Army Body Composition Program Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does AR 600-9 cover?

Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)

What did the army body composition program used to be called?

Army Weight Control Program (AWCP)

What are the objectives of the ABCP?

To ensure soldiers maintain operational readiness, physical fitness, health, professional military appearance, and established body fat standards.

How often will every soldier be screened IAW AR 600-9?

Every six months, at a minimum Signup and view all the answers

What is the only authorized method of estimating body fat?

The circumference-based tape method outlined in Appendix B of AR 600-9. Signup and view all the answers

When can the Commander direct that a body fat assessment be performed on a Soldier?

Anytime they determine that the soldier does not present a professional military appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Commander do when a soldier exceeds the body fat standards?

Flag the soldier in accordance with AR 600-8-2 and enroll them in the ABCP. Signup and view all the answers

What must a soldier do in order to be released from the ABCP program?

They must meet the body fat standards in AR 600-9. Signup and view all the answers

How long do new recruits have to meet the body fat standards?

180 days from entry to active service. Signup and view all the answers

Which Soldiers are exempt from the requirements of AR 600-9?

<ol> <li>Soldiers with major limb loss 2. Soldiers on established continued active duty and/or continued active reserve status 3. Pregnant and postpartum soldiers 4. Soldiers who have undergone prolonged hospitalization for 30 continuous days or greater 5. New recruits.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Are the APFT and weigh-in required to be conducted on the same day?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why should the APFT and weigh-in be conducted a minimum of 7 days apart?

To ensure that soldiers don't attempt to lose weight too quickly, jeopardizing their performance on the APFT. Signup and view all the answers

Who must be enrolled in the ABCP?

Soldiers who exceed body fat standards of AR 600-9 Appendix B. Signup and view all the answers

When does enrollment in ABCP start?

On the day that the soldier is notified by the unit commander. Signup and view all the answers

What actions are required when a soldier is determined to be exceeding the body fat standard?

<ol> <li>Notification counseling (enrollment) 2. Soldier action plan 3. Nutrition counseling.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How long does a commander have to flag the soldier for failing to meet body fat standards?

Commander has 3 working days to flag the soldier. Signup and view all the answers

How long does the Commander have from initiation of DA Form 268 to counsel and/or notify and enroll the soldier in the ABCP?

Commander has 2 working days from initiation of DA Form 268. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date of the DA Form 268 flagging action when a soldier fails to meet body fat standards?

The date that the soldier is found to be non-compliant. Signup and view all the answers

What will the soldier be advised of during the notification counseling?

A) The soldier has been FLAGGED B) The soldier is enrolled in ABCP C) The soldier must acknowledge enrollment in the ABCP by memorandum. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the ramifications of the soldier being flagged?

A) Non-promotable B) Not assigned to command positions C) Not authorized to attend military schools. Signup and view all the answers

During the Soldier Notification counseling, what must the Commander require of the soldier?

Various requirements including reading a guide, completing an action plan, meeting with a dietitian, and participating in assessments. Signup and view all the answers

How long will a soldier have to read the US Army Public Health Command (USAPHC) technical guide after the notification counseling?

Within 14 days of enrollment. Signup and view all the answers

How long will a soldier have to complete and return their Soldier Action Plan after the notification counseling?

Within 14 days of the notification counseling. Signup and view all the answers

How long will a soldier have to meet with a dietitian or health care provider?

Within 30 days of enrollment in the ABCP. Signup and view all the answers

What two documents must a soldier bring to the dietitian or healthcare provider nutrition appointment?

<ol> <li>Copy of the commander's memorandum request for nutrition counseling 2. Soldier Action Plan.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What must a soldier bring to the commander after the meeting with the dietitian or health care provider?

Memo signed by the dietitian or healthcare provider verifying the counseling. Signup and view all the answers

How often are monthly ABCP assessments conducted to measure a soldier's progress?

Every 30 days. Signup and view all the answers

What does AR 600-9 para 3-12 consider as satisfactory progress in the ABCP?

Satisfactory progress is defined as a monthly weight loss of either 3 to 8 pounds or 1% body fat. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a failure of the ABCP?

A soldier that exhibits less than satisfactory progress for two consecutive monthly ABCP assessments. Signup and view all the answers

Failure to achieve satisfactory progress after 6 months may result in what?

Involuntary separation under AR 635-200, chapter 18. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a temporary medical condition causes weight gain?

Soldiers will have up to 6 months from the initial medical evaluation day to undergo treatment, extendable up to 12 months. Signup and view all the answers

If a soldier has a medical condition, what happens IAW AR 600-9?

They will participate in the ABCP but will not be penalized for failing to show progress. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a soldier is successfully disenrolled from the ABCP and is later re-enrolled within 12 months?

The soldier will be separated from service. Signup and view all the answers

If enrolled after 12 months but within 36 months from removal, how many days does the soldier have to obtain the standard?

90 days. Signup and view all the answers

What is used to remove a soldier from the ABCP?

Body fat standard. Signup and view all the answers

How long will pregnant soldiers be exempt from meeting body fat standards?

Pregnant soldiers will be given the duration of the pregnancy and 180 days after it ends. Signup and view all the answers

If a soldier is enrolled in the ABCP and then becomes pregnant, what actions occur?

The soldier will remain flagged. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a soldier enters or re-enters the ABCP after pregnancy?

They will be considered first-time entries into the program. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a soldier is hospitalized for 30 continuous days or more?

They will be exempt from the standards of the ABCP for the duration of hospitalization and recovery, not exceeding 90 days. Signup and view all the answers

How many NCOs are required to take measurements?

Two. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done when an NCO of the same gender is not available to conduct height and weight measurements?

A female soldier will be present when a male NCO measures a female, and a male soldier will be present when a female NCO measures a male. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Male body fat assessment worksheet?

DA Form 5500. Signup and view all the answers

What is the female body fat assessment worksheet?

DA Form 5501. Signup and view all the answers

Are soldiers allowed to wear spandex during a height and weight assessment?

False Signup and view all the answers

What must the tape measure be made of?

Non-stretchable material, preferably fiberglass. Signup and view all the answers

How is height recorded in inches?

To the nearest half inch. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable percent of body fat standard for age group 17-20?

Male 20%, Female 30%. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable percentage of body fat standard for age group 21-27?

Male 22%, Female 32%. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable percentage of body fat standard for age group 28-39?

Male 24%, Female 34%. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable percentage of body fat standard for age group 40 and older?

Male 26%, Female 36%. Signup and view all the answers

Where are measurements conducted on males and females?

Male - neck and abdomen; Female - neck, waist, hip. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

AR 600-9 Overview

Covers the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) designed to promote fitness and health.
Previously known as the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP).

Objectives of ABCP

Ensure soldiers maintain operational readiness and physical fitness.
Promote health and professional military appearance.
Establish body fat standards.

Screening and Assessments

Soldiers screened every six months to comply with AR 600-9.
Only authorized body fat estimation method is the circumference-based tape method.

Commander's Authority

Commanders can mandate body fat assessments regardless of height-weight compliance if military appearance is not professional.
If a soldier exceeds body fat standards, they must be flagged and enrolled in the ABCP.

Release from ABCP

Soldiers must meet body fat standards to be released from the program.
New recruits have 180 days post-enrollment to achieve these standards.

Exemptions from ABCP

Major limb loss, established continued duty status, pregnancy, prolonged hospitalization over 30 days, and new recruits are exempt from ABCP requirements.

Timing of APFT and Weigh-in

APFT and weigh-in should be separated by at least seven days to avoid performance jeopardy from rapid weight loss.

Enrollment and Counseling Procedures

Enrollment starts on notification day by the commander.
Required actions include notification counseling, soldier action plan, and nutrition counseling.
Commanders must flag a soldier within three working days of non-compliance.

Soldier Responsibilities

Must read U.S. Army Public Health Command technical guides and complete action plans within specified timelines.
Monthly assessments are conducted to track progress, requiring satisfactory monthly losses.

Progress and Consequences

Satisfactory monthly loss is defined as 3 to 8 pounds or 1% body fat.
Two consecutive failures lead to program failure and potential separation after six months.
Soldiers with medical conditions causing weight gain are allowed extended treatment timelines and are not penalized for program failure.

Re-enrollment Rules

Soldiers successfully dis-enrolled and re-enrolled within 12 months face separation.
If re-enrolled after 12 months but within 36 months, there’s a 90-day compliance requirement.

Body Fat Standards

Maximum body fat standards vary by age group; for instance, males aged 17-20 have a limit of 20%, while females have 30%.

Measurement Procedures

Height and weight are measured by two NCOs of the same gender when possible.
Non-stretchable fiberglass tape must be used for accurate measurements.
Spandex clothing is not allowed during assessments to prevent inaccurate measurements.

Documentation Forms

Male body fat assessment uses DA Form 5500, and female uses DA Form 5501.

Assessment Locations

Male measurements taken at neck and abdomen; female measurements on neck, waist, and hip.

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Description

This quiz covers the key aspects of the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) as outlined in AR 600-9. Participants will learn about the program's objectives, screening processes, and the authority of commanders in maintaining body fat standards. Understanding these elements is crucial for ensuring operational readiness and promoting a professional military appearance.