Army Rangers Height & Weight Requirement

A U.S. Army Ranger must meet certain standards. While there are no specific guidelines for height and weight standards for the U.S. Army Rangers that differ from regular Army standards, in order to qualify for Ranger training, either through Ranger school or the Ranger indoctrination program, you must score higher than 70 percent on the Army physical fitness test.

The Army Rangers are the premier light infantry force in the United States Army. According to their official description on the Army Rangers website, "the Army maintains the regiment at a high level of readiness. Each battalion can deploy anywhere in the world with 18 hours notice." Currently, only males can qualify for Ranger training, according to the 75th Ranger Regiment's website. Rangers train for anything: seizing airfields, direct action missions, raids and any other mission that requires a highly trained, highly effective light infantry force.

The height and weight requirements for the Rangers are the same as for any soldier in the U.S. Army. The Army determines weight standards according to a table found in Army Regulation 600-9: The Army Weight Control Program. If a soldier exceeds the maximum allowable weight for his height, his body mass index must be under the standards established by AR 600-9. This is established by measuring the neck and navel and entering the data into a worksheet as prescribed by the regulation. While this standard differs by age, no more than 26 percent body fat is allowed.

If you exceed the height and weight standards, you cannot qualify for Ranger training and you will be entered onto the Army weight control program. This means you will be flagged--barred from promotions and other positive actions--until you qualify with the appropriate body mass index.

In general, keep in shape by watching what you eat and exercising on a regular basis. AR 600-9 has valuable nutritional guidance, as does the Army's weight control website.

If you are already in the Army, your unit's master fitness trainer can give you valuable information on nutrition. You can also ask to see a nutritionist at the base hospital.