function calculateArmyBMI() {
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('armyWeight').value);
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('armyHeight').value);
var gender = document.getElementById('armyGender').value;
var age = document.getElementById('armyAge').value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('armyResult');
var bmiDisplay = document.getElementById('displayBMI');
var statusDisplay = document.getElementById('displayStatus');
var adviceDiv = document.getElementById('armyAdvice');
if (isNaN(weight) || isNaN(height) || weight <= 0 || height <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid weight and height measurements.");
return;
}
// Standard BMI Formula: (lbs / inches^2) * 703
var bmi = (weight / (height * height)) * 703;
var roundedBMI = bmi.toFixed(1);
bmiDisplay.innerText = roundedBMI;
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
// US Army standards typically use a screening BMI of 27.5
// If BMI exceeds 27.5, the soldier is flagged for a body fat assessment (tape test).
// Standard healthy BMI is 18.5 – 24.9.
var status = "";
var advice = "";
if (bmi < 18.5) {
status = "Underweight Screening";
statusDisplay.style.color = "#856404";
advice = "Your BMI is below the standard screening level. While the Army focuses on the upper limits, being underweight may affect performance and medical readiness.";
} else if (bmi <= 27.5) {
status = "PASS (Within Screening Limits)";
statusDisplay.style.color = "#155724";
advice = "Congratulations! Your BMI is within the Army's initial screening parameters (under 27.5). You likely meet the height/weight standards for your age group under AR 600-9 without needing a tape test.";
} else {
status = "Exceeds Screening (Requires Tape Test)";
statusDisplay.style.color = "#721c24";
advice = "Your BMI exceeds the 27.5 screening threshold. According to Army Regulation 600-9, you will likely be required to undergo a Body Fat Content assessment (the 'Tape Test') to determine if you meet body fat percentage standards for your age and gender.";
}
statusDisplay.innerText = status;
adviceDiv.innerHTML = "Note: " + advice + "Army Regulation 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program) is the official source for all body composition standards. This calculator is a screening tool and does not replace official military medical or leadership assessments.";
}
Understanding the Army BMI Standards
The United States Army uses the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) to ensure all soldiers are physically fit and able to meet the rigors of military service. The "Army BMI Calculator" is the first step in this evaluation process.
How the Screening Works
Under Army Regulation 600-9, soldiers are measured against a Height and Weight table. This table is fundamentally based on a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation. The Army currently uses a screening BMI of 27.5 as the threshold.
Under 27.5: You generally pass the weight standard and do not require further measurement.
Over 27.5: You are considered to exceed the screening weight. This does not automatically mean you are "overweight"—instead, you must undergo the Tape Test (Circumference Method).
The Army Tape Test vs. BMI
It is common for high-performance soldiers with significant muscle mass to exceed the 27.5 BMI limit. Because muscle is denser than fat, the Army utilizes the Tape Test to measure body fat percentage. If your body fat percentage is within the allowable limit for your age and gender, you are in compliance with Army standards regardless of your BMI.
Body Fat Percentage Limits by Age
Age Group
Male Limit
Female Limit
17-20
20%
30%
21-27
22%
32%
28-39
24%
34%
40+
26%
36%
Army BMI Calculation Example
Consider a 22-year-old male soldier who stands 70 inches tall (5'10") and weighs 195 pounds.
Square the Height: 70 x 70 = 4,900
Divide Weight by Squared Height: 195 / 4,900 = 0.03979
Multiply by 703: 0.03979 x 703 = 27.9 BMI
In this case, since 27.9 is greater than 27.5, the soldier would be "taped" to ensure their body fat is 22% or less.
Tips for Maintaining Standards
Hydration: Water intake is crucial for metabolism and accurate tape measurements.
Resistance Training: Building lean muscle helps lower body fat percentage, even if weight stays the same.
Consistent Monitoring: Check your weight weekly to avoid surprises during the semi-annual height/weight weigh-ins.