National Guard guy here: Air Force USED to do this sort of measurement too. Guys my size, +6ft 200lbs, would struggle with this.
Weight/PT standards are often key in position changes, promotions, deployments and in some cases discharges from the military. I understand his frustration.
Air Force has moved to a simple waist measurement. Still not accurate, but it seems better IMO. Max waist for any male is 39in., which i think is fair, but it doesn't work 100% of the time.