Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/26/2009

Question
Hi,

I am a 21 year-old female who's interested in joining the coast guard...but I am 4' 11" and weight 130lbs. Am I tall enough to join, and what weight do I need to be for my height? Does the physical count body fat as well?

Answer
Dear Eva --

I do not have the Coast Guard height weight tables.

You do meet the minimum height for a female to enlist in the military which is 4'10".  However, I think you are 7 pounds heavier than the allowed weight for your height.  That weight could be waived, if you are very muscular, and so have more lean body mass than expected in a woman of your height.

You will also be allowed to enlist slightly heavier than the regulation, as they expect you will build muscle and lose fat during your initial entry training.

If you are serious about enlisting, please see a Coast Guard recruiter.