The Marine Corps has dropped its long-standing height-and-weight screening process. MARADMIN 066/26, released Feb. 26, 2026, finalizes the switch to waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as the primary screening tool. Change 1 refines the advance notification from December 2025 and applies to all Marines, active and reserve, effective Jan, 1, 2026.
The new standard requires a waist-to-height ratio below 0.52.
The waist is measured at the navel and divided by height. Exceed the limit, and the Marine moves to body fat testing. They must pass either the multi-site tape test or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Passing one method clears the record. Failing both places the Marine on the Body Composition Program.
The Corps set a tighter standard than the 0.55 used by some other services to maintain a leaner, more combat-effective force.
How Measurements Work
Screenings happen semiannually. Height is rounded down to the nearest half inch. The waist measurement uses a self-tensioning tape at the navel, taken twice by a same-sex evaluator. The lower reading is selected and rounded down.
The MARADMIN gives the specifics, but for example: A Marine that is 72 inches tall cannot exceed 37 inches at the waist. A 70-inch Marine tops out at 36 inches. If the ratio is 0.52 or higher, body fat assessment follows immediately (BIA will replace the tape test for body fat assessment once equipment reaches all units).
Incentives for High Performers
Marines scoring 285 or higher on both the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT) can have up to 26 percent body fat for males and 36 percent for females. Those scoring 250 or higher receive an additional 1 percent allowance. These breaks require clean first-class scores without waivers in the current period.
This structure encourages consistent, year-round training and helps strong performing Marines who perform well on the tests.
Transition Details
Marines screened between January 1 and February 26 must be remeasured using the new rules. Waiver requests for operational needs are due to Training and Education Command by May 1, 2026.
Current Body Composition Program assignments get reviewed. Those who now meet the waist-to-height ratio standard have the flag removed. Pre-January assignments continue unchanged. Reserve Marines now follow the same semiannual schedule.
This update builds on the original December 2025 announcement covered by military.com.
Readiness Focus
The changes align with the Secretary of War’s guidance on service-wide fitness expectations. Excess central body fat can limit mobility and endurance under full combat load. The new system targets that issue more accurately while rewarding proven physical performance. It also supports sex-neutral standards for combat arms Marines.
What Marines Should Do Now
Visit fitness.marines.mil for the complete waist chart, worksheets, and guidance. Focus training on PFT and CFT events to unlock the performance allowances. Commanders should ensure evaluators follow the exact measurement protocol.
The Marine Corps has replaced an outdated process with one that better matches battlefield needs. Stay lean and train hard. These standards recognize real capability in an era where physical readiness can determine mission success.
