AR 600-9 — The Army Body Composition Program

AR 600-9 governs the Army Body Composition Program, including body fat standards, assessments, counseling, enrollment, and release.

Search AR 600-9

  • Publication number: AR 600-9
  • Title: THE ARMY BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM
  • Date: 07/16/2019
  • Proponent: G-1
  • Status: ACTIVE

View AR 600-9 on armypubs.army.mil

Related publications

AR 600-9 sets objectives for Soldier well-being, operational readiness, physical fitness, health, and military appearance. It contains requirements for body composition assessments, progress monitoring, medical evaluation, administrative records, and reenlistment criteria.

Applies to: Each Soldier (commissioned officer, warrant officer, and enlisted) is responsible for meeting the standards prescribed in this regulation.

Topics covered

  • Army Body Composition Program
  • Body fat standards
  • Weigh-in and body fat assessment
  • Soldier progress monitoring
  • Medical evaluation
  • Weight reduction and counseling
  • Reenlistment and extension criteria

Questions and answers

What body composition standards must Soldiers meet?

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. (paragraph 2-1)

What monthly progress qualifies as satisfactory progress?

A monthly loss of 3 to 8 pounds or 1 percent body fat is required for satisfactory progress. (paragraph 2)

How often are Soldiers enrolled in the ABCP assessed?

Approximately every 30 days (or during unit assemblies for RC not on active duty), commanders will conduct a monthly ABCP assessment to measure Soldier progress, with results annotated on DA Form 5500 or DA Form 5501. (paragraph 3-9)

Can chronic medical conditions exempt Soldiers from the body fat standards?

Chronic medical conditions will not be used to exempt Soldiers from meeting the standards established in this regulation. (paragraph 1-1)

Can personnel who exceed the body fat standard reenlist or extend their enlistment?

Personnel who exceed the body fat standard in appendix B will not be allowed to reenlist or extend their enlistment. (paragraph 3-18)

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