AR 600–9 Body Fat Standards and Army Body Composition Program, Lecture notes of Nutrition

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UNCLASSIFIED

Army Regulation 600 – 9

Personnel-General

The Army

Body

Composition

Program

Headquarters Department of the Army Washington, DC 16 July 2019

SUMMARY of CHANGE

AR 600 – 9

The Army Body Composition Program

This expedited revision, dated 16 July 2019—

o Inserts tenets of Performance Triad, sleep, activity, and nutrition, replacing diet or nutrition and exercise (paras 2 – 10 , 2–12 b , 2–16 a (1), 3–5 b , 3–6 a (2)( c ), 3–6 a (2)( g ), 3–6 c , and 3–11 b ,).

o Updates responsibility for commanders and supervisors (para 2 – 15 ).

o Incorporates guidance for uploading Army Body Composition Program documents into the Interactive Personnel Electronics Records Management System (paras 2–15 i and 2-15 j , 3–8 b and 3–8 c , 3–13 c ).

o Adds guidance that incorporates the Army wellness center (paras 2–16 b , 2–17 b, and 3–7 a (2)( e )) and performance experts as supporting resources (para 2 – 18 ).

o Clarifies guidance regarding performing proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology (paras 2 – 17 and 2 – 18 ).

o Updates website for the online U.S. Army Public Health Center Technical Guide 358 (paras 3–6 a (2)( a )), 3–7 a (2)( a ), figs 3 – 1 , 3 – 3 , and 3 – 4 , and C–7 a ).

o Changes terminology “bar to reenlistment” to “bar to continued service” in compliance with Army Directive 2016 – 19 (paras 3–6 a (2)( f ), 3 – 10 a (4), table 3 – 1 ), 3–12 c (3), 3–12 d , 3–14 a (2), 3–14 b (2).

o Clarifies Army Body Composition Program policy related to pregnancy (paras 3–15 c and 3–15 d ).

o Updates extension of enlistment criteria (paras 3–18 b (1) and 3–18 b (2)).

o Incorporates requirement for a second set of measurements to be taken by a different team if the first set of measurements indicate the Soldier does not meet the standard (para B–2 e ).

o Clarifies policy regarding the completion of DA Form 5500 (Body Fat Content Worksheet (Male)) and DA Form 5501 (Body Fat Content Worksheet (Female)) (paras B – 2 , B–3 d , B–6 b , and B–6 e).

Actions, counseling, and evaluation for Regular Army and Reserve Component Soldiers on active

• ii AR 600–9 •^16 July
• Commanders of Army commands, Army service component commands, and direct reporting units • 2 – 9, page
• Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command • 2 – 10, page
• School commandants • 2 – 11, page
• Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command • 2 – 12, page
• Individuals • 2 – 13, page
• Order issuing officials • 2 – 14, page
• Commanders and supervisors • 2 – 15, page
• Military treatment facility • 2 – 16, page
• Designated master fitness trainer or noncommissioned officer • 2 – 17, page
• Performance experts • 2 – 18, page
• Chapter
• Army Body Composition Program, page
• Overview • 3 – 1, page
• Standard • 3 – 2, page
• Exemptions • 3 – 3, page
• Weigh-in and body fat assessment • 3 – 4, page
• Enrollment in the Army Body Composition Program • 3 – 5, page
  • duty • 3 – 6, page
• Actions, counseling, and evaluations for Reserve Component Soldiers not on active duty • 3 – 7, page
• Administrative requirements • 3 – 8, page
• Monitoring Soldier progress in the Army Body Composition Program • 3 – 9, page
• Medical evaluation • 3 – 10, page
• Temporary medical condition • 3 – 11, page
• Program failure • 3 – 12, page
• Release from the Army Body Composition Program • 3 – 13, page
• Body fat assessment failure within 36 months of release from Army Body Composition Program • 3 – 14, page
• Pregnancy • 3 – 15, page
• Hospitalization • 3 – 16, page
• Exception to policy authority • 3 – 17, page
• Reenlistment and extension criteria • 3 – 18, page
• A. References, page Appendixes
• B. Standard Methods for Determining Body Fat Using Body Circumferences, Height, and Weight, page
• C. Weight Loss, page
• D. Internal Control Evaluation, page
• Table 3 – 1: Summary of Army Body Composition Program-related actions, counseling, and evaluations, page Table List
• Table B – 1: Weight for height table (screening table weight), page
• Table B – 2: Maximum allowable percent body fat standards, page
• Table B – 3: Instructions for completing DA Form 5500 (male), page
• Table B – 4: Instructions for completing DA Form 5501 (female), page
• Table B – 5: Sample body fat calculations, page
• Figure 3 – 1: Sample of initial Soldier notification counseling, page Figure List
• Figure 3 – 2: Sample of request for nutrition counseling, page
• Figure 3 – 3: Sample of Soldier acknowledgment of enrollment in the Army Body Composition Program, page
• Figure 3 – 4: Sample of Soldier Action Plan, page
• Figure 3 – 5: Sample of sleep, activity, and nutrition counseling results, page
• Figure 3 – 6: Sample of request for medical evaluation, page AR 600–9 • 16 July 2019 iii
• Figure 3 – 7: Sample of medical evaluation results, page
• Figure 3 – 8: Sample of release from the Army Body Composition Program, page
• Figure B – 1: Percent fat estimates for males, page
• Figure B – 1: Percent fat estimates for males-Continued, page
• Figure B – 2: Percent fat estimates for females, page
• Figure B – 2: Percent fat estimates for females-Continued, page
• Figure B – 3: Male tape measurement illustration, page
• Figure B – 4: Female tape measurement illustration, page

Chapter 1

Introduction

1 – 1. Purpose This regulation establishes policies and procedures for the implementation of the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP).

1 – 2. References See appendix A.

1 – 3. Explanation of abbreviations and terms See the glossary.

1 – 4. Responsibilities Responsibilities are listed in chapter 2.

1 – 5. Objectives a. The primary objective of the ABCP is to ensure all Soldiers achieve and maintain optimal well-being and perfor- mance under all conditions. b. Secondary objectives of the ABCP are to— (1) Assist in establishing and maintaining— (a) Operational readiness. (b) Physical fitness. (c) Health. (d) A professional military appearance in accordance with AR 670 – 1. (2) Establish body fat standards. (3) Provide procedures by which personnel are counseled to assist in meeting the standards prescribed in this regulation.

Chapter 2

Responsibilities

2 – 1. General Soldiers must maintain a high level of physical readiness in order to meet mission requirements. Body composition is one indicator of physical readiness that is associated with an individual’s fitness, endurance, and overall health. Individuals with desirable body fat percentages generally exhibit increased muscular strength and endurance, are less likely to sustain injury from weight bearing activity, and are more likely to perform at an optimal level. Soldiers will meet Army body composition standards, as prescribed in this regulation, for the individual and collective benefit to themselves, their unit, and the entire Army.

2 – 2. Deputy Chief of Staff, G – 1 a. The DCS, G – 1 is responsible for the ABCP. b. Through the Commanding General (CG), U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) will— (1) Monitor the ABCP in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). (2) Take appropriate action under guidance prescribed in this regulation. (3) Ensure that members applying for tours of active duty, active duty for training (ADT), active duty support, and Active Guard Reserve (AGR) meet the body fat standards prescribed in this regulation. Soldiers who do not meet these standards will not be permitted to enter on active duty, ADT, active duty support, or in AGR status.

2 – 3. The Surgeon General TSG will— a. Establish medical examination and medical counseling policies in support of the ABCP. b. Evaluate the medical aspects of the program. c. Establish and review procedures for determination of body fat content.

d. Provide guidance on improving the nutritional status of Soldiers. e. Provide recommendations and/or medical opinions on medical exception to policy requests to the Office of the DCS, G – 1.

2 – 4. Deputy Chief of Staff, G – 3/5/ The DCS, G – 3/5/7 will establish training guidance in support of the ABCP.

2 – 5. Deputy Chief of Staff, G – 4 The DCS, G – 4 will— a. Establish food service guidance in support of the ABCP. b. Publish guidance and information pertaining to the performance nutrition contribution of items served on master menus.

2 – 6. Chief, National Guard Bureau CNGB will— a. Implement and monitor the ABCP in the Army National Guard (ARNG). b. Take appropriate action under guidance prescribed in this regulation.

2 – 7. Chief, Army Reserve CAR will— a. Monitor the ABCP in the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). b. Take appropriate action under guidance prescribed in this regulation.

2 – 8. Commanding General, U.S. Forces Command The CG, FORSCOM will implement and monitor the ABCP in Regular Army (RA) units and USAR to include troop program units, reinforcement training units, and continental United States individual mobilization augmentees.

2 – 9. Commanders of Army commands, Army service component commands, and direct reporting units The commanders of ACOMs, ASCCs, and DRUs will ensure that Soldiers within their commands are evaluated under the body fat standards prescribed in this regulation.

2 – 10. Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command The CG, TRADOC is responsible for ensuring Soldiers are trained on basic tenets of sleep, activity, and nutrition at the time of their initial entry.

2 – 11. School commandants Commandants, TRADOC school, and commandants and/or commanders of USAR Forces schools, the Army Reserve Readiness Training Center, and/or ARNG-conducted schools (regional noncommissioned officer (NCO) academies, State military academies, or ARNG professional education center courses) will take the actions in accordance with AR 350 – 1 upon determining that a student arrived for a professional military school who exceeds the body fat standard.

2 – 12. Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command The CG, MEDCOM will— a. Establish and provide weight reduction and counseling programs led by providers from medical treatment facilities in support of the ABCP. b. Provide appropriate literature and training aids for use by Soldiers, supervisors, and commanders that include the tenets of sleep, activity, and nutrition and its impact on obtaining and maintaining optimal body composition and perfor- mance. c. Ensure commanders of overseas major medical commands institute weight reduction and counseling programs led by medical providers from Army medical facilities in support of the ABCP.

(1) In the absence of a designated master fitness trainer, deliver training to command designated unit fitness training NCOs and designated NCOs in proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology to assess body fat composi- tion. Provide a memorandum of record documenting completion of training for commander/supervisor file certifying com- pletion of proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology training for unit fitness training noncommissioned officer or other designated NCO completion. (2) Provide evidence-based health and wellness assessments and general wellness education and coaching on healthy sleep, activity, and nutrition, weight management, goal setting, and performance, proper exercise and fitness techniques. (3) Assist commanders and supervisors with conducting weigh-ins and body fat assessments, as needed. (4) As required and/or requested, assist commanders in developing physical fitness programs.

2 – 17. Designated master fitness trainer or noncommissioned officer a. A designated master fitness trainer will— (1) Train command designated unit fitness training NCOs or other designated NCOs in proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology to assess body fat composition and train command designated unit fitness training NCOs in proper exercise and fitness techniques. In the absence of a master fitness trainer, utilize, and coordinate with the local MTF to provide this training, as needed. (2) Provide memorandum of record regarding unit fitness training NCO or other designated NCO completion of proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology training. b. A designated master fitness trainer or unit fitness training NCO will— (1) Prescribe proper exercise and fitness techniques, according to Field Manual (FM) 7 – 22, to assist Soldiers in meeting and maintaining body fat standards. (2) Assist commanders in developing programs that establish a physical fitness program in accordance with FM 7 – 22. (3) Improve readiness of the unit by assisting commanders in communication with health care professionals, health promotion/prevention teams, and/or AWCs to ensure Soldiers receive performance education on sleep, activity, and per- formance nutrition. (4) In the absence of a unit master fitness trainer, the AWC (if available at location) or the MTF has resource capacity to provide education on proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology, and proper exercise and fitness techniques, as well as to assist commanders in developing physical fitness programs.

2 – 18. Performance experts Performance experts will provide individual and unit tailored human performance optimization and resilience training to improve performance and promote efficiency and excellence during physical training, as requested.

Chapter 3

Army Body Composition Program

3 – 1. Overview Soldiers are subject to many demands and challenges that may impact individual readiness. The ABCP provides com- manders a systematic approach to enforce military standards across the unit, while supporting Soldiers with the resources they need to return to an optimum level of individual readiness.

3 – 2. Standard a. Soldiers are required to meet the prescribed body fat standard, as indicated in appendix B. Soldiers will be screened every 6 months, at a minimum, to ensure compliance with this regulation. b. The only authorized method of estimating body fat is the circumference-based tape method outlined in appendix B. c. Commanders are authorized to use the weight for height table (see app B) as a screening tool in order to expedite the semi-annual testing process. If Soldiers do not exceed the authorized screening table weight for their age and measured height, no body fat assessment is required. d. Commanders have the authority to direct a body fat assessment on any Soldier that they determine does not present a Soldierly appearance to ensure Soldier meets the screening table weight for his or her measured height. e. 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 this regulation in order to be released from the program.

3 – 3. Exemptions a. Soldiers assigned or attached to a Warrior Transition Unit or Community Based Warrior Transition Unit must meet the body fat standard. Soldiers with special considerations may request a temporary exception to policy. See paragraph 3 – 17. b. The following Soldiers are exempt from the requirements of this regulation; however, they must maintain a Soldierly appearance: (1) Soldiers with major limb loss. Major limb loss is defined as an amputation above the ankle or above the wrist, which includes full hand and/or full foot loss. It does not include partial hand, foot, fingers, or toes. (2) Soldiers on established continued on active duty and/or continued on active Reserve status. See AR 635 – 40. (3) Pregnant and postpartum Soldiers. See paragraph 3 – 15. (4) Soldiers who have undergone prolonged hospitalization for 30 continuous days or greater. See paragraph 3 – 16. (5) New recruits. These recruits, regardless of component, will have 6 months from entry to active service to meet the retention body fat standards established in this regulation. Failure to achieve retention body fat standards after 6 months of entry will result in Soldiers being flagged in accordance with AR 600 – 8 – 2 and enrolled in the ABCP. c. Soldiers that do not meet the criteria of paragraph 3–3 b have the option to request a temporary exception to policy. See paragraph 3 – 17.

3 – 4. Weigh-in and body fat assessment a. Weigh-ins and body fat assessments will be conducted in accordance with appendix B. All Soldiers will be weighed every 6 months, at a minimum. In order to ensure the ABCP does not interfere with Soldier performance on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), commanders and supervisors are encouraged to allow a minimum of 7 days between APFT and weigh-in, if feasible. Some Soldiers that are close to exceeding the screening weight may attempt to lose weight quickly in the days leading up to a weigh-in. This practice may result in the Soldier being unable to perform his or her best on the APFT, if the two events are scheduled close together. Routine weigh-ins will be accomplished at the unit level. Percent body fat assessments will be accomplished by company or similar level commanders (or their designee) in accord- ance with standard methods prescribed in appendix B. Soldiers will be measured by two trained individuals of the same gender. If a trained individual of the same gender is not available to conduct the measurements, a female Soldier will be present when a male Soldier measures a female, and a male Soldier will be present when a female measures a male. IRR members on annual training, ADT, and special ADT will have a weigh-in and body fat assessment (if required) by the unit to which they are attached. b. Units maintain height, weight, and body fat assessment data according to unit policy. The height, weight, and body fat percent may be entered on the DA Form 705 (Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard) but they are no longer required entries. Units may track height and weight on a centralized roster, the DA Form 705, and on the DA Form 5500 (Body Fat Assessment Worksheet - Male) or DA Form 5501 (Body Fat Assessment Worksheet - Female) if a body fat assessment is required.

3 – 5. Enrollment in the Army Body Composition Program a. RA and RC Soldiers who exceed body fat standards in appendix B will be enrolled in the unit ABCP. Enrollment in the ABCP starts on the day that the Soldier is notified by the unit commander (or designee) that he or she has been entered in the program (see para 3 – 6 for guidance on notification counseling). b. While enrolled, Soldiers will be provided exercise guidance by the unit master fitness trainer and/or unit fitness training NCO in accordance with FM 7 – 22; counseling by a registered dietitian (or health care provider, if a dietitian is not available) on sleep, activity, and performance nutrition for obtaining and maintaining optimal body composition and performance. Additional resources include performance enhancement training to improve performance and promote effi- ciency during physical training from the performance expert (where performance expert is available), and education and coaching on healthy sleep, activity, and nutrition behaviors, and weight management by Army Wellness Center (if availa- ble at duty location) or other MTF resources as indicated to support the Soldier and help them meet the ABCP standards. c. Initial entry Soldiers who exceed body fat standards after 6 months from date of entry to active service will be entered in the ABCP and flagged under the provisions of AR 600 –^8 –^ 2 by the unit commander.

3 – 6. Actions, counseling, and evaluation for Regular Army and Reserve Component Soldiers on active duty The following actions are required when a Soldier is determined to be exceeding the body fat standard (see table 3 – 1 ): a. Notification counseling. In accordance with AR 600 – 8 – 2, the commander has 3 working days to Flag the Soldier using DA Form 268 (Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (FLAG)) and 2 working days from initiation of DA

Figure 3 – 1. Sample of initial Soldier notification counseling

Figure 3 – 2. Sample of request for nutrition counseling

b. Soldier Action Plan. 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. 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). A sample Soldier Action Plan is at figure 3 – 4.

Figure 3 – 4. Sample of Soldier Action Plan

c. Nutrition counseling. The Soldier has 30 days after enrollment in the ABCP to meet with a dietitian (or health care provider, if a dietitian is not available) to receive counseling. Soldiers will schedule this appointment and coordinate any absence with their supervisory chain. Soldiers will provide the commander a memorandum signed by a dietitian or health care provider verifying that the counseling took place. A sample memorandum is at figure 3 – 5.

Figure 3 – 5. Sample of sleep, activity, and nutrition counseling results

3 – 7. Actions, counseling, and evaluations for Reserve Component Soldiers not on active duty The following is required when a Soldier is determined to exceed the body fat standard (see table 3 – 1 ): a. Notification counseling. In accordance with AR 600 – 8 – 2, the commander has until the final unit training assembly of that weekend’s multiple unit training assembly (MUTA) to Flag the Soldier using DA Form 268. Soldiers will be counseled regarding the initiation of the DA Form 268 prior to the conclusion of the first training period following the date the flagging action was initiated in accordance with AR 600 – 8 – 2. The effective date of the flagging action is the date the Soldier is found to be noncompliant. During this notification counseling, Soldiers will be advised they— (1) Have a DA Form 268 placed on their record to suspend favorable personnel actions. Some of the ramifications of the flagging action include: (a) Are nonpromotable (to the extent such nonpromotion is permitted by law). (b) Will not be assigned to command, command sergeant major, or first sergeant positions. (c) In accordance with AR 350 – 1, are not authorized to attend military schools and institutional training courses. (2) Are enrolled in the ABCP effective immediately. While enrolled they— (a) Within 14 days of enrollment, must read the USAPHC TG 358 at https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/USAPHC_TG_358_Army_Weight_Management_Guide.pdf. An appointment with a dietitian is optional and at the Soldier’s own expense. (b) Must complete and return their Soldier Action Plan (refer to para 3–7 b ) to the commander prior to the conclusion of the first training period after being notified of enrollment in the ABCP. (c) Must participate in unit monthly ABCP assessments to document their progress. (d) Must meet the body fat standard in order to be released from the ABCP. (e) May request AWC evaluation if service is available in geographical location. The evaluation may include height/weight measurement, body composition analysis, and metabolic testing. (f) May request a medical examination if there is reason to believe that there is an underlying medical condition that may directly contribute to weight gain or prevent weight or body fat loss. This exam is at the Soldier’s own expense.

(5) Counseling results memorandum (RA and RC on active duty only) (see fig 3 – 5 ). (6) Medical evaluation request memorandum(s), if indicated (RA and RC on active duty only) (see fig 3 – 6 ). (7) Medical evaluation results, if indicated (RA and RC on active duty only) (see fig 3 – 7 ). (8) Release from ABCP counseling memorandum from the unit commander (see fig 3 – 8 ). (9) Copy of DA Form 3349 (Physical Profile), if indicated.

Figure 3 – 6. Sample of request for medical evaluation