The decision to exclusively employ the Waist-to-Height Ratio for body composition assessment represents a fundamental shift toward health-based metrics and modern fitness science. The WHtR replaces legacy measures like the height-and-weight tables and the secondary tape test (abdominal circumference) for the following key reasons:

• More Accurate Health Predictor: Scientific research has consistently demonstrated that the WHtR is a more reliable predictor of long-term health risks. It more accurately identifies cardiovascular and metabolic risks, such as heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes, associated with excess abdominal fat compared to previous methods.
• Fairness and Biological Rigor: The WHtR  provides a more accurate standard that accommodates a wider variety of body types while maintaining readiness.
• Simplicity: By using a single pass-fail metric that divides waist circumference by height, the assessment process is simplified, reducing administrative friction.
• Focus on Overall Readiness and Lethality: The transition to WHtR  aligns with the Office of the Secretary of War’s goal to promote greater consistency across the joint force, ensuring that Soldiers are physically prepared for their mission requirements.

WHtR is a straightforward measurement used to assess lifestyle health and risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

• WHtR specifically assesses the distribution of body fat, providing a more nuanced predictor of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. 
• The Office of the Secretary of War established a WHtR of less than 0.55 as the standard for all service members, ensuring they maintain a healthy body composition conducive to the physical demands of serving in the armed forces. 

The new assessment ensures that Army’s health standards are based on the most current medical science, which better promotes long-term Soldier health and survivability. 

• Reduces human error and subjectivity in assessing an individual’s body composition, standardizing the assessment process across the entire joint force. 
• Provides a fair, universal standard for all service members without requiring overly complex adjustment tables. 
• By accurately identifying those at risk, commanders can better direct Health-and-Holistic Fitness resources to maintain a deployable, lethal force. 

The new body composition standard is a Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) of less than, but not equal to, 0.55.

Waist circumference is measured at the navel (belly button). That number is then divided by height in inches.

All Soldiers will be screened at least twice per calendar year. 

If the Soldier does not meet the initial measurement requirement, a confirmation measurement must be conducted on the same duty day by a different team before any action is taken.

If a Soldier does not meet the screening standards after the second measurement, they will be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and accordingly flagged. The flag is non-transferable, so Soldiers are not able to PCS, but are still eligible to deploy. 

No. The WHtR screening replaces the now outdated height and weight tables previously used to screen Soldiers.

No. All previous body fat assessment methods, including the tape test, have been rescinded. WHtR is the sole authorized healthrisk assessment method. 

WHtR is recorded on DA Form 5500 and in the Army Training Information System (ATIS). DA Form 5501 is no longer used.

Yes. All Soldiers must have a WHtR screening recorded in ATIS within 90 days of the policy’s publishing date.

Yes. The WHtR standard applies to USMA and Senior ROTC cadets.

The new guidance applies immediately. Soldiers will now be assessed using WHtR. Soldiers remain enrolled until they meet the WHtR standard. No separation actions for WHtR failure will occur until the Army completes an 180-day assessment and issues further guidance.

Previous monthly progression requirements have been rescinded. Soldiers remain enrolled until they meet the WHtR standard. Commanders will determine when to assess Soldiers and will remove them from the ABCP as soon as they meet the standard. 

Active Component and AGR Soldiers will receive a commander-directed medical exam to rule out underlying medical conditions. Reserve Component Soldiers may request an exam at their own expense.

No. The exemption for Soldiers scoring 465 or higher on the AFT has been rescinded. All Soldiers must meet the WHtR standard regardless of fitness test performance. AD 2025-17 is inactive.

Commanders may direct a WHtR assessment at any time for any Soldier who does not present a Soldierly appearance, based on their professional judgment.

Units must allow at least seven days between a Soldier’s AFT or CFT and their WHtR screening. Commanders may modify this when operational demands require it.

Existing medical exemptions to body composition standards remain in effect.

No. The Army is conducting an 180-day assessment of the WHtR standard. No separation actions for WHtR failure will occur until the assessment is complete and additional guidance is issued.

No. The requirement to designate an NCO to administer the ABCP has been rescinded. Commanders now directly oversee program execution and quality control.

Yes. Commanders may direct a WHtR assessment at any time if they have concerns that a Soldier may not meet the standard, in addition to the twice per calendar year requirement.