Maj. Ric Haeussler published a scathing opinion in the ArmyTimes explaining why the infamous ‘tape test,’ or the practice of measuring a soldier’s body proportions to determine their physical fitness, is imprecise and invalid.

“We are a smart and powerful nation with an incredibly advanced and capable Army,” Haeussler writes. “Why does that Army practice primitive and imprecise body composition methods with charts and tape measures when the technology exists to be so much better?”

Haeussler’s piece begins by questioning why a measuring tape that is made in china and bought at the dollar store is used to make or break a soldier’s career. With the enormous market of fitness mobile apps available on every smartphone and the resources at the Army’s fingertips, why does the Army continue to rely on a plastic measuring tape? He writes that with so much at stake during physical examinations, including a soldier’s entire career and livelihood, it only makes sense to use the most accurate methods possible.

He then moves his argument to go over evidence that the tape test is not always accurate. Several studies he cites were also previously published in the ArmyTimes, including one that found that the tape test was wrong 9 out of 10 times. At worst, Haeussler explains, the tape test could be 66 percent off.

He concludes by explaining that the Army has already abandoned similar outdated technology.

Our doctors don’t take body temperatures with analog thermometers anymore. They use huge all-in-one rolling computers in hospitals; or, in the field, mini digital ones (with microchips in them). If we harness such computing power for the simple act of measuring temperature, why can’t we also do so for the much more delicate, complex and life-changing act of measuring a soldier’s body composition?

There is no pass or fail for how close you are to 98.6 degrees. Yet there is for body fat — one with serious career-ending repercussions. Why can’t we take it just as seriously? We have the technology. We choose to ignore it. That is senseless.

The Navy and Air Force have already adjusted their versions of the tape test to be more accurate, but the Marine Corps still uses the same traditional neck/waist measurements.

Do you believe Haeussler’s argument holds any water? Let us know in the comments.