Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) AR 600-9

1. What regulation covers the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)?

AR 600-9.

2. What is the objective of the ABCP?

To ensure Soldiers maintain a level of body composition that is conducive to good health and physical readiness.

3. Who must comply with AR 600-9?

All Soldiers, regardless of component, in Active Army, ARNG/ARNGUS, and USAR.

4. How often must Soldiers be weighed for ABCP compliance?

At a minimum, every 6 months.

5. What is the height/weight screening table used for?

To determine if a body fat assessment is required.

6. What happens if a Soldier exceeds the screening weight but appears to be within body fat standards?

They must still undergo a body fat assessment to confirm compliance.

7. What is used to determine body fat percentage?

Circumference-based tape method outlined in Appendix B and C of AR 600-9.

8. What are the maximum allowable body fat percentages for Soldiers?

Males: 17%–26% | Females: 26%–36%, depending on age.

9. What form is used to record male body fat assessments?

DA Form 5500.

10. What form is used to record female body fat assessments?

DA Form 5501.

11. When must a Soldier be enrolled in the ABCP?

Within 2 working days of being determined noncompliant with body fat standards.

12. What must a commander provide upon enrollment?

A counseling, a plan of action, a nutrition appointment, and exercise guidance.

13. What form is used to counsel Soldiers for enrollment in ABCP?

DA Form 4856.

14. Can a Soldier be enrolled in ABCP without medical evaluation?

No, they must be evaluated to rule out underlying medical conditions.

15. What documents must be maintained during a Soldier’s ABCP enrollment?

Counseling’s, body fat worksheets, nutrition appointment documentation, and progress tracking.

16. How often must body fat assessments be conducted for enrolled Soldiers?

Every 30 days.

17. What is considered satisfactory progress in ABCP?

A loss of 3–8 pounds per month or 1% body fat.

18. What happens if a Soldier fails to make satisfactory progress?

They are counseled and may be subject to separation or other administrative action.

19. What happens when a Soldier meets the body fat standard?

They are removed from the ABCP, and the flag is lifted.

20. How long can a Soldier remain enrolled in the ABCP?

Generally, up to 6 months

21. When can a Soldier be removed from the ABCP?

After they meet body fat standards and are cleared by a medical provider if needed.

22. What documentation is required for removal?

Updated DA Form 5500/5501 showing compliance and commander’s memo for removal.

23. Is a Soldier exempt from height/weight after being removed from ABCP?

No, they are still subject to regular assessments.

24. Who has the authority to remove a Soldier from the program?

The unit commander.

25. Can a Soldier be flagged again after removal?

Yes, if they exceed body fat standards again within 36 months.

26. What happens if a Soldier fails body fat again within 36 months of removal?

They will be re-enrolled in the ABCP and separation may be initiated.

27. How long does a flag remain in place for ABCP failure?

Until the Soldier meets the body fat standard.

6 MONTH MAX

28. Can a Soldier be separated for failing the ABCP?

Yes, if they fail to make satisfactory progress or fail the program twice.

29. What separation chapter is used for active duty enlisted Soldiers failing ABCP?

Chapter 18, AR 635-200.

30. What happens to a Soldier who fails ABCP twice in a career?

They may be separated and are not eligible for further reenlistment or promotion.

31. What medical conditions can exempt a Soldier from ABCP?

Conditions confirmed by a medical provider that impact metabolism or weight control.

32. Can pregnancy exempt a Soldier from the ABCP?

Yes, but screening resumes 6 months postpartum

33. When does a postpartum Soldier resume body composition assessments?

6 months after delivery.

34. Can Soldiers on temporary profiles be exempt from ABCP?

Only if the medical condition directly impacts body composition.

35. What must a commander do when a Soldier is exempted medically?

Maintain medical documentation and reassess after exemption ends.

36. What are the commander’s responsibilities in the ABCP?

Ensure accurate screening, timely enrollment, counseling, monitoring, and documentation.

37. Can a flagged Soldier attend military schools or promotions?

No, they are ineligible while flagged.

38. Can a Soldier receive awards while flagged for ABCP?

No, Soldiers flagged under ABCP are not eligible for favorable actions.

39. What flag code is used for ABCP failure?

Flag code "J" – Overweight.

40. Is a nutrition counseling mandatory for ABCP Soldiers?

Yes, within 30 days of enrollment.

41. Can new recruits be enrolled in the ABCP?

Yes, if they exceed body fat standards after in-processing.

42. Does muscle mass exempt a Soldier from the ABCP?

No, tape measurements must still be conducted.

43. Can DA Form 5500/5501 be digitally signed?

Yes, as long as authenticity is maintained.

44. What is the body fat margin for a taping retest?

There is no official margin; retesting is at the commander’s discretion.

45. Can Soldiers request a second opinion on body fat assessments?

Yes, they may request a retest from another qualified evaluator.

WHEN SOLDIER FAILS TEST A SECOND TEAM WILL TAPE SOLDIER

46. Is participation in the ABCP voluntary?

No, it is mandatory for Soldiers who do not meet standards.

47. How long are ABCP records kept?

Until one year after removal or separation.

48. Can a Soldier be promoted while enrolled in ABCP?

No, they are ineligible until removed from the program.

49. Can a Soldier decline enrollment in ABCP?

No, participation is not optional.

50. What happens to body composition records after a Soldier separates?

They are included in the official military personnel file per Army recordkeeping guidelines.

abcp flag transferable ?

It is no longer transferable