The Army Body Composition Program, AR 600-9

Quiz

1. The height will be measured in stocking feet (without shoes), standing on a flat surface with the chin parallel to the floor. The body should be straight but not rigid, similar to the position of attention. The measurement will be rounded to the nearest inch with the following guidelines:

a. If the height fraction is less than 1/2 inch, round down to the nearest whole number in inches.

b. If the height fraction is 1/2 inch or greater, round up to the next highest whole number in inches.

2. The weight should be measured and recorded to the nearest pound within the following guidelines:

a. If the weight fraction is less than 1/2 pound, round down to the nearest pound.

b. If the weight fraction is 1/2 pound or greater, round up to the nearest pound.

3. All measurement will be in a standard PT uniform (gym shorts and T-shirt, without shoes).

4. If the circumstances preclude weighing soldiers during the APFT, they should be weighed within 7 days of the APFT.

5. Add 6 pounds per inch for males over 80 inches and 5 pounds for females for each inch over 80 inches.

QUIZ

What 3 things happen when a Soldier is deemed to be overweight?

Flagged

Enrolled in ABCP

Given a plan to help lose weight safely

The Army Body Composition Program, AR 600-9

Health Care Provider Cont.

Release from ABCP

Soldiers found to have a temporary medical condition that directly causes weight gain or prevents weight or body fat loss will have up to 6 months from the initial medical evaluation date to undergo treatment 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.

Once the medical condition is resolved or 6 months, 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.

If the Soldier is unable to show satisfactory progress in accordance with paragraph 3–9b, the Soldier will be subject to separation.

Program Failure

Commanders and supervisors will remove individuals administratively from the ABCP as soon as the body fat standard is achieved.

Soldiers that meet the screening table weight must remain in the ABCP program until they no longer exceed the required body fat standard.

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.

Program Failure Cont.

A Soldier enrolled in the ABCP is considered to be failing the program if:

He or she exhibits less than satisfactory progress on two consecutive monthly ABCP assessments;

OR

After 6 months in the ABCP he or she still exceeds body fat standards, and exhibits less than satisfactory progress for three or more (nonconsecutive) monthly ABCP assessments.

When a Soldier has failed the program, the commander will request a medical evaluation.

If the medical evaluation finds the Soldier has a medical condition that does not meet medical retention standards of AR 40–501 the Soldier will be processed in accordance with AR 40–501.

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.

If the medical evaluation finds no underlying medical condition, then the commander will initiate separation action, bar to reenlistment.

The commander or supervisor will inform the Soldier, in writing,

or bar to reenlistment or separation action.

Health Care Provider

Taping Procedures

Failure in 36 months

Medical Evaluation

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. If an underlying medical condition is found, the following applies:

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—

* Initiate treatment

* In accordance with AR 40–501, prepare a temporary profile in the e-Profile application within the Medical Operational Data System (MODS) listing any functional limitations that would prevent the Soldier from fully participating in the ABCP.

* Complete memorandum and return to the commander for enrollment in the ABCP.

* Refer to appropriate specialist for nutritional and exercise counseling.

If a Soldier again exceeds the body composition 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.

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.

If no underlying medical condition is found, the commander will initiate separation action or bar to reenlistment, 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.

* Requested by the unit commander

* Requested by the Soldier

* Soldier is being considered for separation for failure to make satisfactory progress in the ABCP.

* Soldier is within 6 months of expiration term of service after the initiation of a reenlistment bar for failure to make satisfactory progress in the ABCP.

Failure in 36 months

Pregnancy

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.

If no underlying medical condition is found, the commander will re-enroll the Soldier in the ABCP and:

* 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 or bar to reenlistment per paragraph 3–12d for all Soldiers who fail to meet the body fat standard at the 90-day point.

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.

Soldiers who become pregnant while enrolled in the ABCP will remain under the flagging action.

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.

Monitoring Soldier Progress

ABCP-related

actions, counseling, and evaluations

Every 30 days, commanders will conduct a monthly ABCP assessment to measure Soldier progress, with results annotated on DA Form 5500 or DA Form 5501.

During monthly assessments, every Soldier enrolled in the ABCP will be weighed and have a body fat assessment conducted in order to document weight and fat loss progress.

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.

When necessary, commanders and supervisors will provide additional support, guidance, and resources to enhance Soldier’s success. This may include time to participate in ongoing nutritional counseling or weight loss programs as prescribed by the dietitian or health care provider.

Enrollment

Soldiers who exceed body fat standards will be enrolled in the unit ABCP which starts on the day the Soldier is notified by the unit commander or designee that he/she has been entered in the program.

Enrolled Soldiers will—

* be provided exercise guidance by the unit master fitness trainer and/or unit fitness training NCO IAW FM 7-22

* nutrition counseling by registered dietitian or health care provider when dietician is not available

* assistance in behavioral modification to help them attain the requirements of the Army

IET Soldiers who exceed body fat standards after 180 days from date of entry to active service will be entered in ABCP and flagged by unit commander

Commander's Actions & Counseling

Administrative Requirements

Soldier Action Plan Cont.

The commander has 3 working days to Flag the Soldier IAW AR 600-8-2 on DA Form 268

2 working days from that to counsel and/or notify and enroll the Soldier in the ABCP (the effective date of DA Form 268 is the date the Soldier is found to be non-compliant)

During notification counseling Soldiers will be advised that they have a DA Form 268 placed on their record and the ramifications:

* Will not be assigned to command, command sergeant major, or first sergeant positions

* Non-promotable

* Not authorized to attend military schools and institutional training courses.

Staff Sgt. Kulani J. Lakanaria

Commanders maintain an ABCP file at the unit on each Soldier enrolled in the program. Each file must include, at a minimum, the following for each enrollment:

* DA Form 268 initiating the flagging action.

* DA Form 5500 or DA Form 5501 from enrollment and each monthly assessment.

* Notification counseling

* Soldier Action Plan

* Nutrition counseling results memorandum

* Medical evaluation request memorandum(s), if indicated

* Medical evaluation results, if indicated

Soldier

Actions

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

Must complete the Army MOVE!23 interactive questionnaire, review the survey results, and record the retrieval code.

http://usaphcapps.amedd.army.mil/move23/register.asp

Provide the retrieval code to the dietitian or health care provider to enable him or her to review the Soldier’s responses and provide feedback.

* Must participate in unit monthly ABCP assessments to document their progress.

* Must meet the body fat standard in order to be released from the ABCP.

* 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 reenlistment or initiation of separation proceedings.

* 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.

Soldier Action Plan Cont

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)

Ensure soldiers are able to meet the

physical demands of their duties in combat & Present a trim military appearance.

Weigh-in and

Body Fat Assesment

ABCP

Exemptions

* Conduct every 6 months

* Allow 7 days between APFT and weigh-in

* Routine weigh-ins and body fat assessments at unit level

NOTE: Soldiers will be measured by trained individuals of the same gender; if not available then a female/male Soldier will be present when measurement is taken by the opposite sex

* Unit maintains record (mandatory)

* Height, weight & body fat percentage is no longer required on DA 705

* Unit will track on DA Form 5500 & 5501 if body fat assessment is required.

Soldiers assigned or attached to a Warrior Transition Unit or Community Based Warrior Transition Unit and meet special considerations may request a temporary exception to policy.

The following Soldiers are exempt from the requirements of this regulation; however, they must maintain a Soldierly appearance:

* Soldiers with major limb loss

* Soldiers on established continued on active duty and/or active Reserve status IAW AR 635-40

* Pregnant and postpartum Soldiers (180 days after delivery)

* Soldiers who have undergone prolonged hospitalization for 30 continuous days or greater

* New recruits (up to 180 days)

ABCP Standards

Program Requirements Cont.

Soldiers are required to meet the prescribed body fat standard and will be screened every 6 months, at a minimum, to ensure compliance with AR 600-9.

Commanders have the authority to direct a body fat assessment on any Soldier that they determine does not present a Soldierly appearance, regardless of whether or not the Soldier exceeds the screening table weight for his or her measured height.

Soldiers identified as exceeding the body fat standard will be flagged in accordance with AR 600–8–2 and enrolled in the ABCP. They must meet the body fat standard in order to be released from the program.

A designated unit fitness training NCO or master fitness trainer will—

* Prescribe proper exercise and fitness techniques, according to Field Manual (FM) 7–22, to assist Soldiers in meeting and maintaining body fat standards.

* Assist commanders in developing programs that establish a physical fitness program in accordance with FM 7–22.

* Train other command designated NCOs in proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology to assess body fat composition.

Program Requirements Cont.

Health care personnel will—

* Assist commanders and supervisors in ensuring that individuals receive nutrition and weight reduction counseling from a registered dietitian, if available. If a registered dietitian is not available, counseling may be provided by a health care provider, to include nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or medical doctor.

* Identify those individuals who have a pathological condition requiring medical treatment.

* Evaluate Soldiers who exceed body fat standards in accordance with this regulation.

*Advise Soldiers that while various medical conditions, environmental conditions, functional limitations (temporary or permanent physical profiles), and/or medications may contribute to weight gain, they are still required to meet the body fat standard established in this regulation.

The DCS, G–1 is the exception to policy approval authority (see para 3–17) for special considerations.

* Refer Soldiers to appropriate specialist for nutrition and exercise counseling, if indicated.

*At the request of a commander, provide education and information to Soldiers on healthy eating behaviors.

Program Requirements

Each Soldier (commissioned officer, warrant officer, and enlisted) is responsible for meeting the standards prescribed in this regulation.

Commanders and supervisors will—

* Implement the ABCP, to include evaluation of the military appearance of all Soldiers under their jurisdiction and measurement of body fat as prescribed in AR 600-9.

* Ensure the continued evaluation of all Soldiers under their command or supervision against the body fat standards prescribed AR 600-9.

* Review monthly Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions Management Report (AAA–095) for all Soldiers who are flagged or have been flagged within the past 36 months for failing to meet body fat standards.

* Forward a complete ABCP file (see para 3–8) to the gaining unit on each Soldier who conducts a permanent change of station and is flagged for noncompliance with body fat standards.

Questions?

Maximum allowable percent body fat standards

Age group: 17–20

Male (% body fat): 20%

Female (% body fat): 30%

Age group: 21–27

Male (% body fat): 22%

Female (% body fat): 32%

Age group: 28–39

Male (% body fat): 24%

Female (% body fat): 34%

Age group: 40 and older

Male (% body fat): 26%

Female (% body fat): 36%

Agenda

Program Requirements

Standards

Exemptions

Weigh-in & Body Fat Assessment

Enrollment

Commander Actions/Counseling

Soldier Actions

Soldier Action Plan

Administrative Requirements

Monitoring Soldier Progress

Medical Evaluation

Health Care Provider Actions

Release From Program

Program Failure

Leader Responsibilities

Program Objectives

Summary

The primary objective of the ABCP is to ensure all Soldiers achieve and maintain optimal well-being and performance under all conditions.

Secondary objectives of the ABCP are to:

Assist in establishing and maintaining

Operational readiness

Physical fitness

Health

A professional military appearance

IAW AR 670-1

Establish body fat standards

Provide procedures by which personnel are counseled to assist in meeting the standards prescribed in AR 600-9.

Why is it important for Soldiers to maintain the standards?

Program Requirements

Standards

Exemptions

Weigh-in & Body Fat Assessment

Enrollment

Commander Actions/Counseling

Soldier Actions

Soldier Action Plan

Administrative Requirements

Monitoring Soldier Progress

Medical Evaluation

Health Care Provider Actions

Release From Program

Program Failure

Leader Responsibilities

Purpose

Provide Leaders with policies and procedures for the Army Body Composition Program.

Non–Promotable

Will not be assigned to command

Will not be sent to professional military schools

QUIZ

What are some limits on those of ABCP ?