AR 600-9 Army Body Composition Program (1-01)
if a body fat assessment is required.
DA Form 5500 (Body Fat Assessment Worksheet - Male) or DA Form 5501 (Body Fat Assessment Worksheet - Female)
Soldiers assigned or attached to a Warrior Transition Unit or Community Based Warrior Transition Unit must meet
The body fat standard
Percent body fat assessments will be accomplished by
company or similar level commanders (or their designee) in accordance with standard methods prescribed in appendix B
Soldiers entered or re-entered in the ABCP after pregnancy will be
considered first-time entries into the program; paragraph 3-14 will not apply at that time.
Once the medical condition is resolved, or 6 months (not to exceed 12 months),whichever occurs first, from the date of the medical evaluation, and if the Soldier still exceeds the body fat standard, he or she will
continue participating in the ABCP but will be required to show satisfactory progress, as defined in paragraph 3-9b. Health care providers will forward to the Soldier's commander an updated memorandum stating the effective date that the Soldier's temporary medical con- dition is resolved. e. If the Soldier is unable to show satisfactory progress in accordance with paragraph 3-9b, the Soldier will be subject to separation.
The Soldier has 30 days after enrollment in the ABCP to meet with
dietitian (or health care provider, if a dietitian is not available) to receive counseling. Soldiers will schedule this appointment and coordinate any absence with their supervisory chain. Soldiers will provide the commander a memorandum signed by a dietitian or health care provider verifying that the counseling took place.
A monthly loss of
either 3 to 8 pounds or 1 percent body fat are both considered to be safely attainable goals that enable Soldiers to lose excess body fat and meet the body fat standards.Soldiers that meet either of these goals are considered to be making satisfactory progress in the ABCP
Initial entry Soldiers who exceed body fat standards after 6 months from date of entry to active service will be
entered in the ABCP and flagged under the provisions of AR 600-8-2 by the unit commander.
During monthly assessments
every Soldier enrolled in the ABCP will be weighed and have a body fat assessment con- ducted in order to document weight and fat loss progress.
While enrolled, Soldiers will be provided
exercise guidance by the unit master fitness trainer and/or unit fitness training NCO in accordance with FM 7-22 counseling by a registered dietitian (or health care provider, if a dietitian is not available) on sleep, activity, and performance nutrition for obtaining and maintaining optimal body composition and performance.
Commanders are authorized to use the weight for height table (see app B) as a screening tool in order to
expedite the semi-annual testing process
Soldiers who are in enrolled in the ABCP and become pregnant will not be
held to the monitoring standards outlined in paragraph 3-9; however, these Soldiers will participate in ongoing nutritional counseling to support a healthy diet and weight throughout their pregnancy.
Commanders will upload a complete ABCP file to
iPERMS to ensure that the gaining unit has visi- bility of flag for noncompliance with body fat standards and access to the associated documents during a permanent change of station.
The health care provider will conduct a medical evaluation to ensure
the Soldier can participate in the ABCP and rule out any underlying medical condition that may be a direct cause of significant weight gain or directly inhibit weight or body fat loss.
Commanders and supervisors will remove individuals administratively from the ABCP as soon as
the body fat standard is achieved
Enrollment in the ABCP starts on
the day that the Soldier is notified by the unit commander (or designee) that he or she has been entered in the program
Commanders must maintain an ABCP file at the unit on each Soldier enrolled in the program, which includes:
(1) DA Form 268 initiating the flagging action. (2) DA Form 5500 or DA Form 5501 from enrollment and each monthly assessment. (3) Notification counseling (see fig 3-1). (4) Soldier Action Plan (see fig 3-4). (5) Counseling results memorandum (RA and RC on active duty only) (see fig 3-5). (6) Medical evaluation request memorandum(s), if indicated (RA and RC on active duty only) (see fig 3-6). (7) Medical evaluation results, if indicated (RA and RC on active duty only) (see fig 3-7). (8) Release from ABCP counseling memorandum from the unit commander (see fig 3-8). (9) Copy of DA Form 3349 (Physical Profile), if indicated.
If an underlying medical condition is found, the following applies:
(1) If the medical condition is temporary and can be controlled with medication or other medical treatment and meets the retention standards of AR 40-501, the health care provider will— (a) Initiate treatment. (b) In accordance with AR 40-501, prepare a temporary profile in the e-Profile application within the Medical Opera- tional Data System (MODS) (https://apps.mods.army.mil) listing any functional limitations that would prevent the Soldier from fully participating in the ABCP. (c) Complete the memorandum (fig 3-7) and return to the commander for enrollment in the ABCP. (d) Refer to appropriate specialist for sleep, nutrition, and exercise counseling. (e) RC personnel not on active duty may choose to self-refer to their personal physician (at their own expense) for further evaluation or treatment.
When a Soldier has failed the program, the commander will request a medical evaluation
(1) If the medical evaluation finds the Soldier has a medical condition that does not meet medical retention standards of AR 40-501 (see medical fitness standards for retention and separation, including retirement) the Soldier will be pro- cessed in accordance with AR 40-501 (see chap 3, disposition). (2) If the Soldier is found to have a temporary underlying medical condition that directly causes weight gain or prevents weight or body fat loss, the commander will follow the requirement in paragraph 3-11b. (3) If the medical evaluation finds no underlying medical condition, then the commander will initiate separation action, bar to continued service, or involuntary transfer to the IRR for RC Soldiers in accordance with AR 140-10. The commander or supervisor will inform the Soldier, in writing, that a bar to continued service, separation action, or a transfer to the IRR is being initiated
A medical evaluation is required when:
(1) Requested by the unit commander. (2) Requested by the Soldier (at own expense for RC Soldier not on active duty). (3) Soldier is being considered for separation for failure to make satisfactory progress in the ABCP (applies to RA and RC on active duty only). (4) Soldier is within 6 months of expiration term of service after the initiation of a bar to continued service for failure to make satisfactory progress in the ABCP.
A Soldier enrolled in the ABCP is considered to be failing the program if
(1) Soldier exhibits less than satisfactory progress on two consecutive monthly ABCP assessments; or (2) After 6 months in the ABCP, Soldier still exceeds body fat standards, and exhibits less than satisfactory progress for three or more (nonconsecutive) monthly ABCP assessments.
The flag packet is retained in iPERMS for
90 days to allow the gaining unit to download the packet.
The following documents will be filed in iPERMS upon the Soldier's release from the ABCP per AR 600-8-104
(1) Soldier notification counseling (see fig 3-1). (2) Soldier acknowledgment (see fig 3-3). (3) Soldier action plan (see fig 3-4). (4) Release from the ABCP (see fig 3-8). (5) No other documents from the ABCP will be filed in iPERMS. All documents must be filed together or they will not be filed. The packet will remain a matter of record for 3 years (36 months) from the date the Soldier is released from the ABCP. iPERMS will automatically remove the records from the system after the 36 months. No action is required from the field for removal. The packet will be filed in the temporary administrative folder and will not be viewed as part of administrative boards or promotion/selection boards
Upon release from the ABCP the commander is responsible for ensuring that the following documents from the Soldier's ABCP packet are submitted to iPERMS per AR 600-8-104.
(1) Soldier notification counseling (see fig 3-1). (2) Soldier acknowledgment (see fig 3-3). (3) Soldier action plan (see fig 3-4). (4) Release from the ABCP (see fig 3-8). (5) No other documents from the ABCP will be filed in iPERMS. All documents must be filed together or they will not be filed
The following Soldiers are exempt from the requirements of this regulation; however, they must maintain a Soldierly appearance:
(1) Soldiers with major limb loss. Major limb loss is defined as an amputation above the ankle or above the wrist, which includes full hand and/or full foot loss. It does not include partial hand, foot, fingers, or toes. (2) Soldiers on established continued on active duty and/or continued on active Reserve status. See AR 635-40. (3) Pregnant and postpartum Soldiers. See paragraph 3-15. (4) Soldiers who have undergone prolonged hospitalization for 30 continuous days or greater. See paragraph 3-16. (5) New recruits. These recruits, regardless of component, will have 6 months from entry to active service to meet the retention body fat standards established in this regulation. Failure to achieve retention body fat standards after 6 months of entry will result in Soldiers being flagged in accordance with AR 600-8-2 and enrolled in the ABCP.
Extension of enlistment may be authorized for personnel who meet one of the following criteria:
(a) Individuals who have a temporary medical condition that directly precludes loss of weight or body fat. In such cases, the type of ongoing treatment will be documented and the extension will be for the minimum time necessary to correct the condition and achieve the required weight or body fat loss. (b) Pregnant Soldiers who are otherwise fully qualified for reenlistment, including those with an approved exception to policy, but who exceed acceptable standards prescribed in this regulation, will be extended for the minimum period that will allow birth of the child, plus 7 months. A clearance from the doctor that the Soldier is medically fit to participate in the ABCP is required. Authority, which will be cited on DA Form 1695 (Oath of Extension of Enlistment) is AR 601-280 (see determination of qualifications). On completion of the period of extension, the Soldier will be reevaluated under paragraph 3-15.
All transferrable flags must be uploaded to iPERMS no earlier than
30 days prior to clearing an installation.
Soldiers will be screened every
6 months, at a minimum, to ensure compliance with this regulation.
In order to ensure the ABCP does not interfere with Soldier performance on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), commanders and supervisors are encouraged to allow a minimum of
7 days between APFT and weigh-in, if feasible
Approximately every 30 days (or during unit assemblies for RC not on active duty), commanders will conduct a monthly
ABCP assessment to measure Soldier progress, with results annotated on DA Form 5500 or DA Form 5501.
Soldiers identified as exceeding the body fat standard will be
AR 600-8-2 and enrolled in the ABCP
The only authorized method of estimating body fat is
Circumference-based tape method
Chronic medical conditions will not be used to
Exempt soldiers from meeting the standards established in this regulation
If Soldiers do not exceed the authorized screening table weight for their age and measured height
No body fat assessment is required
There are no exemptions to the provisions of this regulation based solely on
Race ethnicity or gender
Soldiers who become pregnant while enrolled in the ABCP will
Remain under the flagged action
Within 14 days of the notification counseling, the Soldier will respond to the commander with a
Soldier Action Plan confirming that he or she has read USAPHC TG 358, provide date and time of scheduled nutrition counseling, and indicate what approach he or she intends to use to work towards meeting the body fat standard. The Soldier has the option to modify his or her plan while enrolled in the ABCP (for example, a Soldier may initially opt to follow a commercial weight loss program, but then 2 months later decide to enroll in a no-cost internet-based program)
Soldiers with special considerations may request a
Temporary exception to policy
Units may track height and weight on a centralized roster
The DA form 705
Soldiers are required to meet
The prescribed body fat standard
Routine weigh-ins will be accomplished at the
Unit level
Units maintain height, weight, and body fat assessment data according to
Unit policy
If at the end of the specified recovery period the Soldier exceeds the allowable body fat standard
a DA Form 268 will be initiated and Soldier will be enrolled in the ABCP.
If a Soldier again exceeds the body fat standard within 12 months after release from the ABCP
a DA Form 268 will be initiated on the Soldier. The Soldier will undergo a medical evaluation (1) If the Soldier is found to have a temporary medical condition that prevents weight or body fat loss, the commander will follow the requirements of paragraph 3-11. (2) If no underlying medical condition is found, the commander will initiate separation action, bar to continued service, or transfer to the IRR per paragraph 3-12d.
If, after 12 months but less than 36 months from the date of release from the ABCP, it is determined that a Soldier again exceeds the body fat standard,
a DA Form 268 will be initiated on the Soldier. The Soldier will undergo a medical evaluation (at own expense for RC not on active duty). (1) If the Soldier is found to have a temporary medical condition that prevents weight or body fat loss, the commander will re-enroll the Soldier in the ABCP under the requirements of paragraph 3-11. (2) If no underlying medical condition is found, the commander will re-enroll the Soldier in the ABCP. The Soldier will have 90 days to meet the standards. Soldiers who meet the body fat standard at the 90-day point will be released from the ABCP. Soldiers who do not meet the ABCP body fat standard at the 90-day point are considered ABCP failures. Commanders will initiate separation action, bar to continued service, or transfer to the IRR per paragraph 3-12d for all Soldiers who fail to meet the body fat standard at the 90-day point.
The ABCP provides commanders
a systematic approach to enforce military standards across the unit, while supporting Soldiers with the resources they need to return to an optimum level of individual readiness.
The following actions are required when a Soldier is determined to be exceeding the body fat standard
a. Notification counseling. In accordance with AR 600-8-2, the commander has 3 working days to Flag the Soldier using DA Form 268 (Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (FLAG)) and 2 working days from initiation of DA Form 268 to counsel and/or notify and enroll the Soldier in the ABCP. The effective date of the DA Form 268 flagging action is the date that the Soldier is found to be noncompliant. Notification counseling documentation will be completed in accordance with figure 3-1. During this notification counseling, Soldiers will be advised they— (1) Have a DA Form 268 placed on their record to suspend favorable personnel actions. Some of the ramifications of the flagging action include: (a) Are nonpromotable (to the extent such nonpromotion is permitted by law). (b) Will not be assigned to command, command sergeant major, or first sergeant positions. (c) In accordance with AR 350-1, are not authorized to attend military schools and institutional training courses. (2) Are enrolled in the ABCP effective immediately. While enrolled they— (a) Must read the online U.S. Army Public Health Center (USAPHC) Technical Guide (TG) 358 at https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/USAPHC_TG_358_Army_Weight_Management_Guide.pdf within 14 days of enrollment. (b) Must complete and return their Soldier Action Plan (refer to para b, below) to the commander within 14 days of the notification counseling. (c) Are required to meet with a dietitian or health care provider within 30 days of enrollment in the ABCP, bring a copy of the commander's request for counseling (fig 3-2) and their Soldier Action Plan to the dietitian for review. Dietitian (or health care provider if a dietitian is not available) will provide the Solider a signed memorandum for the commander when the Soldier has completed all steps in the required nutrition program (for example, the Army Fit for Performance interactive questionnaire) or after initial appointment if Soldier chooses another option to lose weight. The memorandum will verify that the counseling took place. All counseling sessions will include information on sleep, activity, and nutrition behaviors. (d) Must participate in unit monthly ABCP assessments to document their progress. (e) Must meet the body fat standard in order to be released from the ABCP. (f) Must demonstrate satisfactory progress, as defined in paragraph 3-9b, while enrolled in the ABCP and understand that failure to do so will result in bar to continued service or initiation of separation proceedings. (g) May request education and coaching on obtaining and maintaining optimal body composition through healthy sleep, activity, and nutrition counseling, weight management, behavior modification, and other services through the Army Wellness Center (if available at duty location), and/or other MTF resources. (h) May request a medical examination if there is reason to believe that there is an underlying medical condition that may be the direct cause of weight gain or the direct cause of the inability to lose weight or body fat. (3) Must acknowledge enrollment in the ABCP by memorandum to the commander (see fig 3-3) within 2 working days of notification of enrollment.
All soldiers who are enrolled in the ABCP when they become pregnant will
be enrolled in the Pregnancy Post partum Physical Training (P3T) program.
Personnel who meet this regulation's standards and are hospitalized for 30 continuous days or more will
be exempt from the standards for the duration of the hospitalization and the recovery period as specified by their profile, not to exceed 90 days from discharge from the hospital.
Personnel who meet this regulation's standards and become pregnant will
be exempt from the standards for the duration of the pregnancy plus the period of 180 days after the pregnancy ends. If, after this period of exemption they are verified to exceed the body fat standard, they will be enrolled in the ABCP, pending approval of a medical doctor that they are fit to participate in the program.
Additional resources with abcp
include performance enhancement training to improve performance and promote efficiency during physical training from the performance expert (where performance expert is available), education and coaching on healthy sleep, activity, and nutrition behaviors, and weight management by Army Wellness Center (if availa- ble at duty location) or other MTF resources as indicated to support the Soldier and help them meet the ABCP standards.
Medical professionals should advise Soldiers taking medications that
may contribute to weight gain, or Soldiers with temporary or permanent physical profiles that they are still required to meet the body fat standard established in the regulation; the Soldier may be referred to an appropriate specialist for nutrition and exercise counseling as indicated.
If a trained individual of the same gender is not available to conduct the measurements
measurements, a female Soldier will be present when a male Soldier measures a female, and a male Soldier will be present when a female measures a male
Exceptions to policy allowing reenlistment and/or extension of enlistment are authorized only in cases where
medically documented conditions (see para 3-11) preclude attainment of required standards
Commanders have the authority to direct a body fat assessment on any Soldier that they determine does not
present a Soldierly appearance to ensure Soldier meets the screening table weight for his or her measured height
P3T is designed to
promote and maintain health and fitness throughout pregnancy.
Personnel who exceed the body fat standard in appendix B will not be allowed to
reenlist or extend their enlistment
Commanders and supervisors will provide additional
support, guidance, and resources to enhance Soldier's success. This may include time to participate in ongoing nutritional, sleep counseling or weight loss programs as prescribed by the dietitian or health care provider.
Some Soldiers that are close to exceeding the screening weight may attempt to lose weight quickly in the days leading up to a weigh-in this practice may result in
the Soldier being unable to perform his or her best on the APFT, if the two events are scheduled close together
If the medical condition does not meet medical retention standards of AR 40-501
the health care provider will refer the Soldier to a medical evaluation board. c. Aircraft crewmembers exceeding the body fat standards will be referred to a flight surgeon for medical evaluation and determination of impact on flight status. d. Health care providers will not use the e-Profile application within the MODS (https://apps.mods.army.mil) to rec- ommend exemption from ABCP for temporary medical conditions. Health care providers will use the medical evaluation results memorandum (fig 3-7) for this purpose
The commander will remove the DA Form 268 actions and counsel the Soldier on
the importance of maintaining body composition and potential consequences if re-enrolled in the program within 36 months.
RA and RC Soldiers who exceed body fat standards in appendix B will be enrolled in
the unit ABCP.
Soldiers that meet the screening table weight must remain in the ABCP program until
they no longer exceed the required body fat standard.
Soldiers will be measured by
two trained individuals of the same gender.
Soldiers found to have a temporary medical condition that directly causes weight gain or prevents weight or bodyfat loss will
up to 6 months from the initial medical evaluation date to undergo treatment to resolve the medical condition. The medical specialty physician may extend the time period up to 12 months if it is determined more time is needed to resolve the medical condition. During this time, the Soldier will participate in the ABCP, to include initiation of a DA Form 268, nutrition counseling, and monthly body fat assessment, but will not be penalized for failing to show progress. However, if the Soldier meets the body fat standard during this timeframe, he or she will be removed from the ABCP.
The use of certain medications to treat an underlying medical or psychological disorder or the inability to perform all aerobic events may contribute to
weight gain but are not considered sufficient justification for noncompliance with this regulation.