U.S. Coast Guard

COMDTINST M1020.8 — Body Composition & Physical Fitness · Verified 2026-08-16

How the screen works

Accession screen uses BMI 19.0–27.5; the primary in-service screen is abdominal circumference (Men ≤ 39 in, Women ≤ 35.5 in). Body-fat % applies if needed. The Coast Guard is aligning toward the DoD WHtR < 0.55 screen.

Initial screenThresholdResult
Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)must be < 0.55Below passes with no tape test; at or above → secondary body-fat evaluation
Abdominal circumference (primary)MenWomen
Maximum at navel39 in35.5 in

Maximum allowable body-fat % (age / sex)

Age groupMen (max %)Women (max %)
Under 3022%32%
Under 4024%34%
40+26%36%

Fill in your own measurements — the worksheet prints with the official thresholds above.

Your worksheet (Coast Guard)

Your metricValueCoast Guard gateResult
Waist-to-Height Ratio0.486< 0.55PASS
Est. body-fat % (Navy method)17.5%22%PASS

Source & verification

Educational reference only. This scorecard is a planning aid, not your official assessment. Confirm current implementation with a recruiter, command, or hiring agency.

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