Which measurement is taken during the BCE for male Marines?

During the Body Composition Evaluation (BCE) for male Marines, the measurement that is taken is both the neck and abdomen circumference. This is important because these specific measurements help assess body composition and fat distribution, which are critical factors in determining a Marine's overall physical fitness and health status.

The inclusion of both neck and abdomen circumference allows for an estimation of body fat percentage using established formulas, which is essential for ensuring compliance with the military’s weight standards. The neck circumference provides information about lean muscle mass and is useful in assessing body fat in conjunction with the abdominal measurement, which reflects visceral fat levels that can influence health risks.

Measuring these two areas together gives a more comprehensive view of a Marine's body composition compared to measurements of other body parts, such as the chest, waist, or thighs, which do not provide the same level of insight into overall body fat and health risks associated with body composition.