Overview

The focus of the Army Body Composition Program is to have an effective, accurate assessment of the holistic health and fitness of our Force while providing Soldiers with the resources they need to improve and preserve individual and unit readiness. The primary objective of the ABCP is to ensure that all Soldiers achieve and maintain optimal well-being and performance under all conditions. Soldiers who exceed Army body-fat standards will be enrolled in the program, during which they will receive exercise guidance from a master fitness trainer and counseling from a registered dietitian or health provider.

In 2021, Army senior leaders did a comprehensive study of the relationship between ACFT scores and Amy body-composition standards. The data showed a relationship between body-fat percentage and ACFT scores, as Soldiers with a higher percentage of body fat had lower scores than those with less body fat. In accordance with ALARACT 053/2024, effective 9 June 2024, the one-site (abdomen) circumference-based tape method and supplemental body fat assessment are the only authorized methods for measuring body composition.



ABCP Guidance & Information

Army Directive 2023-08 modifies the ABCP to reflect that all Soldiers who score 540 or higher on the record Army Combat Fitness Test, with a minimum of 80 points in each event, are exempt from the body-fat assessment. This applies to all six primary events (three repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-carry-drag, plank and two-mile run). No alternate events are authorized. Each event is scored on a scale of 0-100, with adjustments based on age group. The ACFT web page contains details about each event and recommendations on how to train for each one.

Army Directive 2023-11 revised the previous body fat calculator to account for the whole Soldier based on findings from scientific assessments of the previous assessments. The new calculator provides a more accurate circumference-based body fat tape test and establishes the process for a supplemental body fat assessment as necessary. 

Articles

  • ABCP Exemption News Release shares information about the directive that exempts Soldiers who score 540+ on the ACFT from body fat Assessment.
  • Active Living gives information about how regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health.
  • Men’s Health discusses statistics and healthy versus unhealthy habits for men.
  • Women’s Health discusses statistics and healthy versus unhealthy habits for women.

Programs & Tools

  • DPRR Monthly Webinar series serve as a forum for learning, exchanging ideas and discussing the latest research, policies, tools and best practices with leading practitioners and national subject matter experts.
  • Holistic Health and Fitness System is the Army’s primary investment in Soldier readiness and lethality, optimal physical and non-physical performance, reduced injury rates, improved rehabilitation after injury, and increased overall effectiveness of the Total Army.
  • R2 Performance Centers provide customized performance and resilience training and education to Soldiers that will help them sustain personal readiness, enhance resilience, improve human performance and build unit cohesion.
  • Resilience in Focus series offers tips and practices to become physically resilient, build self-confidence and the ability to lead yourself and others through tough situations in life.
  • Resilience Round Up Podcast is a monthly podcast series that offers resources to help Soldiers maintain resilience.