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A body composition assessment is part of the testing of US Navy personnel. The official body composition assessment (BCA) must be performed within the required window of 24 hrs (minimum) to 30 hours (maximum) prior to the Physical Readiness Test (PRT). Only those who fail the initial weight for height screening test are required to undergo the percent body fat assessment.

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Maximum weight for height screening

The first assessment is the maximum weight for height screening. Standing Height and Body Weight is measured. The weight is recorded (to nearest whole pound) in PT-type clothing (shorts, T-shirt) without shoes, then a one pound deduction is made for clothing. These values are used to determine the maximum weight for height using the table below. In the center column, find smallest value equal to or exceeding member’s height. If member's weight is less than or equal to the maximum weight listed for their gender, members are within body composition assessment standards, and the percentage body fat determination is not required.

MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR HEIGHT SCREENING TABLE
Maximum Weight in Pounds

(height fractions rounded up to nearest whole inch)

Body Fat Percentage Assessment

Only those failing the above weight for height screening test are required to undertake the body fat % assessment. This calculation incorporates the measurement of body weight (the measure from the weight for height assessment is to be used), and several circumference measures to determine body fat percentage. The circumference measurements used in the calculation of % bodyfat are:

Men

• standing height
• neck circumference
• abdominal circumference

Women

• standing height
• neck circumference
• natural waist circumference
• hip circumference.

The weight and circumference measures are used to calculate a measure of percent body fat (see %bodyfat from girths). This table shows the age-adjusted maximum allowable Navy body fat percentages. These are maximum levels, most personnel should have a significantly lower percentage of body fat.

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Related Pages

• More about body composition assessment
• Testing procedures for the US Marines, Coast Guard, US Navy and Navy Seals.
• Navy Fitness Testing around the world.
• Testing in other armed forces and similar services.
• Descriptions of the NAVY PRT test procedures:
  • sit & reach, curl-ups, push-ups, run/walk, elliptical trainer and swim.
• Videos of forces fitness testing
• Poll: Should women have the same fitness testing standards as men?