Here Are the Guidelines for the Navy Body Composition Assessment

Dynamic stretches are performed before the physical fitness assessment. — Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Dylan Rhodes, attached to Navy Operational Support Center Fort Carson, Colorado, leads dynamic stretching before the physical fitness assessment (PFA) at Ivy Physical Fitness Center on United States Army installation Fort Carson. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gilbert Bolibol/U.S. Navy photo)

Military.com | By Stew Smith, CSCS®

The Navy physical fitness assessment includes a body composition assessment (BCA) and physical readiness test (PRT). It is conducted twice each year for active-duty and reserve sailors. It also is 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. Like the other services, the Navy uses weight charts (see below) for initial screening.

Because of 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 whether you fall within the prescribed Navy body-fat standards:

Male: 17-39 years old (22%)

Male: 40 years old (23%)

Female: 17-39 (33%)

Female: 40 (34%)

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 before joining the military. It always is recommended never to strive for the minimum physical standards when seeking a profession that requires a fit body to perhaps save a life, possibly your own. 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:

Navy fitness requirements:

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. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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Related Topics: Navy Fitness Physical Fitness Test - PFT Prep Military Fitness Fitness

Stew Smith, CSCS®

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 his Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive on Military.com. Contact Stew with your comments and questions. Read Full Bio

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