The AR 600-9 One-Site Tape Test (Rescinded July 2026)

From June 2023 until July 7, 2026, the Army used a one-site circumference-based tape test as part of its body composition assessment. This article explains how that method worked and why it existed, for anyone researching prior policy; it does not describe a current Army requirement. If you need to know where you stand today, use the Army WHtR Calculator.

Why the One-Site Method Was Introduced

The one-site tape test itself replaced an older multi-site method. With Army Directive 2023-11, the Army moved from a multi-site circumference assessment (neck and waist for men; neck, waist, and hips for women) to a single measurement at the navel. The change was based on research from the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), which found that a single abdominal measurement was a more consistent predictor of body fat across a diverse population than the multi-site formula, while reducing measurement error and administrative time during unit weigh-ins. The one-site method became the only authorized circumference method Army-wide starting June 8, 2024.

How the One-Site Tape Test Worked

For reference, the measurement procedure was as follows:

1. The Navel Site: The tape was placed horizontally around the abdomen at the level of the navel (belly button).
2. Body Alignment: The Soldier stood upright with arms at their side, looking straight ahead.
3. Rounding Rules: The measurement was taken to the nearest 1/2 inch.
4. The Average: The NCO performing the test took three separate measurements and used the average for the final calculation.

The resulting waist measurement was combined with the Soldier's height and weight in a formula to produce an estimated body fat percentage, which was then compared against age- and gender-based limits under AR 600-9.

What Happened to Supplemental Assessments

Under the old policy, a Soldier who failed the tape test could request a supplemental body fat assessment (a DEXA scan, Bod Pod, or InBody bioelectrical impedance test) as a more precise alternative. Army Directive 2026-13 rescinded these supplemental methods along with the tape test itself. None of them are part of the current Army Body Composition Program.

What Replaced It: Waist-to-Height Ratio

Army Directive 2026-13, effective July 7, 2026, rescinded the tape test, the height/weight screening tables, and every supplemental body fat method, replacing all of them with waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as the Army's sole body composition standard. WHtR is calculated as waist circumference (still measured at the navel) divided by height, both in inches. A result below 0.550 meets the standard: with no age adjustment, no gender adjustment, and no separate weight-screening step. The measurement location didn't change; what changed is that the waist number is now compared directly to height, not converted into an estimated body fat percentage against an age/gender table.

There is also no fitness-test exemption under the current standard. A high Army Fitness Test (AFT) score does not exempt a Soldier from a WHtR check.

Check your current WHtR result here: it takes just your height and waist measurement, with no signup required.

Sources

• Army modifies body composition program, adopts waist-to-height ratio (Army.mil)
• Official AR 600-9 Publication (historical)
• USARIEM Body Composition Research

If you're navigating a body composition concern under the current standard, Military OneSource offers free, confidential fitness and nutrition coaching for service members and families, 24/7, or call 800-342-9647.