Unsatisfactory progress in AR 600-9

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:53:58 -0400

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.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Jun 3 at 2014 10:22 PM

CSM Mike Maynard — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 22:22:54 -0400

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.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 3 at 2014 10:43 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 22:43:30 -0400

The Air Force is getting cut throat. We do not measure and calculate the same way.... you get your bellyfat measure (abdominal circumference) along with push-up, sit-up, and run. all have points. minimum standards in all 4 categories is a PT Test failure (you do not meet the minimum 75/100 points to pass...you MUST excel in something...push-ups and sit-ups are chump points, so belly fat and run are big time). 90 days to retest. 90 days to retest (#3), 90 days to retest (#4). If failed #4, you are most likely gone (1 year). The only way to beat the belly fat is to score almost a MAX in all 3 other categories, then you may have your BMI measured....not sure exactly how that works as it is new.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 1:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 01:58:14 -0400

What if a soldier was erroneously removed from the program because of a paperwork error. Flag was removed and then failed tape?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 3:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 15:05:12 -0500

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