Physical fitness testing in the military is commonly used to assess whether service members are physically capable of performing the diverse physical tasks that may be required for their job. Body composition can influence an individual's ability to physically perform. This study aimed to analyze the general physical profile of U.S. Air Force (USAF) special warfare candidates by assessing body composition results and physical assessment scores collected over the past four years. Male candidates (n = 1036) were 18.2 years to 39.5 years of age (M = 23.5, SD = 3.9) and weighed 78.8 kg (SD = 8.3) with a BMI of 25.0 (SD = 2.0) at 11.8% body fat (SD = 3.3) as measured using bioelectrical impedance. Body composition and fitness scores were similar to those noted in U.S. Navy special warfare candidates as well as individuals in other elite tactical units. These results highlight the normative body composition profile of individuals assessing for advanced military career fields.
Keywords: Military trainees; body composition; fitness; special operations.