Army Body Composition Program

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is Body Composition?

Answer 2

Lean body mass & Body fat

Question 3

How does body composition contribute to mission requirements?

Answer 3

It is an indicator of physical readiness that is associated with the individual’s fitness, endurance, and overall health.

Question 4

What duties are performed by the Master Fitness Trainer (MFT)?

Answer 4

Train fitness training NCOs in proper height, weight, and body circumference to assess body fat.

Question 5

What are the ABCP standards?

Answer 5

1. Soldiers will be screened every six months at a minimum.
2. The only authorized method of estimating body fat is the tape method.
3. Commanders have the authority to direct a body fat assessment on any Soldier they determine does not present Soldierly appearance.
4. Soldiers identified as exceeding the body fat standard will be flagged.

Question 6

Who is exempt from the ABCP screening?

Answer 6

1. Soldiers with major limb loss
2. Pregnant and postpartum Soldiers.
3. Soldiers who have gone under prolonged hospitalization for 30 days or more.
4. New recruits regardless of component will have 180 days from entry to service to meet the retention body fat standard.

Question 7

How many days are recommended to give Soldiers between taking the ACFT and a weigh in?

Answer 7

Seven days so Soldiers do not attempt to lose weight quickly which might result is a poor ACFT performance.

Question 8

What occurs if a Soldier does not meet the height and weight standard?

Answer 8

1. The Soldier will be enrolled in the ABCP.
2. The Soldier will be notified by the Commander of their enrollment.
3. The Soldier will be provided exercise guidance by the MFT.
4. Counseling by a registered dietitian on sleep, activity and performance nutrition.
5. Performance enhancement training to promote efficiency during H2F from a performance expert.
6. Education and coaching on healthy sleep, activity, and nutrition behaviors and weight measurement by the Army Wellness Center.

Question 9

What actions are taken when a Soldier exceeds the height and weight standards?

Answer 9

1. Notification Counseling: Within three working days of a flag action using DA Form 268, and two working days from initiating the flag to counsel and enroll them in the ABCP.
2. Soldier Action Plan: Within 14 days of notification counseling, the Soldier respond with an action plan confirming they read USAPHC TG 358, provide a time and date of the nutrition counseling, and indicate what approach they intend to use to work towards meeting the Height &Weight standard.
3. Nutrition Counseling: Within 30 days after enrollment in the ABCP, they must meet with a dietitian to receive a counseling.

Question 10

What happens during the monitoring period after the Soldier is enrolled in the ABCP?

Answer 10

1. Every 30 days a monthly ABCP assessment is conducted to measure the Soldier’s progress. The results are annotated on DA FORM 5500 Males/5501 Females.
2. A monthly loss of 3-8 pounds or 1% body fat are considered safely attainable goals and the Soldier will be considered making satisfactory progress.
3. Commanders and supervisors will provide additional support, guidance and resources to enhance the Soldier’s success.

Question 11

When would a Soldier be considered failing the program?

Answer 11

1. If they exhibit less than satisfactory progress on two consecutive ABCP assessment.
2. After 6 months in the ABCP and they still exceed the body fat standards and exhibits less than satisfactory progress for 3 more monthly assessments.

Question 12

What actions are taking if a Soldier is removed from the ABCP?

Answer 12

1. An administrative removal from the ABCP immediately after the standard is achieved.
2. Remove the flag action and counsel the Soldier on the importance of maintain a healthy body composition and the potential consequences if the Soldier is re-enrolled in the ABCP within 36 months.

Question 13

What happens if a Soldier fails a body fat assessment within 36 months of release from the ABCP?

Answer 13

1. Failure within 12 months after release:
   a. A 268-flag action.
   b. Medical evaluation to determine if there is a medical condition causing the failure.
   c. Initiate separation action, bar to continued service or transfer to Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
2. After 12 months but less than 36 months from release:
   a. A 268-flag action.
   b. Medical exam, if no medical issues the Soldier will be re-enrolled in the ABCP
   c. The Soldier will have 90 days to meet the standard.
   d. If no progress after 90 days will be considered failures.
   e. Separation action, bar to continued service or transfer to IRR.

Question 14

How does the ABCP treat pregnancy?

Answer 14

1. They will be exempt from the standard for the duration of the pregnancy plus 180 days after it ends. If they don’t meet the standard after that they will be enrolled in the ABCP.
2. If they become pregnant while enrolled in the ABCP they will remain flagged.
3. If they become pregnant while enrolled in the ABCP they will not be held to the monitoring standard but will continue to participate in nutrition counseling.
4. They will be enrolled in the Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training (P3T) program.
5. Soldiers who entered or re-entered the ABCP will be considered a first-time entry.

Question 15

How many members will be utilized in taking measurement of the body circumference method?

Answer 15

Two. The MFT and one more NCO certified in body circumference measurement method.

Question 16

What happens if the first set of body fat measurement does not meet the standard?

Answer 16

The Soldier will be measured again by a different team.

Question 17

How will the tape be applied during the measuring process?

Answer 17

1. All measurements are made in the horizontal plane parallel to the floor.
2. Making contact with the skin and conforms to body surface.
3. Will not compress the soft tissue.
4. The hips require firm pressure due to the fitness uniform trunks.

Question 18

What are the three key components of a healthful and safe weight loss?

Answer 18

1. Nutrition therapy
2. Increased physical activity
3. Behavior modification