Airforce Height Weight Standards

Air Force Height and Weight Standards: Understanding the Requirements

The Air Force has specific height and weight standards that applicants must meet to be eligible for service. These standards are in place to ensure that airmen are physically fit and capable of performing their duties safely and effectively. In this article, we will explore the Air Force height and weight standards, including the requirements for males and females, and the process for measuring and evaluating body fat percentage.

Height Standards

The Air Force has established minimum and maximum height standards for applicants. The minimum height standard is 58 inches (147 cm) for males and 58 inches (147 cm) for females. The maximum height standard is 80 inches (203 cm) for males and 80 inches (203 cm) for females. These standards apply to all applicants, including those seeking to enlist or commission as officers.

Weight Standards

In addition to height standards, the Air Force also has weight standards that applicants must meet. The weight standards are based on the applicant’s height and are used to determine their body mass index (BMI). The BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, and it is used to assess an individual’s risk for health problems. The Air Force uses the following weight standards:

Height (inches)	Maximum Weight (pounds)
58-60	121-136
61-62	126-141
63-64	131-146
65-66	136-151
67-68	141-156
69-70	146-161
71-72	151-166
73-74	156-171
75-76	161-176
77-78	166-181
79-80	171-186

These weight standards apply to both males and females, and they are used to determine an applicant’s eligibility for service.

Body Fat Percentage

In addition to meeting the height and weight standards, applicants must also meet the body fat percentage standards. The body fat percentage standards are as follows:

• Males: 20-24% body fat
• Females: 24-28% body fat

Applicants who exceed the maximum body fat percentage may be eligible for a waiver, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

📝 Note: Applicants who are found to be over the maximum weight or body fat percentage may be given the opportunity to lose weight and re-apply for service.

Measuring and Evaluating Body Fat Percentage

The Air Force uses a variety of methods to measure and evaluate body fat percentage, including:

• Skinfold measurements: This involves measuring the thickness of the skin at specific points on the body.
• Hydrostatic weighing: This involves weighing the applicant underwater to determine their body density.
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): This involves using X-rays to measure bone density and body fat percentage.

These methods are used to determine an applicant’s body fat percentage and to assess their eligibility for service.

The key points to take away from this article are that the Air Force has specific height and weight standards that applicants must meet, and that body fat percentage is also an important factor in determining eligibility for service. By understanding these requirements, applicants can better prepare themselves for the enlistment or commissioning process.

In summary, the Air Force height and weight standards are an important part of the enlistment and commissioning process. By understanding these requirements and taking steps to meet them, applicants can increase their chances of being accepted into the Air Force. Additionally, the body fat percentage standards are an important factor in determining eligibility for service, and applicants should strive to meet these standards as well. By following the guidelines and requirements outlined in this article, applicants can better prepare themselves for a successful career in the Air Force.