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Commentary | March 31, 2022

Updated instruction: See the new updates to the Body Composition Standards Program  

By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Allyson E.T. Conroy, MyCG Staff

The new Body Composition Standards Program Instruction is available with the biggest change being the permanent addition of Abdominal Circumference (AC) and Physical Fitness Test (PFT) as additional methods of compliance.  

The Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual has been updated and renamed to the Body Composition Standards Program.  [https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/library/directives/SitePages/directives.aspx?Directive%20Type=CIM]. Major Changes, which were part of the pilot, include: 

  • Added abdominal circumference (AC) as an additional body composition measure to be used with maximum allowable weight (MAW), as well as a maximum value and safe AC loss rate 
  • Abdominal circumference is now authorized for accession screenings 
  • Removed requirement for members on abeyances/exemptions to participate in body composition screenings 
  • Removed requirement for members to be compliant prior to receiving a sexual assault recovery or infertility treatment exemption 
  • Added the Coast Guard boat crew physical fitness test as a method of body composition compliance 
  • Added a 30-day waiting period for probation start date to initial probation body composition screening. 

“The Coast Guard has continued to look and reevaluate this program due to its significant impact on our workforce,” said Capt. Anthony Williams, Chief, Office of Military Personnel Policy. “These changes reflect years of study and encompasses input from a diverse cross section of our organization.”  

While Coast Guard military members are always subject to Body Composition screenings, there are two mandated screenings a year – April and October. If you have any questions about the new requirements, you are encouraged to talk with your supervisor.  

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