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If a Soldier is taking a prescribed medication that may cause weight gain, is he/she exempt from the standards of AR 600-9? |
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No. The use of certain medications to treat an underlying medical disorder or the inability to perform aerobic events may contribute to weight gain, but neither is generally considered sufficient medical rationale to exempt a Soldier from AR 600-9.
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When and for how long is a pregnant Soldier exempt from AR 600-9? |
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Pregnant Soldiers are exempt from the standards of AR 600-9 for the duration of pregnancy plus six months. When initially informed of the pregnancy, the Soldier shall continue her physical fitness program under the supervision of medical authority. The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) has developed a scientifically based program that has proven useful. Information about the USACHPPM program may be found at http://phc.amedd.army.mil/Pages/default.aspx.
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If a Soldier miscarries her baby, what is the guidance in regards to her APFT and weigh-in? |
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The DOD Directive 1308.1 (30 Jun 04), Physical Fitness and Body Fat Program, states pregnant service members shall not be held to the standards of fitness and body fat testing until at least six months after pregnancy termination. In accordance with AR 40-501, convalescent leave after a termination of pregnancy (for example, miscarriage) will be determined on an individual basis by the attending physician.
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When will a Soldier be flagged for being overweight? |
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A Soldier who exceeds the body fat standard will be informed by his/her commander that he/she has been entered into the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP). The date on which that counseling occurs is the effective date he/she is enrolled in the AWCP and flagged under the provisions of AR 600-8-2. Prior to or shortly after enrollment into the AWCP, that Soldier will also be provided dietary education or nutrition counseling by healthcare personnel, exercise guidance, and assistance in behavioral modification, as appropriate, to help him/her meet Army requirements.
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Are medical evaluations required before a Soldier is flagged? |
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No. However, a medical evaluation will be completed when the Soldier has a medical limitation, is pregnant, or when requested by the unit commander. A medical evaluation is also required for Soldiers being considered for separation as a result of failing to make satisfactory progress in a weight control program or who are within six months of exiting the Service. It is recommended that all Soldiers who are enrolled in a weight control program receive a medical evaluation. However, a medical evaluation does not exclude the Soldier from meeting body fat standards outlined in AR 600-9.
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Can the commander or attending physician approve exemptions to AR 600-9? |
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No. The Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Human Resources, is the proponent for the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP). Commanders must provide counseling to Soldiers to establish a personal weight goal and implement the AWCP. Healthcare personnel assist commanders and supervisors by providing weight reduction counseling, identification of pathological conditions that require medical treatment, and evaluating Soldiers with medical limitations. The DA Form 3349, Physical Profile Form, will not be used to excuse Soldiers from the provisions of AR 600-9. AR 600-9 contains a standard memorandum for completion by a physician if there is an underlying or associated disease process that is the cause of the overweight condition.
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What is the process to request a waiver to AR 600-9? |
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All waiver requests must be endorsed by your commander or senior leader and forwarded through your higher headquarters to the Army G-1. Your request must be accompanied by pertinent medical documentation from your healthcare provider. This information is then forwarded to the Office of the Surgeon General, who reviews and renders a medical opinion. Mailing address listed below.
Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1
ATTN: DAPE-HRI
1225 Clark Street, Suite 208
Arlington, VA 22202-4372
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