Posted on Jun 3, 2014
SGM Sergeant Major
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I am wondering what other Leaders are dealing with when they have a Soldier who is riding that edge on unsatisfactory progress.

AR 600-9 states -

3–12. Program failure
a. Satisfactory progress in the ABCP is defined as a monthly weight loss of either 3 to 8 pounds or 1 percent body fat.
b. A Soldier enrolled in the ABCP is considered to be failing the program if:
(1) He or she exhibits less than satisfactory progress on two consecutive monthly ABCP assessments; or
(2) After 6 months in the ABCP he or she still exceeds body fat standards, and exhibits less than satisfactory
progress for three or more (nonconsecutive) monthly ABCP assessments.

Example -

PVT Joe goes on the program 1 Jan 2014 and is counseled and enrolled within days of the failure. Soldier is 20 lbs over the weight limit and 5% over the body fat.

Feb - lost 5 lbs and no percentage (progress).

Mar - lost 3 lbs and 1% (progress).

Apr - gained 3 lbs (no progress).

May - lost 5 lbs and 1% (progress).

Jun - did not lose weight or percentage (no progress).

July - lost 4 lbs and no percentage (progress).

That is the 6 month period. According to the regulation the Soldier does not meet the criteria for being a program failure. Soldier remains on the program. Let's kick this can down the road some. Soldier is still 7 lbs over the weight limit and 3% over the body fat.

Aug - lost 3 lbs and 1% (progress).

Sep - lost 4 lbs (progress).

Oct - gained 2 lbs (no progress).

Do you reset the 6 month window from the first failure in Apr? If so Oct is outside the 6 month window. Do you reset the 6 month window again? I have heard of units that do it that way.

I believe the way it is setup a Soldier can still ride that blade for a little bit. With that said at what point do you stop and try to initiate separation proceedings? Just interested in seeing how other units, Leaders and Command teams are tackling this issue.
Posted in these groups: Bilde AR 600-9Military civilian 600x338 TransitionF6f0e119 ABCP
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Responses: 4
CSM Mike Maynard
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1SG - nowhere does it say to "reset" the 6-month period. In fact, since b(2) states after 6-months, that would encompass all months past 6.

Additionally, if they go past the six months, as soon as they've had their 3rd non-consecutive "no progress", they would be a program failure.

So, for our unit, it's 1) no progress for two consecutive months or 2) no progress for three non-consecutive months, and with at least 6-months in the program - that's when we begin separation.
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SGM Sergeant Major
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CSM - I understand the regulation doesn't say reset. I found it interesting how some units interpret the regulation compared to others. I know when it comes to regulations a lot of people have their own read on things. We have a ABCP policy letter that lays out the law and defines how the CDR interprets the regulation which is in line with your system.
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SGM Sergeant Major
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Posted in the wrong comment
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SGT Automated Logistical Specialist
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We have a SM that’s in the program for 6 months but wasn’t tapped for 2 consecutive months.. flag invalid? Does that require a resist due to the unit? Of course the SM still needs to get in compliance but shouldn’t be at risk for separation at this point. Thoughts? AR 600-9 doesn’t cover not being done properly by the unit in that regard
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SGT Automated Logistical Specialist
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Reset
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SGM Sergeant Major
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I can tell you I tried to create a Memorandum for Record if a month was missed but 2 consecutive missed months looks very bad. Your unit chain of command can decide on the way ahead -

1) Remove and reapply the flag

2) Leave the flag in place but his clock starts over. If they go with #2 I would type it up in a memorandum and attach it to the packet.
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SGT Automated Logistical Specialist
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I agree. Thank you
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SFC First Sergeant
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What if a soldier was erroneously removed from the program because of a paperwork error. Flag was removed and then failed tape?
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SGM Sergeant Major
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There are 2 ways you can approach this.

1) Go talk to legal and IG about the erroneous paperwork and see if a memorandum from the Commander will appease them. Chances are they will not let it fly.

2) Type up a memorandum explaining the error and start the Soldier back on the program. At least the memorandum will explain the problem if it comes up later on.

Best practice is to start over if a Soldier was removed from the program erroneously. It may seem like extra work but you want to do these processes by the book and not leave any loopholes that can be used to benefit the Soldier later on.
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