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Body Composition Military Appearance
Program Monitor Certification Course
Commanders & OIC's ensure Marines comply wiht the standards in MCO 6110.3A w/CH-1. They are responsible for following:
- Enforcing compliance with weight and body composition standards, and a suitable military appearance if they possess special courts-martial convening authority.
- Ensuring Marines receive a medical evaluation from an authorized medical provider prior to BCP or MAP assignment.
- Consideration of recommendations for temporary medical exemptions.
- Selecting and assigning an FFI and/or CPTR, in writing.
FFI & CPTR Responsibilities
- Thoroughly review al DOD & SUMC BCMAP Policies
- Develop, implement, manage, and supervise BCP & MAP
- Coordinating and supervising the execution of weigh-ins & Body Composition Evaluations (BCEs), utilizing the Body Composition Worksheet, BCP Evaluation Form, and MAP Evaluation Form.
BCMAP ASSESSMENT - PURPOSE
The USMC BCMAP establishes, evaluates, and enforces compliance with optimal weight and body composition standards, and a suitable military appearance. These are essential to the preservation of good order and discipline and necessary for the maintenance of combat readiness Marine Corps-wide.
BCMAP ASSESSMENT - SCOPE
All Marines will be periodically evaluated for weight and military appearance in accordance with the established frequency and sequence.
Weigh-ins may also occur on the same day as the PFT or CFT. In addition, the CO can order weigh-ins for the entire unit or an individual Marine as deemed necessary. The Inspector General and Commanding Generals can also require weigh-ins while conducting unannounced inspections.
BCMAP ASSESSMENT - FREQUENCY OF WEIGH INS
At a minimum, weigh-ins are conducted semi-annually every calendar year for all active duty Marines and activated reservists. Reserve weigh-ins are conducted annually every calendar year.
Those Marines receiving a permanent change of station/assignment (PCS/PCA) during an initial or extended initial BCP assignment will have their BCP file forwarded to the gaining command.
End of Active Service (EAS)/Retirement can be evaluated up to their EAS date, under the discretion of the CO.
BCMAP ASSESSMENT - ASSESSMENT SEQUENCE
Medical Exempting Conditions - Pregnancy
A pregnant Marine, as verified by a BCBEMP or Obstetrician (OB), will not be evaluated for BCP or MAP assignment. If already formally assigned to the BCP or MAP, the Marine will be placed in an inactive status during pregnancy. They will remain in an inactive status for six months after return to full duty (RTFD) following 12 weeks (post-partum) convalescent leave.
Medical Exempting Conditions - NMS Injuries
The location of an NMS injury will determine the Marine's activity limitations. Based on these limitations, the Marine's diet should be adjusted accordingly to allow them to maintain required BCMAP standards. NMS injuries are not normally a basis for exemption from BCP or MAP assignments.
Medical Exemptions - Light or Limited Duty
Marines who are assigned light or limited duty or have pending medical or physical evaluation screenings are required to comply with BCMAP standards and may be evaluated for BCP or MAP assignment.
Medical Exemptions - Medical Evaluations
Marines not in compliance with BCMAP standards require a medical evaluation by an authorized medical provider prior to BCP or MAP formal assignment.
Medical Exemptions - Underlying Medical Condition or Disease
Marines who suspect that their weight gain is due to an underlying medical condition will be evaluated by an authorized medical provider as shown in the MCBCMAP Sequence Chart. Based on the results of the evaluation, a temporary medical exemption may be recommended; however, the inability to exercise is not a valid reason for a temporary medical exemption.
Medical Exemptions - Newly Diagnosed or Worsening Medical Condition or Therapy.
A BCBEMP will provide recommendations if a Marine exceeds the established body composition standards due to a medical condition or therapy. The condition or therapy may be newly diagnosed, worsened in severity, or an increase in dosage which is known to result in weight gain.
Body Comp References - Overview
MCO 6110.3A w/CH-1 provides command guidance for conducting the Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program. The MCO specifies the weigh-in is a calendar year semi-annual requirement for all active duty Marines, regardless of age, grade, gender, or duty assignment.
As a Force Fitness Instructor (FFI) or Command Physical Training Representative (CPTR), you are responsible for conducting accurate height measurement and weigh-in events. Each Marine's results are compared to the DoD Height/Weight Standards to determine if they are in compliance with MCBCMAP standards.
If a Marine is not in compliance with weight standards, a body composition evaluation (BCE) is performed. The BCE is a structured program that addresses the needs of Marines who do not meet the established height and weight standards, present an unsuitable military appearance due to improper weight distribution, or both.
BCMAP Tables - DoD Height/Weight Standards
This table lists the minimum and maximum weight, according to height, for male and female service members.
BCMAP Tables - DoD Body Composition Standards
- Wall-mounted or self-standing stadiometer
Weight Equipment Options:
- Calibrated Digital Scale
- Calibrated Balance Beam Scale
Circumference equipment options:
- Self-tensioning taping device, digital
- Self-tensioning taping device, non-digital
MCBCMAP Sequence Chart
The MCBCMAP Sequence Chart in MCO 6110.3A w/CH-1 Enclosure (2) presents the order in which evaluations must be performed. As displayed in the chart, a series of actions occur when a Marine's weight does not meet the standards. Notice that the furthest points on these paths may lead to some very serious consequences:
- The Marine is not recommended for promotion
- The Marine is not recommended for re-enlistment
- The Marine is discharged
Only an FFI, CPTR, or designated evaluator(s) is permitted to perform height, weight, and BCE's. As a monitor, you must become an expert at performing accurate, consistent measurements for all Marines.
Height Measurement Overview
The Marine Corps BCMAP establishes, evaluates, and enforces compliance with optimal weight and body composition standards and a suitable military appearance, with respect to height. Before you measure a Marine's height, you must first calibrate the equipment. When using a standard, non-stretching fiberglass tape measure affixed to a vertical surface, use a separate yardstick or metal ruler to ensure the tape measure has not contracted or become stretched. When using a stadiometer, ensure it does not show evidence of damage.
Height Measurement Procedure
Height measurements for both males and females are taken using the same procedure. Measure the Marine's height following the criteria below:
Ensure Marine is not wearing footwear.
Marine is standing with back against the wall, heels flat on the deck, shoulders back, arms to the side in a relaxed manner, and head straight forward.
If using a ruler to mark height on tape measure, ensure the ruler is parallel to the deck.
Record the Marine's height to the nearest inch
If the height fraction is less than ½ inch, round down to the nearest inch.
If the height fraction is a ½ inch or more, round up to the nearest inch.
Weight Measurement Overview
If the Marine scores 285 or higher on both the PFT and CFT, they are exempt from weight and body fat limits. Their values will still be reported on the fitness report.
If the Marine does not qualify for the PFT/CFT score exemption, they will then be evaluated more closely through a BCE.
Height/Weight Standards Tables
BCEs are required for Marines who exceed their maximum weight standard or present an unsuitable military appearance due to improper weight distribution.
Let's move to the next step in the sequence chart to determine if the Marine meets the body fat standards.
The FFI, CPTR, or designated BCE evaluator(s) follows the steps below to conduct a BCE:
Re-measure Marine's height
Use the circumference-based method to determine the Marine's circumference value
Determine Marine's body fat percentage
Re-Measuring Height For Body Composition
The first step of a BCE is to re-measure the Marine's height - this time to the nearest ½ inch. Follow the same process for a male or female Marine:
Marine is in the authorized green-on-green uniform and shoes are removed.
Marine is standing with their back against the wall, heels flat on the deck, shoulders back, arms to the side in a relaxed manner, and head straight forward.
Ensure ruler is straight.
Record the Marine's height, rounding to the nearest ½ inch.
BCE Measurement - Male
The second step in determining the Marine's body composition is using the circumference-based method to determine their circumference value. There are different measurement techniques used to determine circumference values of male and female Marines. Measurements for a male Marine are taken along the neck and abdomen, using the FFD approved self-tensioning taping device (digital or non- digital).
Neck Circumference Measurement Procedure
Let's start with the neck. Standing to the right of the Marine, measure the circumference of the neck against bare skin as follows:
With the Marine's head straight forward and chin parallel to deck, place curved portion of self- tensioning device on the right neck muscle so it conforms to the natural curvature of the neck muscle. The tape crosses the bottom of the larynx and is perpendicular to the long axis of the neck.
Place the rod at the end of the tape into the slot of the self-tensioning device then press the button so the tape retracts to a snug fit.
Record all six measurements obtained from each neck and abdomen measurement taken by the two evaluators on a Body Composition Worksheet. This data is used to determine circumference value needed to determine the Marine's body fat percentage.
Circumference Value and Body Fat Percentage
After taking the six sets of circumference measurements of the Marine, the next step is to calculate the circumference value for each by subtracting the neck from the abdominal measurements.
Now use the DoD Body Composition Standards Table (Males) found in MCO 6110.3A w/CH-1 Enclosure (4) to derive the male Marine's body fat percentage for each circumference value. Locate the number at the intersection of the Marine's height measurement and the circumference value. This is the Marine's estimated body fat percentage.
Record the lowest body fat percentage that results from the six sets of circumference measurements.
For example, the table displayed to the right indicates the intersection for a 66 inch tall male Marine with a circumference value of 18.5. He has a body fat percentage of 18.
Standards Waiver - PFT and CFT 250+
If a Marine is not within body composition standards, the next step on the sequence chart is to verify the Marine's PFT and CFT scores again.
If a Marine scores 250 or higher on both the PFT and CFT, they are allowed an additional 1% body fat limit.
If a Marine does not qualify for the PFT/CFT score waiver for body composition, they will then be evaluated based on their military appearance.
BCE Measurement - Female Overview
When a female Marines exceeds DoD height/weight standards and they do not qualify for the 285+ PFT and CFT waiver, their height is re-measured and circumference measurements are taken at the:
Neck
Waist
Hips
With the exception of the neck measurement, circumference measurements for female Marines are taken and calculated differently than male Marines.
Measurements of female Marines must be taken by female evaluators only. Be sure to take three measurements at each location - by two different evaluators.
Neck Circumference Measurement Procedure Female
Let's start with the neck. Standing to the right of the Marine, measure the circumference of the neck against bare skin as follows:
With the Marine's head straight forward and chin parallel to deck, place curved portion of self- tensioning device on the right neck muscle so it conforms to the natural curvature of the neck muscle. The tape will cross the bottom of the larynx and be perpendicular to the long axis of the neck.
Place the rod at the end of the tape into the slot of the self-tensioning device then press the button so the tape retracts to a snug fit.
Hip Circumference Measurement Procedure - Female
In addition to neck and waist measurements, hip circumference is also measured for female Marines.
Hip measurements are taken with female Marines wearing shorts.
When measuring a female Marines' hip circumference, be sure to:
Face the Marine's right side.
Place the tape around the Marine's hips so that it passes over the greatest protrusion of the buttocks, as viewed from the side.
Ensure the tape is level and parallel to the deck.
Place the rod at the end of the tape into the slot of the self-tensioning device then press the button so the tape retracts to a snug fit.
Record the measurement, rounding the value down to the nearest ½ inch.
Repeat Circumference - Female
Neck, waist, and hip circumference measurements are taken three times by two separate evaluators in order to ensure accuracy.
Do not take repeated measurements of the same body part consecutively. Instead, take the measurement of the neck, waist, then hips - then repeat sequence two more times.
Record all six measurements obtained from each neck, waist, and hip measurement taken by the two evaluators on a Body Composition Worksheet.
This data is used to determine circumference value needed to determine the Marine's body fat percentage.
Circumference Value and Body Fat Percentage
After taking the six sets of circumference measurements of the Marine, the next step is to calculate the circumference value for each by subtracting the neck measurement from the sum of the waist and hip measurements.
Now use the DoD Body Composition Standards Table (Females) found in MCO 6110.3A w/CH-1 Enclosure (4) to derive the female Marine's body fat percentage for each circumference value. Locate the number at the intersection of the Marine's height measurement and circumference value. This is the Marine's estimated body fat percentage.
Record the lowest body fat percentage that results from the six sets of circumference measurements.
BCMAP Assignment - Overview
The Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program (MCBCMAP) includes two distinct programs to ensure compliance with established body composition and military appearance standards. These are the Body Composition Program (BCP) and the Military Appearance Program (MAP).
The BCP is a structured program that addresses the needs of Marines who do not meet established height and weight standards, body composition percentages, or both.
The MAP is meant to be an organizational aid to improve military appearance and prevent Marines from being assigned to the Body Composition Program. However, MAP failure incorporates adverse administrative action to encourage and enforce compliance.
Temporary medical condition
BCP EXEMPTION
A Marine may be provided an exemption from the weight and body composition standards based on their physical fitness or their appearance. Marines who score at least 285 on both the PFT and CFT will be exempt and be allowed an additional one percent (1%) body fat (BF). A Section I comment will indicate that due to the Marine's high PFT and CFT performance, they are exempt from weight and BF limits.
The commander can also seek a waiver if they determine a Marine whose uniformed appearance is commensurate with that of a squared-away Marine, despite their weight and body composition. The final authority for this waiver is the first General Officer in the chain of command.
BCP Temporary Medical Exemption
Some medical conditions may also exempt a Marine from BCP assignment. The Temporary Medical Exemption Process flowchart included in MCO 6110.3A w/CH-1 outlines the process to be followed if a medical condition is suspected. The following apply:
All temporary medical exemptions require the endorsement of a BCBEMP.
Marines with approved temporary medical exemptions will not be assigned to BCP during the current six-month period.
The following apply regarding pregnancy:
Marines on BCP who are pregnant will be placed in an inactive BCP status. The period of inactive status and non-evaluation will include pregnancy, twelve week post-partum period, and six months following return to full duty.
Pregnant and post-partum Marines not on BCP will not be evaluated for BCP.
EXTENSION
A Marine assigned to BCP for the first time, participates for six months and is required to meet the weight and body composition goals within that time. If required, the BCP Evaluation Form, NAV 11621 is used to formally notify, record, and track progress for Marines assigned to the BCP.
A one-time, six-month extension can only be granted if:
An extension does not constitute a second BCP assignment. It remains a Marine's first BCP assignment.
SECOND ASSIGNMENT
Marines who were assigned to the BCP and officially removed at any point in their career, yet fail to meet weight and body composition standards, may receive a second one-time six-month assignment to the BCP.
Marines on a second BCP assignment must meet their goals within the six-month period and continue to comply with weight and body composition standards throughout their careers.
Marines on a second BCP assignment are not given extensions or a subsequent assignment.
REMOVAL - Marines on their first BCP assignment who comply
. A Marine who complies with the requirements is not removed from the program until their initial six- month assignment is completed. The purpose of this measure is to ensure that appropriate lifestyle and
