-inch markings on the ruler.
The markings will match those on the ruler; if not, do not use that tape measure.
The tape will be one-quarter to one-half inch wide (not exceeding one-half inch) and a minimum of 5 feet in length.
A retractable fiberglass tape is the best type for measuring all areas.
Note. Tapes are currently available through the Army Supply System (Federal stock number 5210–01–238–8103 or national stock number 8315–01–238–8103).
The current Army supply system or any other fiberglass tape (not to exceed one-half inch) may be used if retractable tapes cannot be purchased by unit budget funds available and if approved by installation commanders.
e.
If using the circumference methodology outlined in this policy and it is determined that the Soldier’s body cir-cumference does not meet the ABCP standards, a confirmation will be completed.
The above process will be com-pleted by a different team than the completed initial set of measurement.
This must occur before any actions are taken by the commander.
Description of Circumference Sites and Their Anatomical Landmarks and Technique
a.
All circumference measurements will be taken three times and recorded to the nearest half inch (or 0.50).
Each sequential measurement should be within 1 inch of the next or previous measurement.
If the measurements are within 1 inch of each other, derive a mathematical average to the nearest half of an inch.
If any one of the three measurements differs by more than 1 inch, take an additional measurement.
Then, average the three closest measures.
b.
Each set of measurements will be completed sequentially to discourage assumption of repeated measurement readings.
For males, complete one set of neck and abdomen measurements, not three neck circumferences followed by three abdomen circumferences.
Continue the process by measuring the neck and abdomen in series until three sets of measurements have been completed.
For females, complete one set of neck, waist (abdomen), and hip measure-ments, not three neck circumferences followed by three waist (abdomen) circumferences, and so on.
Continue the process by measuring neck, waist (abdomen), and hip series until three sets of measurements have been completed.
c.
Instructions for computing body fat are at tables B–3 (males) and B–4 (females).
Percent fat estimates are shown in figures B–1 (males) and B–2 (females).
Illustrations of each tape measurement are at figures B–3 (males) and B–4 (females).
d.
All circumference measurement information will be recorded on a DA Form 5500 (male)/5501 (female).
Army Male Tape Test Measurements
a. Neck
Measure the neck circumference at a point just below the larynx (Adam’s apple) and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck.
Do not place the tape measure over the Adam’s apple.
Soldier will look straight ahead during measurement, with shoulders down (not hunched).
The tape will be as close to horizontal as anatomically feasible (the tape line in the front of the neck will be at the same height as the tape line in the back of the neck).
Care will be taken to ensure the shoulder/neck muscles (trapezius) are not involved in the measurement.
Round neck measurement up to the nearest half inch and record (for example, round “161/4 inches” to “161/2 inches”).
b. Abdomen
Measure abdominal circumference against the skin at the navel (belly button) level and parallel to the floor.
Arms are at the sides.
Record the measurement at the end of Soldier’s normal, relaxed exhalation.
Round abdominal measurement down to the nearest half inch and record (for example, round “34 3/4 inches” to “34 1/2 inches”).
Army Female Tape Test Measurements
a. Neck
This procedure is the same as for males.
b. Waist (abdomen)
Measure the natural waist circumference, against the skin, at the point of minimal abdominal circumference.
The waist circumference is taken at the narrowest point of the abdomen, usually about halfway between the navel and the end of the sternum (breastbone).
When this site is not easily observed, take several measurements at probable sites and record the smallest value.
The Soldier’s arms must be at the sides.
Take measurements at the end of Soldier’s normal relaxed exhalation.
Tape measurements of the waist will be made directly against the skin.
Round the natural waist measurement down to the nearest half inch and record (for example, round “28 5/8 inches” to “28 1/2 inches”).
c. Hip
The Soldier taking the measurement will view the person being measured from the side.
Place the tape around the hips so that it passes over the greatest protrusion of the gluteal muscles (buttocks), keeping the tape in a horizontal plane (parallel to the floor).
Check front to back and side to side to be sure the tape is level to the floor on all sides before the measurements are recorded.
Because the Soldier will be wearing authorized physical fitness uni-form trunks, the tape can be drawn snugly without compressing the underlying soft tissue to minimize the influence of the shorts on the size of the measurement.
Round the hip measurement down to the nearest half inch and record (for example, round “44 3/8 inches” to “44 inches”).
Army Tape Test Forms (DA Form 5500 and DA Form 5501)
It is extremely important that the following instructions are read before attempting to complete DA Form 5500 and/or DA Form 5501.
Have a copy of the form available when reading these instructions.
a.
Tables B–3 and B–4 and figures B–1 through B–4 will provide information needed to prepare DA Form 5500 and DA Form 5501.
The instructions for the forms are written in a stepwise fashion.
The measurements and compu-tation processes are different for males and females.
b.
A DA Form 5500 (male) or DA Form 5501 (female) must be completed for Soldiers who exceed the weight for height table (table B–1).
The purpose of this form is to help determine the Soldier’s percent body fat using the circum-ference technique described in this regulation.
c.
Before starting, have a thorough understanding of the measurements to be made as outlined in this appendix.
A scale for measuring body weight, a device for measuring height, and a measuring tape (see specifications in para B–2d) for the circumference measurements are also required.
d.
If any of the measurements are not listed in figure B–1 or B–2, see table B–5 for guidance on how to calculate body fat percentage.
Note. A scientific calculator, which can be found on computers, must be used.
On the computer, pull up ‘calculator’ from ‘programs’ and then click on ‘view’ and choose ‘scientific’.
Commanders are responsible for the accuracy of all calculations.
Use of auto calculators is not authorized.
e.
The DA Form 5500 or DA Form 5501 requires two signatures.
The first signature is the “prepared by” which is the unit member serving to assure proper placement and tension of the tape, as well as to record the measurement on the DA Form 5500 and DA Form 5501.
The second signature, “approved by supervisor,” should be signed by the commander/supervisor of the Soldier being measured.
Note. All measurements must be in inches.
Use normal rounding rules for all measurements and calculations unless otherwise specified.