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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Oct. 23, 2020

Fall body comp screenings will be used only for data collection

By MyCG Staff

The Coast Guard announced today that this fall’s weight and body fat screening results will be used for data collection purposes only.

Due to feedback about how the pandemic has affected our workforce, we are making an in-stride course change to the October weigh-ins that acknowledges the importance of agility in supporting our workforce.

Members are still required to undergo weight and body fat screenings in October, with the understanding that the results will be used to provide commands and members a baseline for achieving healthy weight come April 2021.

Commands must work with members not meeting standards in October 2020, to facilitate meeting standards for April 2020 screenings, including periodic follow-ups to monitor progress to achieving compliance.

“We understand that the challenges of this pandemic continue,” said Rear Adm. Joanna Nunan, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources. “If you didn’t meet with the body composition standards this month, there will not be any repercussions. We want to get back on track for April 2021, so we encourage everyone to continue to be mindful of their eating and exercising habits.”

The Body Composition Program exists to maintain the health of our workforce and ensure we can meet operational needs. As a response to COVID-19, screenings (formerly called weigh-ins) were suspended from April 1 to Sept. 30, meaning members did not take part in the program. Screening resumed in October.

Since the October body composition program will be used only informatively, any administrative remarks created due to a non-compliant weight and body screening this fall will be permanently removed from the member’s record.

“Now, more than ever, I encourage our entire workforce to focus on their health and well-being,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason Vanderhaden. “This has been an extraordinary year, challenging us in ways we never thought possible. However, defining moments clarify what is most important.  We can go without dining in restaurants or trips to the movies, but we cannot go without unity and support of one another.

Effective Nov. 1, 2020, all weight and body fat screenings - except those required for accession and commissioning - are suspended until April 1, 2021. During this time, no member will be referred to probation or separation action under the Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual, COMDTINST M1020.8 (series).

All members will be expected to participate in the body composition screening process beginning April 1, 2021.

For more questions, please email the Body Composition Policy inbox.

For more information please see the Body Composition Screening Update ACN 128/20.

For a list of FAQs, please visit this article