 comes with a variety of physical challenges. You need to be in peak condition, as Soldiers face rigorous training, demanding operational tempos, and potentially hostile combat scenarios.

To ensure readiness, the Army enforces strict height and weight standards to provide baseline health guidelines for the fighting force. However, the scale is no longer the only metric that matters. With the recent rollout of the new baseline Army Fitness Test (AFT) and the highly demanding 

 physical readiness in 2026 is measured by performance just as much as body composition.

Here is a complete breakdown of the Army’s height, weight, and fitness standards for 2026.

What Are the Army’s Height and Weight Standards?

In the Army, height and weight requirements serve as an initial screening tool to determine a Soldier's overall health and physical preparedness. The maximum allowable weight depends on your age, biological gender, and height.

Below is a rundown of the U.S. Army’s height and weight screening tables for 2026. 

Note: If your height exceeds the limits listed below, Army Regulation 600-9 dictates adding approximately 5 to 6 pounds to the maximum weight for every additional inch.

Army Height and Weight Standards for Men (2026)

Army Height and Weight Standards for Women (2026)

The Tape Test: What Happens If You Exceed the Weight Limit?

A common misconception is that failing to meet the weight limits on the screening table requires a "weight waiver." This is false.

If a Soldier exceeds their maximum allowable weight, they are simply required to take a body fat composition test—commonly known as the "tape test." If you pass the tape test by meeting the body fat percentage limits for your age and gender, you meet the Army standard. No waiver is needed.

Recently, the Army transitioned to a much-welcomed one-site tape test. Instead of the heavily criticized multi-site measurements of the past (which measured the neck, waist, and hips), the modern standard simply measures a Soldier's waist circumference at the navel to calculate body fat.

The Baseline: The 5-Event Army Fitness Test (AFT)

Physical readiness in the modern Army requires more than just meeting weight standards. In 2025, the Army officially transitioned away from the ACFT and implemented the 

(AFT) as the baseline physical assessment for all Soldiers.

The AFT streamlined the assessment process by dropping the power throw and focusing on five core events designed to test full-body strength, endurance, and operational readiness:

Every Soldier in the Army is required to pass the AFT, with scoring standards scaled by age and gender.

While the AFT serves as the baseline for the entire force, the Army recently rolled out a new standard specifically for combat-facing Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

The Combat Field Test (CFT) evaluates the raw physical preparedness required for the chaotic and grueling realities of the battlefield. Service members must complete the following seven events back-to-back within 30 minutes while wearing a full combat uniform:

16 lifts of a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform

A 50-meter carry of two 40-pound water cans

If a service member in a combat role fails to pass the CFT, they have the option to volunteer for reclassification into a non-combat MOS.

MEPS, OPAT, and the Future of Military Fitness

If you are planning to join the Army, your journey starts at the

 (MEPS). However, MEPS focuses strictly on 

 qualifications (vision, hearing, joint mobility). Your actual baseline physical fitness is tested via the 

 (OPAT) before you ship to basic training, which ensures you have the physical strength required for your specific MOS.

Once in the ranks, staying fit is mandatory. Soldiers are continually evaluated, and those who fail to meet the tape test standards are enrolled in the 

 (ABCP), where they are given resources and strict timelines to safely lose the excess body fat.

The conversation surrounding military fitness is constantly evolving. While height and weight screening tables remain imperfect tools, the shift toward a one-site tape test and the implementation of performance-based assessments like the AFT and CFT show that the Army is increasingly focusing on what a Soldier can 

, rather than just the number on a scale.

Do You Meet the Army Height and Weight Standards? Find Out Here

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, on March 31, 2026, lifted the brief suspension of the crew of two Fort Campbell-based Apache helicopters, who went viral online because of the video of them showing a flyby outside Kid Rock’s Whites Creek, Tennessee home over the weekend of March 28, 2026. The suspension was reversed after Hegseth posted on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the videos the singer posted.

Unfortunately, the video of the Apache pilots gained mixed reactions from civilians and became the talk of the town. Shortly after, officials issued a statement saying the pilots were just conducting a routine training mission near 

The crew had conducted a routine training around Nashville because it’s typically what they do on a normal day. But moments later, after the takeoff, the videos showed they were seen so close and so low to the American singer’s home. While Maj. Jonathon Bless, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division, confirmed they were on a scheduled training mission, he explicitly stated that the flyby at 

 was not part of the sanctioned mission, nor was it an approved outreach event.

The videos also showed Kid Rock interacting with the pilots and even saluting them, which eventually drew reactions and led to conversations erupting. People online started questioning whether the level of proximity was even acceptable in the first place.

The pilots were then immediately suspended after the videos posted by the American singer went viral. The officials then considered reviewing details such as flight paths, safety procedures, and whether anything had exceeded standard expectations.

The concern seemed to also center less on the moment itself but more on what it might represent and how people will see it. Even though 

 released a statement following the viral video, people are still questioning the professional boundaries that have been crossed.

What Pete Hegseth Posted on X That Reversed the Decision

The flyby situation changed after the Defense Secretary posted on X, quoting Kid Rock’s post and including a video of him interacting with the pilots on the same platform.

“Thank you, @KidRock. @USArmy pilots’ suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”

 effectively ended the suspension and confirmed that the Apache helicopter pilots would not face any disciplinary action.

 with his own reaction to the viral moment.

“This is a level of respect that s--- for brains, Governor of California will never know. God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”

The video shows Apache helicopters flying by Kid Rock's house.

U.S. Army probing Apache helicopter flyby at Kid Rock's Tennessee home

The post helped push the video further into the spotlight, which in turn brought more attention to the actions of the Apache helicopter pilots.

Questions from civilians are still being raised online, even though the situation has been cleared and Hegseth has lifted the suspension.

Some are concerned that the investigation into this issue was resolved earlier than expected. Others are asking whether similar cases would be handled differently and whether people would expect more from the pilots going forward.

Military helicopter flights in populated areas have been under intense, heavy scrutiny following a deadly midair collision between an Army Black Hawk and an American Airlines jet near 

 in January 2025. The Army initially suspended these pilots to check for FAA and aviation safety protocol compliance—standard operating procedure to ensure unauthorized maneuvers do not lead to further tragedy.

Some people online say the suspension was unnecessary, while others believe that the situation could've been reviewed thoroughly.

The officials stated that the helicopters were part of a routine training mission and that the pilots were allowed to operate in the area.

The routine training took place in a common training zone

Public flight tracking data showed the Apaches also flew over

The helicopters were also seen flying over downtown Nashville earlier

Military leaders explained that Apache pilots are conducting routine operations, even though the recent flyby drew national attention.

The pilots are expected to return to their normal duties and resume where they left off after the viral video surfaced online.

However, conversations about the viral video may continue behind the scenes because people tend not to easily forget national issues.

The flight itself is not what people think about, but rather the way it felt, how fast everything picked up online, and how quickly decisions seemed to follow.

This issue has already been resolved with the suspension lifted. But the questions that civilians still have about lapses, 

, expectations, and decision-making won't disappear quite as easily.

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In the military, drill pay is one of the things that most members don’t really think about until they see that the numbers don’t line up. Some members might assume that drill pay is a flat rate. On the other hand, some members don’t realize how much rank or years of service actually matter with their pay.

Many members don’t learn about VA conflicts until they receive a letter they weren't expecting. This guide will help you understand what drill pay charts are, how the charts are set up, and what is changing in 2026. 

If you want to avoid confusion and make sure you are getting paid what you've earned, keep reading to learn how to navigate the 2026 charts.

Drill pay charts are tables that show how much 

and Reserve members earn for drill duty. The pay is based on the same base pay tables used for active-duty service members. The only difference is that the drill pay charts are broken down into smaller pieces.

The good news for 2026 is that the signing of the 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

 grants all service members a 3.8% pay increase across the board.

The key thing to know about the 2026 military drill pay chart is that it is based on active-duty base pay and is not a bonus or a special rate. Military base pay is calculated monthly and divided into 30 equal parts. One of those parts is equal to a single "drill period."

For easy understanding, most drill weekends include:

This means that a typical drill weekend (often called a MUTA 4) is usually equal to 4 drill periods.

Breakdown of the 2026 Military Drill Pay Chart

The 2026 drill pay chart below is organized to help you quickly find your pay, reflecting the 

Instead of making you do the math yourself, our comprehensive graphic breaks down exactly what you need to know. For every rank and year-of-service combination, you will see three numbers:

 This is the full active-duty monthly base pay for that rank and time in service.

 This is exactly 1/30th of the monthly base pay.

 This is your standard weekend drill payout (the 1 Drill amount multiplied by 4).

The chart above is divided into four distinct sections based on your career path:

 Covering junior, mid-career, and senior enlisted members (E-1 through E-9). You will notice how pay increases over the first few years of service as you gain time and experience, and continues to rise even if your rank stays the same.

 Covering standard commissioned officers (O-1 through O-10).

Commissioned Officers with Over 4 Years Enlisted Service:

 These are special pay rates (O-1E through O-3E) for officers who have at least four years of prior enlisted or warrant officer service, acknowledging their prior experience with higher compensation.

 Covering technical experts and specialists (W-1 through W-5).

 Noncommissioned officers holding distinct positions (such as the Sergeant Major of the Army or Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force) receive a fixed basic pay, regardless of their number of years of service.

 Military basic pay for O-7 through O-10 is limited by Level II of the Executive Schedule. Basic pay for pay grades O-6 and below is limited to the Level V rate of the Executive Schedule.

Drill pay shouldn’t feel like a monthly routine you have to guess about. You earn drill pay through your service, and the numbers on the drill pay chart are laid out clearly when you know how to read them.

If something doesn’t look right on your

 (LES), Veteran Service Organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and 

 (VFW) can help review pay and benefits questions at no cost.

Understanding the charts doesn't mean you have to be good with numbers—that's what our graphic is for! What's important is that you know what you’ve earned, making sure it is right so you can plan for your financial future.

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The U.S. Army rolled out a major update to its career development benefits on March 19, 2026, confirming that commissioned officers (O-1 through O-10) are no longer eligible for the 

. This program, which helps service members pursue professional certifications while on active duty, has seen significant structural changes to ensure its long-term sustainability.

If you’re currently serving as an officer and mapping out your transition timeline, it’s important to understand exactly what changed and what options are still available. In this guide, we'll walk you through how these shifts affect your preparation for civilian opportunities.

What Is the Credentialing Assistance Program?

Credentialing Assistance (CA) is a program that helps service members earn certifications and licenses to transition smoothly from the military to civilian life. The CA covers costs for certification exams, training courses, and licensing.

Under the updated 2026 policy, the Army pays up to $2,000 per fiscal year (down from the previous $4,000 cap) to help eligible service members earn credentials. 

While it does not pay for college degrees, it covers industry-recognized certifications in fields like cybersecurity, healthcare (such as EMT), and project management.

The Army's recent policy update (Phase 2 of the 2024 overhaul) introduced several strict limitations:

 Commissioned officers (O-1 through O-10) are officially ineligible to request new CA funding as of March 19, 2026.

Warrant Officers and Enlisted Remain Eligible:

 Warrant Officers (W-1 through W-5) and all enlisted Soldiers still have access to the program.

 For the first time in years, all CA and Tuition Assistance (TA) requests now require supervisor or commander approval via 

 Soldiers who incur two "recoupment" actions (failing a course or failing to take an exam) in a single fiscal year will be suspended from using CA and TA for 12 months.

The change is a direct response to skyrocketing demand. Between 2020 and 2024, program costs doubled from $31 million to over $70 million annually. To prevent the program from "blowing the budget" and becoming unavailable to everyone, the Army shifted its priority to enlisted Soldiers and Warrant Officers.

 stated these changes “are designed to support long-term sustainability of Army education benefits, preserve resources for Soldiers where they’re most needed, and increase leader involvement in the approval process.”

If you are a commissioned officer affected by this change, you still have pathways to earn your credentials:

 This remains a powerful tool for certification reimbursement. However, be aware that using the GI Bill for a single exam can sometimes use up a full month of benefits; calculate if the cost of the exam is worth the "time" cost of your GI Bill.

 While the CA cap was cut, the TA annual cap actually increased to $4,500. Many degree programs now include industry certifications as part of their curriculum, which can be funded through TA.

 You can still use the Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) tool for research. Additionally, look into Institutionally Delivered Credentialing (IDC)—these are MOS-specific credentials funded by TRADOC schools that do not count against personal CA caps.

The most important step is to start planning early. While the path has changed for commissioned officers, the goal remains the same: ensuring you leave the military with the skills and credentials to succeed in the civilian sector.

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Credentialing Assistance Program No Longer Available to Officers

Every year, people in the military community pay for services that are actually offered for free through programs provided specifically for them. Most Veterans or service members don’t realize they don’t need to spend a single dollar 

, especially because no one clearly explains their options.

In reality, when taxes involve deployment or figuring out what income is taxable and what is not, it’s always easy to assume that you need to pay a professional. Today, you will learn that you don’t. At least, not always.

We'll walk you through the available options for free military tax prep, making sure that the next time you file your taxes, you’re not leaving money on the table.

Many Veterans and service members pay for tax prep because they think it’s safer and easier. However, you don’t necessarily need to pay for tax prep. 

Many free military tax-preparation programs offer the same level of help. There are trained volunteers and tax professionals who understand the following:

Military allowances such as housing and food

Those require close attention to detail, so anyone handling your taxes needs to be knowledgeable about what they are doing. If taxes are handled incorrectly, it can affect what you owe.

Therefore, before paying for tax prep, always keep in mind the question, “Can I get this done for free with someone who actually understands military life?” As in many cases, the answer is always yes, it’s free.

There are a few trusted programs most service members can use for military tax prep that actually work. 

Most importantly, these programs are specifically built for the military. Not only is it applicable for service members, but there are also free veteran tax prep services.

If you’re active-duty, MilTax is the easiest option for you. It is offered through Military OneSource and is the most straightforward option. The following can use MilTax as a free tax prep for the military:

Service members, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible

Retired and honorably discharged members within 365 days of separation

Surviving family members also may qualify

MilTax also provides free tax-filing software that walks you through from start to finish. It’s just that you handle your taxes on your own, but support is still available when things get confusing.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a little bit different from MilTax because you’re mostly the one fixing your taxes on MilTax. VITA is the way to go, especially if you want to have someone sit down with you to go through your taxes together. They help prepare and file your tax return for free.

Both service members and Veterans qualify for VITA. However, it’s still important to check with your local tax office to see who qualifies for VITA at a specific location.

The Internal Revenue Service also provides software and guidance that many people are unaware of. The IRS also has a dedicated section on its website for service members that explains how things like combat pay and 

. If you have one of the following, that means you are eligible for free military tax prep:

 is also available on their website, which you can use if your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less. If you have a higher income, you can use the free file fillable forms.

When you file your taxes, there are specific documents that you need to prepare. Keep in mind that there’s a lot of paperwork required, so you need to prepare everything before you get started. The following are the necessary documents you need to prepare:

You and each family member claimed on the return

Receipts for charitable donations and deductible expenses

If you choose to pay for tax prep, you also need to double-check with the one handling your taxes what additional documents they need for your tax prep. Sometimes, it’s different with them, so it’s better to get everything ready.

Tax prep should help you file your tax returns accurately, and if it gets confusing at any point, remember that it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are real, reliable programs built specifically for service members and Veterans for free military tax prep.

Before you pay for help this year, take a few minutes to look into your options. Check if you qualify. Reach out. Ask questions. At the end of the day, you’re not doing this for a shortcut. It’s making sure you’re 

 everyday conveniences can be hard to find. To solve this problem for rotational troops, the Navy recently opened its first expeditionary micro market at 

 in Iceland. In military operations, troops often need basic items like snacks, drinks, or toiletries, but full-scale base exchanges aren't always available nearby. This situation most often occurs in areas where the U.S. military operates temporarily. 

—a small self-service store designed to support service members and allied troops—provides quick access to everyday items for troops stationed there.

If you’re curious about how this new system works and where it’s located, keep reading.

, especially for service members. A micro market is a small convenience store that operates primarily on a self-service basis. Think along the lines of 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa. A micro market relies entirely on a self-checkout system, unlike traditional military exchanges or convenience stores, which typically have cashiers.

Any service member can simply grab what they need, scan the items, and pay with a credit card or mobile payment. This system works well in military environments where quick access to food or supplies is needed at any time of day. Micro markets mostly stock the following items:

Hygiene items like toothpaste, shampoo, or soap

It’s not very far from what you can access at civilian convenience stores, and a major advantage is that it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The military's first micro market was built in 2015 and is located at the 

 also opened two micro markets at sea locations: USS San Antonio (LPD 19) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Micro markets are already in place at several military locations, particularly in areas where a full store would not make sense.

There are two types of micro markets today: “expeditionary” and “regular.”

In military terms, expeditionary means operations are set up quickly and often take place in temporary or remote environments. Because these missions lack permanent infrastructure, support and services need to be flexible and easy to deploy.

A regular micro market is usually located on well-established bases in areas where service members work every day. These markets still use self-checkout systems, but they are part of a larger base footprint.

The expeditionary micro market, however, is designed for places where the military presence is smaller and constantly changing. It offers several key advantages: they don’t require large buildings or complex layouts, and supplies can be set up quickly to meet immediate operational needs.

Where Is the First Expeditionary Micro Market Located?

The first expeditionary micro market is located at Keflavik Air Base, home of the Icelandic Coast Guard, in Keflavik, Iceland. In partnership with 

, which maintains command and control over the operational location, the market officially opened on March 10, 2026.

“As a worldwide Navy command, NEXCOM is always in lockstep with the needs of the fleet,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer of NEXCOM, in a March 12 Navy press release. 

“In 2023, we were approached and asked what we could do to support rotational forces flying out of Keflavik. Our micro market was the perfect solution. Now, 3 years later, we have cut the ribbon to officially open our first expeditionary micro market,” Bianchi added.

Unlike larger military bases in other countries, the U.S. presence in Iceland is usually rotational. Units are deployed there for a specific period of time and return home once their mission is complete.

In the past, large bases with permanent facilities were the norm. Today, many operations take place in smaller, remote locations around the world and can be completed in just a few months. That is where expeditionary micro markets are especially important, allowing military support systems to remain agile.

“NEXCOM’s core mission is to enable warfighter readiness and enhance Navy quality of life for our men and women in uniform,” Bianchi noted in the release. 

“We are committed to delivering innovative concepts, like this micro market, to enhance the readiness of our Warfighters. We look forward to opening more expeditionary locations to support our warfighters wherever they are around the globe.”

For service members working long hours in Iceland for a limited time, this new market is a highly practical way to make life a little easier while on mission.

Navy Opens First Expeditionary Micro Market for Troops in Iceland

Some people say that only those in uniform can be involved in action, but did you know that some civilians are given the "honorary" title. However, those who want the title must prove themselves, and that is the same with every branch of the armed forces. If you want to be an honorary Marine, then you should list some of these essential details in your notes. This title is usually given only by the United States Marine Corps Commandant to people who have made an impact and contributions to the Marine Corps. Remember that this does not carry benefits or pay entitlements but will receive a title of respect, which is one of high honor in the civilian community.

According to their records, there have been no less than 100 honorary US Marines since 2014, ranging from ordinary civilians to well-known people such as photographer Joe Rosenthal, famous actor and 

, famous American sculptor Felix de Weldon, and American composer and conductor John Williams.

US Marine Corps Honorary Marine Selection Process

According to Marine Corps Order 5060.19B, only the officers-in-charge, commanding generals, retired general officers, and commanding officers are authorized to nominate individuals they consider deserving to carry the title of Honorary Marine. This meticulous decision process usually lasts 45 days after the nomination is submitted.

This high honor recognizes civilians who showed distinguished, noteworthy support or service to the Marine Corps. Since the title is being earned, the award is not given to foster or reward friendships. The basis will purely depend on what the individual has done that surpasses the norm. 

Other criteria may also include a terminally ill child who qualifies as a unique link to the Marines or military, deceased individuals whose contributions or actions have earned such honor to the Marine Corps, and individuals who provided extraordinary service are just some of the list that the officers will consider.

Once the selection process for Honorary Marine is done, all nominations will be endorsed by a general officer and the Commandant of the Marine Corps will be the one to designate an individual for the Honorary US Marines. A general officer will give a formal presentation of the award.

Honorary Marine Title Awarded to Latest Female Recipient

Almost all of the people who received this civilian honor are males, but now, there are a total of 11 women who received this prestigious award. 

 ceremony, Mrs. Barbara Mathews, a Hawaiian-based videographer, earned her spot as an Honorary US Marine. She dedicated her time, money, and talent for the last ten years to capture videos and photos of hundreds of Marine Corps ceremonies, including notable events and memorials around the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. She even featured the families of the Marines in her works, which is often a rare opportunity to have a glimpse of the triumphs and trials of their loved ones.

Mathews even took her support a few steps further by joining the 2nd Battalion, 

, during their 2005 deployment in Afghanistan. This was to gain raw first-hand experience and capture the stories of the Marine Corps in a more vivid way.

During her awarding, Colonel James Donnellan recalled that Mathews did not even consider the risks involved in joining the Battalion. She was around 40 years old at that time but still had the passion and energy of a junior Marine. There was an option for her to stay at the Jalalabad Forward Operating Base, but she opted to travel to as many areas as possible with the troops to show her support.

With her efforts, Mathews captured, edited, and produced over 5,700 video clips and 25,500 images. Aside from the Marine Corps, the families of the troops also benefited from her works, wherein she featured some of the rare moments of their loved ones. This prompted her automatic nomination and eventually earning a spot to be an Honorary Marine.

The title Honorary US Marines is given to strengthen the special connection between civilians and the Marine Corps. This way, the works and efforts of individuals in the community are recognized. To continue this good bond, the organization will honor those notable people so that their efforts and sacrifices will not go to waste.

Get to Know the Meaning and History Behind the Marine Corps Hymn

Merchant Marines: Who They Are, What They Do, and How to Join

Marine Basic Training: Everything You Need to Know

Becoming an Honorary Marine: How to Qualify and Join

Welcome to Altus Air Force Base, located in Altus, Oklahoma and home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing. Altus is a smaller town of roughly 20,000 residents. However, you are relatively close to a few larger cities. Lawton, home to 100,000 people, is less than an hour's drive away.

Allison Kirschbaum

Veteran, Military History & Culture Writer

Credentials

Expertise

Latest by Allison Kirschbaum

Do You Meet the Army Height and Weight Standards? Find Out Here

Apache Pilots’ Suspension Lifted After Kid Rock Flyby in Tennessee

2026 Military Drill Pay: Your Comprehensive Guide & Breakdown

Credentialing Assistance Program No Longer Available to Officers

Free Military Tax Prep: Filing Options That Help You Save More

Do You Meet the Army Height and Weight Standards? Find Out Here

Apache Pilots’ Suspension Lifted After Kid Rock Flyby in Tennessee

2026 Military Drill Pay: Your Comprehensive Guide & Breakdown

Credentialing Assistance Program No Longer Available to Officers

Free Military Tax Prep: Filing Options That Help You Save More

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