An experimental set-up for mono-static radar cross section measurements in the 1 - 10 GHz frequency band, employing an anechoic chamber, is presented and validated. The test range is calibrated by means of a readily available aluminum flat panel and its performance is tested against canonical metallic and lossy dielectric targets. The set-up is then employed to carry out investigations on the radar cross section of the human body. Initial findings show a complex resonating pattern, highly influenced by even slight subject movements, with a distinct spectral signature for each subject. The final aim is the achievement of realistic scattering data of human subjects for the purpose of designing a ultra wideband (UWB) radar system for breath activity monitoring. © 2012 IEEE.