The Marine Corps weight and body-fat standards are health and performance based. Marines are considered not within these standards when their weight and body-fat exceed the maximum limits. A soldiers weight is compared to the Marine Corps weight allowance chart, and if it meets the standard weight allowance for the soldier’s height, then a body-fat test is not needed. A soldier will be measured for body-fat only if he/she exceeds the allowable weight on the chart.
| Age Group | Males | Females |
| 17-26 | 18% BF | 26% BF |
| 27-39 | 19% BF | 27% BF |
| 40-45 | 20% BF | 28% BF |
| 46+ | 21% BF | 29% BF |
If you exceed the body-fat allowance, then you will be enrolled in the Body Composition Program.
Body composition will be estimated using the circumference-based method. No substitute body composition evaluation methods are permitted. Designated evaluator(s) are the only individuals authorized to perform height, weight and BCE’s, if necessary. All measurements will be taken on bare skin, the only exception being the female hip measurement. Without causing indentation, the tape will be applied to the skin with sufficient tension to hold it in place as the measurement is read. Circumference measurements will be taken three times by two separate evaluators in order to ensure accuracy. Each set of measurements will be completed sequentially to discourage assumption of repeated measurements of a specific region. The lowest measurement obtained will be utilized for Body Composition Program (BCP) assessment purposes.
Male Marines.
Measurements for male Marines will be taken along the neck and abdominal circumference, at the navel. Measure the neck circumference by placing the edge of the tape measure flush with the bottom of the larynx and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck. The Marine should look straight ahead during the measurement, with shoulders down, not hunched. For neck measurements, round up to the nearest 1/2-inch and record. Measure the abdominal circumference against the skin at the navel, level and parallel to the deck. Arms will be straight and relaxed at the sides. Take measurement at the end of the Marine’s normal, relaxed exhalation. For abdominal measurements, round down to the nearest 1/2-inch and record. The circumference value is calculated by subtracting the neck from the abdominal measurement (abdominal – neck = circumference value). Male body fat percentages can be derived utilizing enclosure (4) by locating the number at the intersection of height measurement and circumference value.
Female Marines.
Measurements for female Marines will be taken along the neck, waist at the thinnest portion of the abdomen, and hips. Measurements for female Marines will be performed by female evaluators, only. Measure the neck circumference by placing the edge of the tape measure flush with the bottom of the larynx and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck. The Marine should look straight ahead during the measurement, with shoulders down, not hunched. For neck measurements, round up to the nearest 1/2-inch and record. Measure the natural waist circumference against the skin at the point of minimal abdominal circumference, usually located about halfway between the navel and the lower end of the sternum (breastbone). When this site is not easily observed, take several measurements at probable sites and use the smallest value. Ensure the tape is level and parallel to the deck. Arms will be straight and relaxed at the sides. Take measurements at the end of a normal, relaxed exhalation. For natural waist measurement, round down to the nearest 1/2-inch and record. Measure the hip circumference while facing the Marine’s right side by placing the tape around the hips so that it passes over the greatest protrusion of the buttocks as viewed from the side. Ensure the tape is level and parallel to the deck. Apply sufficient tension on the tape to minimize the effect of clothing. For hip measurement, round down to the nearest 1/2-inch and record. The circumference value is calculated by adding the waist and hip measurements and subtracting the neck measurement (waist + hip – neck = circumference value). Female body fat percentages can be derived utilizing enclosure (4) by locating the number at the intersection of height measurement and circumference value.