ARMY FAT CAMP?!? Does It Work? | Joining The Army (2023)

The Army's new program to help future soldiers who are struggling academically and physically has been dubbed "Fat Camp", despite the name, overall I think this program will help these individuals meet the requirements set forth by the Army! What do you think?
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• The US Army 'fat camp'...
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[@trusmeuss5030]

Honestly, this dude is better at promoting the military than the U.S.

[@TheBenAllen.]

Haha thanks lol

[@SnickC13]

To be fair. I never watched one commercial on TV before making my decision.

[@edwardburns134]

An that's the sad thing. We have the largest volunteer military in the world yet no body wants to join.

[@ed2176]

​@edwardburns134 give it time America is going to be respected again.

[@kayp4601]

I am an Iraq war veteran. When I was in the Army, I struggled with my weight and was on and off weight control. I wish they had this program years ago. Being overweight cost me promotions. I have a little neck and large waist. That’s not a good way to pass tape. I had to lose 35 pounds on my own to join the Army. I gained a lot of weight after AIT. I lost a lot of weight in Iraq. The yo-yo cycle cost me my career. I wanted to do a full 20. However, the stress of making weight made me discharge. I ended up with an honorable medical retirement for major depression.

[@Gooddaylasvegas365]

Should i just roll up in the recruiters office, look the Sgt. Straight in the eye and say "FAT CAMP"!!

[@RacconCity]

lol movie heavy weights uncle Tony believe in you

[@Johncena21098]

Heck I did I qualified for it am going out soon

[@trooperdogg11]

@@Johncena21098good luck man

[@Ihaveadui-v6o]

I actually did this when they brought it up to me and they laughed for like a good 10-15 minutes

[@Ihaveadui-v6o]

Im getting shipped out within a month so wish me luck

[@gino14]

Well, it's been almost two years and the verdict is in. *This program works.* It's one of the best ideas the Army has ever had. Over 57k people graduated fat camp since it started in 2022, and they consistently end up being overrepresented in leadership positions in Boot Camp. It sounds crazy to say, but it seems to be producing _better soldiers._

[@theafricanlord7294]

This is actually a great program it helped me get through BCT I came from Charlie Co 2-39 at ft Jackson I appreciate the drill sergeants that pushed me through it all so I can make it to BCT and graduate

[@bigredactual]

i was at charlie 2-39 in january!

[@cjackson46]

Guys what all tests do they give you at fat camp?

[@cjackson46]

@@bigredactualwhat all tests do they give you at fat camp? My grandson said he got a medical discharge after a breathing test.

[@bigredactual]

@@cjackson46 discharge from fat camp? at c 2-39 you do PT all day and the only tests you take are a shortened version of the ACFT and the body fat test weekly. its not hard at all.

[@fatalfugate8401]

I used to be in shape and fell out right after high school. im most likely going to this camp. Thank you for making this look like a good camp.

[@Sam-Solus]

Did you end up going ?

[@corbitcassaday]

I just got out of BCT in may and some of the best soldiers I was there with came from this camp and it’s fantastic

[@davidguerrero9804]

Man, this is a good program. I am 💯% in there. There's nothing wrong with this. And pluses when you go to basic training you will be ready and a badass Soldier Infantry I am studying for the asvab test, and this program will help me with the asvab test. Hopefully, my recruiter will put me in this program.

[@KarenCatka]

I'm glad they are trying this program out, there are a lot of individuals who would benefit from it. Especially those who live with enablers that are usually an obstacle in their weight loss, they would be away from home and focused on only themselves. I myself am overweight and not yet at a passable weight to join. However I still have several months to hit my goal weight to ship out and I have already lost 30 pounds to this date. Another 15 wouldn't be too hard to do on my own, however this program looks like fun and beneficial. As for the academic portion of it, there are a lot of resources online to help get better ASVAB/PICAT scores. I feel like they are wasting money on that program paying to send people to go learn/study for the ASVAB. I believe even a score of 30 is passable which is not that hard to achieve. I myself have not been to school in over 13 years and only studied for 3 hours prior to my PICAT the next day. I scored a 73 on it which was enough to open up most jobs for me with a GT 111. I hope they keep the fat camp program because I believe there would be more recruits if they knew that they would be sent to a place with free housing, personal trainers (in a sense) and food! I believe you get paid while in the program as well. 😸

[@johngottschalk5306]

It is a great program. It allows people that truly want to serve the ability to achieve the minimum requirements. An opportunity that they would not have otherwise.

[@TheBenAllen.]

I agree!

[@kayp4601]

I agree

[@christopherstofanak]

I leave tomorrow to it in South Carolina, apparently you only get to retest 1 time but it’s a lot of studying.

[@Agent57000DM]

According to the Team Swartz channel, the first class had a 90% success rate.

[@jamaicansaiyan]

need to put the entire USA through fat camp

[@TheBenAllen.]

That’s great!

[@doitrightthefirsttime8952]

Can a future recruit do both the weight loss & the Asvab program.

[@GhostlyShadow]

​@doitrightthefirsttime8952 yes, just means you'll be in the camp longer

[@axeman_117]

I am heading to MEPS tomorrow to do my physical, I should pass everything, except for the weight. I have been working hard at losing the weight on my own, but I have a hard time with the sleep and diet aspect of it all. I am hoping that I will be a candidate for the program, once I am able to get out of my normal routine and current environment, I am fairly confident that the weight will drop fast.

[@ChuckNorrisIsHere]

any updates bro?

[@PETIVOYAGER]

Some countries around the world has a mandatory service on the military for 2 years after high school or 1 year after college. This method gets all young kids to be ready for life struggles and choose to stay or leave At some point, démocratie is the freedom to choose “dictated” options #petivoyager

[@Ironmindset24m]

I will enter this course on June 26. I took the Asvab in highschool and scored 21 (and I'm in good shape, i'm not going to the fat camp) Wish me luck!

[@TG2296]

Leaving for fat camp August 5th 4% over weight so definitely gonna bust my ass appreciate the encouragement because other KZbinrs had me being ashamed I’m going to fat camp but fuck em

[@Sam-Solus]

I leave on the 12th for it , Do you know if we get paid for it ?

[@MrFlyboy1313]

@@Sam-Solus yes

[@ismaelvalentine7415]

im gonna go for physical sometime at the end of this month everything good so far except for weight boy ive had hell trying to lose weight but definitely hyped for whatever comes my way the goal is after AIT going str8 to volunteer for SFAS mark my words see yall in the next 3 yrs

[@JoeBloww762]

I’m in the process of joining right now and I’m likely going to one of these camps. My recruiter is pushing me through the process but I’d rather him tell me to come back in a month after I’ve lost the weight. I was unaware of this program before I started and I’ve all ready lost 30 pounds on my own.

[@fatalfugate8401]

In the same boat I'd like to skip the camp but we'll see

[@TAPATIOPLEASE]

No take it, it'll make basic training that much easier bc you'll be conditioned to an extent

[@robertsamueljr2878]

That's what i was saying​@@TAPATIOPLEASE

[@johngranted2169]

When I was training at Fort Jackson in the late 1980a.we had a program like this. It was called fitness . It help me a lot to move on in my military experience. It also gave me confidence. Thank you Fort Jackson. This a great program.

[@Jamstaro1]

Litterally what im doing later this year. I had to lose 4 % bmi before i could even do this course. Im excited to try this. Ive already lost about 6lbs on what i need to lose (10-15lbs) and im pounding away on cardio and pushups, curls, and building my stamina on my own before i go in to make it easier. I think its awesome for me to have a chance to serve my country and help my family.

[@TheBenAllen.]

Hell yeah! Keep putting in that work!

[@amarettostewart1285]

Same bro

[@charlesgholson9353]

i had to loose 2% , i go back to meps this coming wensday

[@Andersen-lx2tg]

How much do you wiegh if you don’t mind me asking

[@amarettostewart1285]

@@Andersen-lx2tg 262 I leave in Aug for fat camp

[@benjieansah4431]

Thanks!

[@TheBenAllen.]

Thank you!

[@embercelica6834]

I'm hopeful going through this program here before the end of the year, and brother thank you for the confidence to believe in the program. Most other military YTrs kinda had me doubting myself. Thanks for the confidence again

[@josephcarson7945]

I feel that there are a lot of people who are comparing how it used to be when they were in the military. I guess that is understandable, some people do not like change. With the recruiting crisis being such an issue right now you would think there would be more support. The attitudes of the different periods are just clashing and that is ok. My dad is a Vietnam Vet and he was drafted during those times. I take care of him right now but I have thought about the program. I was also in high school J.R.O.T.C.Mind you this was back in 2011. The reserves look enticing to me at the moment. I don't know if you will ever see this message but self-doubt is a tool that can be adjusted and turned into self-confidence and positivity. Good luck on your journey. (Ps let's face the facts that some Ytrs are using this for reaction clickbait to get more views and followers. They are tapping into the attitudes and mindsets of their times. So the only opinion that matters is your own if you want to join or not. :) )

[@hmhboss4378]

Helped me get to and get through MP OSUT, still grateful

[@splitskater158]

i always wanted to join but needed help on the education side this program is a blessing for people like me

[@TJRuntz]

I've also wanted to join but the academic and fitness stopped me

[@bravq6981]

I was in it and honestly it helps so much it’s all just discipline because they are not aloud to force you which makes no since but I truly does work I was overweight and I lost 80 pounds the tapping is iffy but losing the weight works all the drill Sargents including drill Sargent Thomas and drill Sargent brill amazing at there jobs gave me so much motivation A1-61 for life

[@Sam-Solus]

Do you get paid while you’re in ? Or is it non paid ?

[@robertblake9892]

In my Army days (1967-1971) BCT was the fat camp, you had a recruit who was too thick around the middle, a DI would follow him down the chow line, no bread or potatioes, no desserts. Veterans from the 1980s said there was a Fat Boys company at Fort Jackson, restricted diet and extra PT.

[@Aknight292]

I have seen some people that have complained about it. Personally, I'd rather not need something like this. But the army needs bodies and they gotta find whatever way they can to help get people in. Its not ideal, but its also not feasible to expect be able to fill the recruiting needs with nothing but motivated killers that can do all the prep on their own. Some people need a push to get going

[@romanmoroney6796]

If you get put into this program my advice is not to try and push through as fast as possible but do the routine and accept you'll get there when you get there. There system is set to get you there in time if you put in the effort. However if you put your mind on I'll be out by this day or focus you will be only hurting yourself. Best of luck I went through it and im a year I'm now.

[@exoversegaming]

Update! So I’m doing this program and me personally, I think it’s a big help to gen z people since most are considered overweight! Sometimes we need that extra push to help us and for those who want to serve! I love my country and want to! So I went to meps, passed it all but the physical, so they will send me to the “fat camp” and help me lose some! It’s a great option and going to help me become a future United States soldier 😎💯

[@ShelbyWentworth]

What body fat percentage do you have to be to be approved for the program?

[@commosection]

As a soldier from the 80's /90's i think this is a great idea. This generation is overweight due to thew world of video games and internet etc. When i was a kid we were always outside playing and running around but overweight young people is the new norm. Even when i was in the Army i needed waivers because being 5'8 back then you can only be about 168ibs but i always was in great shape and had muscle mass weighing on average 185ibs back then.Almost everytime i went to the doctor for pinch tests ( test used to show body fat back then) doctors would just give me a waiver looking at me.( Most of the time i would get 300 points maxed PT tests)Also prior to reenlisting my inservice recruiter recommended retaking the asvab test to raise my GT score which was only 97 pretty low back then. As we all know there is plenty of time to kill when not out in the field when having a combat MOS so for 2 or 3 months in the afternoons while on duty i took remedial classes on math etc then retook the test and raised my GT score by 23 points which opened up more job opportunities if i wanted but still looked good on the 201 file no matter what.Sorry for the long story but my point is every motivated disciplined soldier should get every chance to stay in or get in the Army.

[@ChinaJoCarole]

I think it depends for me I was 280 at 5'4 I'm currently 270 but I think if you need extra time like me it's perfect because I'm 30 at this point you know ❤ so it keeps you motivated...so u do what your supposed to and be your best

[@TAPATIOPLEASE]

270 5 foot4? Im 245 5 foot 10 an gotta do this 😂😂

[@Tiffanynathasingh]

I went to fat camp in fort Jackson not for being over weight or anything back in 99 but because I struggled with my pushups it built me up I actually liked fat camp better than basic because you had more free time lol and the drill sgts were nicer of course your not in over there that long so depending on how long you take test out. They do work you hard. I am glad they had it.

[@ChinaJoCarole]

Best guy ever been coming here since 2019 I want to do it then go to reserves

[@realshots3968]

I made a 28 on my ASVAB but lost my weight by myself but the thing is my stamina I can only run .60 of a mile without stopping. Which is prob better then most but not as good

[@derpyduck5088]

It's funny comparing This to Nikko Ortiz's video. Ben's positive and makes me want to enlist even more. Nikko just cried, bitched, moaned and complained the entire time. You can see what kind of soldiers they are/were just by their attitudes.

[@DennysMakesMusic]

Yea, bt the sound of it a lot of people see it and just assume its for fatties to play army. But from what im reading in the comment these fat campers tend to end up as better soldier

[@johngranted2169]

Allways Forward Fort Jackson !

[@semisivunisa6003]

But how do we get into fat camp? Do we just the recruiters ?

[@TheBenAllen.]

Yes, the recruiters would probably be the ones to suggest that program

[@Jamstaro1]

Yeah the recruiter can help and some even have deals with the ymca if ur above what the courses upper limit is. To help you lose weight easier.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

I started cross country as a teen at 15. I knew I was going in the Army at 18. I was first in runs the first 3 years in. I see this program causing a lot of issues. I am sure a lot of people still relapse and gain weight again. After basic and AIT. It’s easy to eat out all of the time in the barracks.

[@LijyMarching]

I’m overweight and joining the army, what do I tell my recruiter to join this “fat-camp”

[@M.A.C.01]

Well… I’m about to find out first hand if it works because MEPs tells me I need to lose 3% of body fat.

[@sleepingreaper0027]

I was one point off from a 31 for the asvab and I’m on the over weight I’m 6’1 270 but imma still go to fat camp

[@Ryes2014]

Back when i was 18 i wanted to join the navy, i was 250 and couldnt ever get the weight off. Now im sitting at 205. Between job and eating more food then i should ive never been able to hit there 190 max. My recruiter told me ill get put into this program (navy version) as long as meps clears me. Im happy as ill finally get to serve the branch i want and ill be able to better my life. Please meps dont dq me or have me go to a doctor.

[@LatrellCooper-qe3so]

Found this video. I’m at 315 and need to get to about 250 days my recruiter so I can join the program. Let the journey begin.

[@DennysMakesMusic]

Im at abt 260, but im 29% bodyfat. Real close to not qualifying, you can do it!! I beleive in you!!

[@DennysMakesMusic]

Im gonna have to go through this im abt 3% over bf iirc im 29% idk if i got my percent over. The way my recruiter put it "oull be getting payed to workout and eat healthy

[@jakeforever9552]

i am 27 years old and turning 28 in november and im not fit to join the military cuz of my weight being 361 pounds and i am wondering if i can enlist and do the weight loss part of this program cuz i feel like i dont qualify for tht part of the program cuz of me being 361 pounds

[@Ghostme05]

What’s your height

[@jakeforever9552]

@@Ghostme05 6 foot

[@Tiffanynathasingh]

If you want join start exercising and eating healthy now if you don't already because your going be doing a lot of running and push up and sit ups in basic number one so you need to be physically fit number and that should jump start the weight loss second check with a recruiter to see how much is to much to be over weight to join at your height they will help you lose it fast at fat camp some recruiters even help you my friend was over weight when she joined and her recruiter helped her lose enough to pass the meps entrance so she could take the asvab

[@pushvedula5640]

Spoke to my local recruiter and he said it’s for those who already took the asvab and signed the contract, any of you in the Philly Metropolitan Area can please recommend a recruiting station that can assist with this and verify it’s true?

[@BabyGrease]

After asvab before contract, once you go to the physical and tape you they will determine if you need fat camp or not based on the requirement chart which u can find online

[@johanaferrera1070]

Are they not allowed to use their phones for days?

[@theplaylist7123]

Love the video Ben! You came in clutch with this one as I’m currently in the process of getting ready to go to MEPs in a few days and my recruiter brought this up to me so this is perfect timing. I had a few questions regarding the program. So 1. Do they ship you off and they stay there the whole time and are there roommates? 2. If you're going in as an E-4 Specialist would that be your pay for the program and is it like the 1st and 15th? 3.So if you take the test and fail the first and retake it and get a higher score will that be the score they use or will there be a verification test for it?

[@cjackson46]

I had a friend say he got a medical discharge because he failed a breathing test. I called and was told they don’t due any tests like this. Anyone heard of this?

[@EverGarcia4000]

How do you even qualify to get into this program? I've been trying to lose weight on my own, but it's difficult. I can't find anything online that tells me how i can join this program.

[@abjallah3623]

Your Body fat percentage has to be below 30% 30 is the cut off!! Just talk to a recruiter they’ll get you ready for tape at meps

[@lionhearted5648]

I’m from GA, Is it possible to get into this program if I haven’t enlisted yet?

[@TAPATIOPLEASE]

Im doing my asvab monday at meps, my recruiter wants to put me in this program at fort jackson next month , scored a 58/70 on the practice so i think ill do decent

[@JamesManuele]

Honestly I think this program is a good idea it's given them a second chance to meet their standards stay focused and studying on their ASVAB I'm glad the Army had a program like this no other branches had this I think the Army was smart to have it I think they should keep it add people don't like it there's a door with your name on it walk right out that's my opinion

[@exoversegaming]

What would the requirements be to join this special program? So I’m assuming 3 months of the fat camp then 3 of basic so 6 months training? Bro imma be ripped getting out of basic 😂 I’m 280 5’11 so overweight

[@exoversegaming]

But I was 330 during COVID, a few months ago I’ve been slowly working out and eating less and want to join military. Been a dream since high school

[@drewusalem]

We’re literally on the same boat smh

[@epostru7997]

Im underweight and ship in 42 days

[@ayebraybay7807]

quick questioj is there any such thing as not being heavy enough? like not enough muscle or something?

[@julioalvarado7133]

Shipping may 22 2024 to the 09-mic program wish me luck

[@Kellinlife]

This was posted a long time ago, and I know you probably won’t see this. But I am confused , I see a lot of comments about how they still have to lose weight before fat camp, because of bmi %. I still have a year of school left before enlisting, so I have plenty of time to lose more weight. I used to weigh 286, now I weigh 224 & I’m 5’9. Would I be able to qualify at the weight I am?

[@TheRealPrivate]

I'm be honest this is what I'm trying to do

[@GhostlyShadow]

Get in?

[@trooperdogg11]

Does anyone know how bad the army is for a woman . I’ve heard some really really bad things

[@JaneeMaxine]

What’s the BMI requirement for this program ??

[@perk303]

Is it based on your geolocation like basic training or can anyone go?

[@livinglikejer9385]

To leave fat camp and go to basic can you be at 34 bmi but to get transferred to Basic you have to be at 32 when you graduate?

[@762spookiboi]

I have to go in October because I'm 2% over what is max for my height and weight.

[@itsseanofthedead]

I’m going on the 16th as well to Jackson. I’m also going to this program. I can’t gain any more weight but if I lose the belly fat, I’ll go straight to BCT

[@762spookiboi]

@@itsseanofthedead Happy for you. I pray it's a smooth transition from there to basic. Where's your bct at?

[@itsseanofthedead]

@@762spookiboi BCT and AIT will be at fort jackson

[@bouse23]

I think it's a good idea as it easier to be overweight in today's society ..plus many high schools etc now have no gym classes or gym facilities whatsoever..

[@andymatos9111]

To the people that has done this program are phones allowed ? I feel like I know this question already haha 😅 wondering I got a family and might have to go to this

[@DennysMakesMusic]

Leaving a comment so i know if someone answers

[@geraldanderson5938]

No phones , except Sunday for 30 minutes . and sometimes it’s 2 times a week for 30 minutes each . Depending on D.S , some only get 15 min a week

[@geraldanderson5938]

@@DennysMakesMusic

[@T1000skynetforever]

Meanwhile Goggins lost 100lbs in 3 months on his own to become a SEAL

[@alemtiden1687]

lets not call it fat camp just call it the FSCP program. I just like the academic part of it.

[@BrianWesson8]

is this open to older recruits? that needs an age waiver too join??

[@Santana28]

should be. im going to MEPs wednesday on an age waiver. im 42 xD

[@Johncena21098]

Am going to Army Fat Camp its good because im poor cant afford decent meals even if i work out alot the crap i eat is crap with this ill get healthy food and in shape

[@deadmanwalking915]

I’m going too, I’m waiting for some waiver approvals and I might get shipped out around August. Don’t know yet

[@StarGamesYT]

going to the one in Ga in a week!

[@gone.sailing]

I have to lose 15 lbs to go here. Im so excitedddd Im 4'11 this shit is tough

[@ryan0150]

Did you get it yet?

[@trelendbelsha4885]

Heck I’m on the plane rn to fort Jackson to do this program

[@deadmanwalking915]

How was it? Are you still in? Or did you pass it already

[@jacobdeleon3660]

Do people get paid while going to fat camp

[@ryangrisson2315]

💪💪👍👍👍

[@williehall4069]

What if you 6,2 and 400 lbs

[@abizainalcala1740]

Hey bro can I bring creatine to basic ?

[@TheBenAllen.]

No

[@DennysMakesMusic]

​@@TheBenAllen. Darn

[@larryreigel2402]

What will they need to remove from their packs to put in the extra MRE’s. Every they get in semi shape, will go back to their old ways. The minimum IQ to enter the military would get you a job bobbing for French Fries, if they can’t pass the IQ portion, will they know which end of the gun points down range.

[@tonylopez1841]

Do you still earn pay

[@GabrielArguello-e4r]

Yes

[@dinerothegreat3164]

Are they paid for this

[@battiestbee1316]

Yes, your still enlisted when you do this

[@johngrantham5508]

I think its a great ideal.

[@jessiewasson584]

Lmfao 🤣 I would be so embarrassed being of these ppl in fat camp bahaha so glad I became a soldier/infantryman before all this woke crap in 2013

[@foxtrot3535]

leave it to an infantryman to shit on people trying to better themselves