Army Body Composition

The Army Body Composition Program.

Enforce standards of body fat composition as a condition of service and to ensure all Soldiers achieve and maintain optimal well-being and performance under all conditions.

To ensure all Soldiers achieve and maintain optimal well-being and performance under all conditions

Body composition is the relative proportions of fat and lean mass in the body.

Soldiers must maintain a high level of physical readiness to meet mission requirements.

It ensures that each Soldier is capable of performing physical duties and sustaining endurance in all environments.

A high level of physical readiness.

Every 6 months at a minimum.

A Soldier is removed from the ABCP on the date the commander determines the Soldier has met the body fat standard.

The circumference-based tape method.

To assist in establishing and maintaining operational readiness, physical fitness, health, and a professional military appearance.

Commanders and supervisors will take appropriate action to ensure that Soldiers maintain a proper military appearance at all times.

If it is determined that the individual does not present a Soldierly appearance.

The Soldier has 14 days from the notification counseling date to complete and return the Soldier Action Plan to the commander.

Unit commanders will maintain an ABCP file at the unit on each Soldier enrolled in the program.

The ABCP file must include copies of DA Forms 268, counseling forms, DA Forms 5500 or 5501, the Soldier Action Plan, nutrition counseling documentation, and monthly progress records.

Flagging actions suspend favorable personnel actions.

Failure includes less than satisfactory progress for two consecutive months, or three non consecutive months in a 6-month period, or failing to meet standards within 12 months of enrollment.

Commanders will initiate separation, bar to continued service, or involuntary transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve.

A DA Form 268 will be initiated and the Soldier will undergo a medical evaluation.

A DA Form 268 will be initiated and the Soldier will be re-enrolled in the ABCP and given 90 days to meet the standards.

Army Body Composition Program.

Soldiers with major limb loss, on continued active duty or Reserve status, pregnant or postpartum, hospitalized for 30 or more days, or within 6 months of entry to active service.

New recruits are exempt for 180 days following entry onto active duty but will be entered into the ABCP on the expiration of the 180-day exemption period if they fail the body fat assessment.

The Soldier will be separated from the Army in accordance with AR 635-200 or AR 600-8-24.

Soldiers are required to meet the prescribed body fat standards listed in appendix B of AR 600-9.

The Soldier will be advised that enrollment in the ABCP is not a bar to reenlistment or promotion but that failure to make satisfactory progress or meet body fat standards could result in administrative separation.

The Soldier has 14 days to read the online U.S. Army Public Health Command (USAPHC) Technical Guide (TG) 358.

The Soldier has 30 days after enrollment in the ABCP to meet with a dietitian or health care provider.

Progress will be evaluated by the commander every 30 days.

Satisfactory progress is defined as a monthly weight loss of either 3 to 8 pounds or 1 percent body fat.

The commander will remove the DA Form 268 and counsel the Soldier on the importance of maintaining body composition and the potential for future re-enrollment if standards are not maintained.

If a temporary medical condition exists that directly causes weight gain or prevents weight or body fat loss, the Soldier must obtain documentation from a healthcare provider, and the commander may suspend ABCP enrollment.

A healthful and safe weight loss program includes nutrition, physical activity, and behavior modification.

AR 600–9.

Maintain a professional and soldierly appearance while in uniform.

Enrollment starts on the day the Soldier is notified by the unit commander.

If a registered dietitian is not available, nutrition and weight reduction counseling may be provided by a healthcare provider, to include nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, or medical doctors.

Soldiers who fail to meet body fat standards are not eligible for re-enlistment or extension unless a waiver is granted by the proper authority.