ABCP - Army Body Composition Program

Question 1

What is meant by the term “overweight”?

Answer 1

A soldier is considered overweight when his or her percent body fat exceeds the standard specified
in AR 600-9.

Question 2

Who is responsible for meeting the standards prescribed in AR 600-9?

Answer 2

Every Soldier.

Question 3

What are the primary objectives of the Army Body Composition Program?

Answer 3

Ensure that all personnel:
* Are able to meet the physical demands of their duties under combat conditions
* Present a trim military appearance at all times.

Question 4

Name some limitations on personnel that are overweight, including Soldiers who become
pregnant while on the weight control program?

Answer 4

1. Are non-promotable (to the extent such non promotion is permitted by law).
2. Will not be assigned to command, command sergeant major or first sergeant positions.
3. Are not authorized to attend professional military schools.

Question 5

Can a Soldier who has been flagged for being overweight or an APFT failure receive an award?

Answer 5

A Soldier that is flagged for being overweight cannot receive an award.
A Soldier that is flagged for APFT failure can receive an award

Question 6

When is a determination of percent body fat required to be made on personnel?

Answer 6

When is a determination of percent body fat required to be made on personnel?

Question 7

Screening table weights and heights are measured to the nearest what?

Answer 7

1/2 pound or 1/2 inch

Question 8

What regulation covers the Army Body Composition Program?

Answer 8

AR 600-9

Question 9

What is the required weight loss goal for Soldiers on the Army Body Composition Program?

Answer 9

The required weight loss goal of 3 to 8 pounds per month is considered a safely attainable goal to
enable soldiers to lose excess body fat and meet the body fat standards

Question 10

How often should soldiers in the Army Body Composition Program weight in?

Answer 10

Monthly to measure progress

Question 11

Tape measures used for taping should be made of what material?

Answer 11

The tape measures could be made of a non-stretchable material, preferably fiberglass; cloth or steel
tapes are unacceptable.

Question 12

When does enrolment in the Army Body Composition Program begin?

Answer 12

On the day that the soldier is informed by the unit commander that he or she has been entered into
the ABCP.

Question 13

What are three reasons why the Army is so concerned about excess body fat?

Answer 13

1. Connotes a lack of personal discipline.
2. Detracts from military appearance.
3. May indicate a poor state of health, physical fitness, or stamina.

Question 14

What three things must happen when a soldier is determined to be overweight?

Answer 14

1. Will be provided exercise guidance, dietary information or weight reduction counselling by
   health care personnel, and assistance in behavioural modification, as appropriate, to help
   them attain the requirements of the Army.
2. Entered into ABCP by unit commanders
3. Flagged by the Commander under the provisions of AR 600-8-22

Question 15

How often should soldiers be weighed?

Answer 15

A soldier should be weighed when they take the APFT or at least every six months

Question 16

Define Tape Test:

Answer 16

The method of determining the percent of body fat on a soldier.

Question 17

What circumference sites are used for taping male and female soldiers?

Answer 17

• Male- Abdomen and Neck
• Female- Neck, Waist and Hip (largest portion of the protruding buttock)

Question 18

How many times is each measurement required to be made?

Answer 18

Three times (Each sequential measurement will be within 1/2 inch of the next or previous
measurement.)

Question 19

How many people should be utilized in the taping of soldiers?

Answer 19

Two, one to place the tape measure and determine the measurements, the other to assure proper
placement and tension of the tape, as well as to record the measurement on the worksheet

Question 20

If circumstances prevent the weighing of soldiers immediately following the APFT, when can they
be weighed?

Answer 20

If the circumstances preclude weighing soldiers during the APFT, they should be weighed within 30
days of the APFT.

Question 21

It is a requirement that all TDV and PCS orders contain what statement in regard to weight
control?

Answer 21

“You are responsible for reporting to your next duty station/school in satisfactory physical condition,
able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and meet weight standards.”

Question 22

In regards to percent body fat, all personnel are encouraged to achieve the more stringent
Department of Defense-wide goal of what?

Answer 22

Males-18%
Females - 26%

Question 23

To assist soldiers in meeting the requirements prescribed in AR 600-9, weight-screening tables are
used. The screening weight is based on what two considerations?

Answer 23

Height and age with separate tables for males and females

Question 24

What are the forms a Soldier’s body weight are recorded on?

Answer 24

1. DA Form 705
2. DA Form 5500
3. DA Form 5501