Overview
The focus of the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) 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. Additional resources will also be available.
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.
Army Body Fat Assessment Exception for Army Combat Fitness Test Score
Army Directive 2023-08 modifies the ABCP. All Soldiers who score 540 or higher on the record Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), 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 Body Fat Circumference-Based Tape Test and Supplemental Body Fat Assessment
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. Use the calculator
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