The Navy Physical Fitness Assessment includes Body Composition Assessment (BCA) and Physical Readiness Test (PRT) is conducted twice each year for active duty and reservist sailors. It is also tested at boot camp for recruits upon arrival into the Navy.
The Navy's BCA is based on the maximum weight for height screening and body fat percentage estimation. The Body Fat estimation is based on circumference measurements. The Navy, like the other services, uses weight charts (see below) for initial screening.
Due to muscle mass and other factors, exceeding the weight indicated on the chart, doesn't necessarily mean you are considered overweight. It means that the Navy needs to perform a body-fat measurement to determine if you fall within the prescribed Navy Body Fat standards.
The Navy's Body Fat Standards in the Navy are:
- Male - 17 to 39 year olds - 22 percent - Male - 40 year olds - 23 percent - Female - 17 to 39 year olds = 33 percent - Female - 40 year olds = 34 percent
Note: Only applicants not meeting the Navy weight standard for their height will be measured for body fat percentage.
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (inches) | Navy Weight Standard (pounds) | Navy Weight Standard (pounds) |
| 58 | 131 | 131 |
| 59 | 136 | 136 |
| 60 | 141 | 141 |
| 61 | 145 | 145 |
| 62 | 150 | 149 |
| 63 | 155 | 152 |
| 64 | 160 | 156 |
| 65 | 165 | 160 |
| 66 | 170 | 163 |
| 67 | 175 | 167 |
| 68 | 181 | 170 |
| 69 | 186 | 174 |
| 70 | 191 | 177 |
| 71 | 196 | 181 |
| 72 | 201 | 185 |
| 73 | 206 | 189 |
| 74 | 211 | 194 |
| 75 | 216 | 200 |
| 76 | 221 | 205 |
| 77 | 226 | 211 |
| 78 | 231 | 216 |
This article should help many with finding the standards you should reach prior to joining the military. It is always recommended to never strive for the minimum physical standards when seeking a profession that requires a fit body to perhaps save your life or the lives of your comrades. If you are seeking to get back into shape and want to be as fit as one of the above military members, check with your doctor before starting any fitness program.
PT programs to train for the Navy PRT can be found at the following Military.com links:
- Pull-ups / Flexed Arm Hang - Pushups and Sit-ups - Running - Swimming
Navy Fitness Requirements: - Navy Physical Fitness Program - Navy Physical Readiness Test - Navy SEAL Fitness Test - Navy SWCC Fitness Training
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com.
