ABCP

Question 1

What does ABCP stand for?

Answer 1

Army Body Composition Program

Question 2

What is the only authorized method of estimating body fat?

Answer 2

Circumference-based tape method

Question 3

When are you able to measure body fat composition of a new recruit?

Answer 3

They will have 6 months from entry to active service to meet the retention body fat
standards

Question 4

How often does a Soldier need to be weighed-in and have a body fat assessment?

Answer 4

All Soldiers will be weighed every 6 months, at a minimum

Question 5

What Army Regulation covers the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)

Answer 5

Army Regulation 600-9

Question 6

What DA Form is used to annotate height, weight and body fat assessment?

Answer 6

DA Form 5500 (Male) and/or DA Form 5501 (Female)

Question 7

What actions are required when a Soldier is determined to be exceeding the body fat
standard?

Answer 7

• Notification Counseling
• Soldier Action Plan
• Nutrition Counseling

Question 8

How many days does a Soldier have to respond to the commander with a Soldier
Action Plan?

Answer 8

Within 14 days of the notification counseling.

Question 9

How many days does a Soldier have to meet with a dietitian?

Answer 9

The Soldier has 30 days after enrollment in the ABCP

Question 10

How often must a Soldier be assessed while enrolled in the ABCP?

Answer 10

Approximately every 30 days

Question 11

What goals are considered to be making satisfactory progress in the ABCP?

Answer 11

A monthly loss of either 3 to 8 pounds or 1 percent body fat.

Question 12

When would a Medical Evaluation be required?

Answer 12

• When requested by the unit commander
• Requested by Soldier
• When Soldier is being considered for Separation
• Within 6 months of expiration term of service after the initiation of a bar to continued service for failure to make satisfactory progress in the ABCP.

Question 13

What form is used to initiate a FLAG and timeline if a Soldier exceeds the Body Fat
Standard?

Answer 13

DA Form 268 within 3 working days.

Question 14

When is a Soldier enrolled in the ABCP considered to be failing the program?

Answer 14

Exhibits less than satisfactory progress on two consecutive monthly ABCP assessments;
or after 6 months still exceeding body fat standards, and exhibiting less than satisfactory
progress for three or more (nonconsecutive) monthly ABCP assessments.

Question 15

What must be done if a Soldier again exceeds the body fat standard within 12 months
after release from the ABCP?

Answer 15

A DA Form 268 is initiated and the Soldier will undergo a medical evaluation.

Question 16

What must be done if a Soldier again exceeds the body fat standard after 12 months
but less than 36 months from the date of release from the ABCP?

Answer 16

DA Form 268 will be initiated; Soldier will undergo a medical evaluation and will be re
enrolled in ABCP.

Question 17

If a Soldier is re-enrolled after 12 months but less than 36 months from release of the
ABCP, how many days does the Soldier have to meet standards before becoming an
ABCP failure?

Answer 17

The Soldier will have 90 days to meet the standards.

Question 18

What Actions can be taken if a Soldier exceeds the body fat standards with the first
36 months of release from the ABCP?

Answer 18

Commanders will initiate separation action, bar to continued service, or transfer to the
IRR.

Question 19

How many days after pregnancy is a Soldier exempt from ABCP standards?

Answer 19

For the duration of the pregnancy plus the period of 180 days after the pregnancy ends.

Question 20

For Soldiers who become pregnant while enrolled in the ABCP will they remain under
the flagging action?

Answer 20

Yes.

Question 21

How long are Soldiers that are hospitalized for 30 continuous days or more exempt
from the standards outlined in the ABCP?

Answer 21

The duration of the hospitalization and the recovery period as specified by their profile,
not to exceed 90 days from discharge from the hospital.

Question 22

When measuring a Soldiers height, what is the proper uniform?

Answer 22

The height will be measured with the Soldier in stocking feet (without running shoes) and
wearing the authorized physical fitness uniform (trunks and T-shirt).

Question 23

When measuring height to use the weight for height screening table, what guidelines
must be followed?

Answer 23

If height is less than half an inch, round down to nearest whole pound, if height is half
inch or greater round up to highest whole number pound.

Question 24

What guidelines must you follow when measuring a Soldiers weight?

Answer 24

• If the weight fraction is less than one-half pound, round down to the nearest pound
• If the weight fraction is one half-pound or greater, round up to the next whole pound
• No weight will be deducted to account for clothing.

Question 25

In the absence of a designated Master Fitness Trainer what certifies a Noncommissioned Officer to measure the body circumference of Soldiers?

Answer 25

Train designated NCOs in proper height, weight, and body circumference methodology
and provide a memorandum of record documenting completion of training.

Question 26

When using a tape measure what are the dimensions used and preferred type?

Answer 26

The tape will be one-quarter to one-half inch wide (not exceeding one-half inch) and a
minimum of 5 feet in length. A retractable fiberglass tape is the best type for measuring
all areas.

Question 27

What are the duties and responsibilities of the mandatory two personnel when
determining body fat using the body circumference process?

Answer 27

One to place the tape measure and determine measurements and the other to assure
proper placement and tension of the tape, as well as to record the measurement.

Question 28

Who signs the DA Form 5500 and DA Form 5501 in the “prepared by” block?

Answer 28

The unit member recording the measurements.

Question 29

If the unit member measuring and the Soldier being measured are of different gender
what must happen before conducting the measurement?

Answer 29

A female Soldier will be present when a male measures a female, and a male Soldier
will be present when a female measures a male.

Question 30

In using the circumference methodology you determine the Soldier’s body
circumference does not meet the ABCP standards what must be done before any
action can be taken?

Answer 30

A confirmation is required and completed by a different team.

Question 31

How are the measurements rounded when recording circumferences?

Answer 31

Neck round up to nearest half inch, abdomen/waist/hip round down to nearest half inch.

Question 32

If you have a Soldier that is over 80 Inches tall how do you determine screening table
weight for use with the weight for height table?

Answer 32

Add 6 pounds per inch for males over 80 inches and 5 pounds per inch for females over
80 inches.