Got a wild idea? We build for service members — not the brass, not shareholders. If it's good, it ships.
Suggest a Feature →The Tape Test: Rights & Process
General information, not legal advice. For legal issues, contact Trial Defense Service (TDS) or your Legal Assistance Office.
“If you fail tape, you're automatically flagged and they can chapter you out right away.”
Failing the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) results in enrollment in a weight control program, not immediate separation. You get time to meet standards, and the measurement process has specific rules that must be followed exactly — errors in measurement technique are one of the most common problems.
How the Tape Test Works
If you exceed the screening weight for your height, you are measured using the circumference-based tape test. For males, they measure neck and waist. For females, they measure neck, waist, and hips. These measurements are plugged into a formula to estimate body fat percentage.
Measurement Standards
The person measuring you must be trained and certified. Measurements must be taken at specific anatomical landmarks, and the tape must be horizontal and snug but not compressing the skin. You are entitled to have the measurements taken by someone of the same gender if you request it.
What Happens If You Fail
Step 1: Enrollment in ABCP. You are placed in the Army Body Composition Program. This is not a punishment — it's a mandatory program with defined timelines.
Step 2: Flag action. You will be flagged under AR 600-8-2, which suspends favorable personnel actions (awards, promotions, school slots).
Step 3: Monthly weigh-ins. You will be weighed and/or taped monthly. You must show progress.
Step 4: Timeline. You have up to 6 months to meet the standard. If you make satisfactory progress, the program continues. If you fail to make progress or fail to meet the standard within the timeline, separation processing may begin.
The Progress Requirement
Here's what many soldiers don't know: you're evaluated on progress, not just pass/fail. If you're losing weight consistently (typically 3-8 pounds per month), you're considered "making satisfactory progress" even if you haven't met the standard yet.
Your Rights
1. You have the right to a properly trained and certified measurer 2. You can request same-gender measurement 3. You can request re-measurement if you believe errors occurred 4. You must receive nutritional counseling as part of ABCP enrollment 5. Medical conditions that affect weight must be evaluated — if you have a documented medical condition, command must consider it 6. Separation for ABCP failure requires following the full regulatory timeline
Medical Considerations
If you have a medical condition that affects your weight (thyroid disorder, medication side effects, etc.), you need documentation from your provider. AR 600-9 requires commanders to consider medical factors. A medical provider can recommend exemption from ABCP requirements in certain cases.
Important for Leaders
If you're the one doing the measuring, get trained properly. Incorrect measurements that lead to incorrect enrollment or separation actions expose the command to IG complaints and legal challenges.
Was this helpful?
Contact your installation's Trial Defense Service (TDS) for UCMJ matters, or Legal Assistance Office for general legal issues. These services are free for active duty service members.