ACN 023/21 - MAR 2021 COVID-19: MITIGATIONS TO THE BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM FOR APRIL 2021 SEMIANNUAL BODY COMPOSITION SCREENING

R 021841Z MAR 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST COMDT NOTICE

UNCLAS
ACN 023/21
SSIC 1020
SUBJ: COVID-19: MITIGATIONS TO THE BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM
FOR APRIL 2021 SEMIANNUAL BODY COMPOSITION SCREENING
A. Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual,
COMDTINST M1020.8 (series)
1. This ACN announces temporary modification to REF (A).
2. COVID-19 Mitigations. In light of the ongoing impact
of COVID-19 of our members, the Body Composition Program
has been modified for the April 2021 Semiannual Body
Composition Screening (BCS). The modifications reflect
a shift in focus for the April 2021 BCS from compliance
to providing tools for nutritional health and safe weight
loss in order to achieve compliance in October 2021:
     a. All military members must complete the April 2021
Semiannual BCS; unit commanders will ensure compliance.
     b. Members must have height (if not done yet on current
tour) and weight checked; if not within Maximum Allowable
Weight (MAW) members must be taped by the method of their
choice (2/3 site taping or Abdominal Circumference (AC)
taping). If not in compliance with initial taping method,
members may be measured using the other taping method.
     c. Members who show compliance through MAW or one of the
taping methods will immediately be marked compliant in Direct
Access. Members not able to demonstrate compliance through
one of the methods (MAW, 2/3 site taping, or AC) must be
referred to their servicing medical provider for nutritional
assistance and safe weight loss counseling. Once members have
completed medical counseling they will be marked compliant in
DA.
     d. As a continuation of the BCS pilot program, members who
completed medical counseling and are cleared to safely participate
in the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) have the option to complete
the PFT as an alternate compliance method.
3. The administrative actions normally associated with BC
probation will not apply to any member who completes the
April 2021 BCS. Specifically members:
    a. will not be put on probation;
    b. will not receive a "strike" as defined in REF (A);
    c. will be allowed to advance, promote, or be frocked,
and take special assignments;
    d. will not be required to be marked three or below on
OER/EER;
    e. will be permitted to integrate on time from reserve
status; and
    f. will be permitted to execute PCS, School, and ADOS/TDY
orders.
4. After members have completed April 2021 Semiannual BCS
they will be exempt from further BCS measurements (i.e.
before executing orders, etc.) until the next Semiannual
BCS in October 2021.
5. When performing any required body composition screening
per REF (A) for the April 2021 BCS, personnel must adhere
to the procedures listed in this message and in the Body
Composition Screening Desk Guide, which can be found at:
https://dcms.uscg.mil/military/Body-Composition-Program/.
6. Accessions. This ACN does not update or modify accession
standards for CG applicants. However, CGRC, LDC, and TCCM
will follow the guidance outlined in this ACN for any
recruits or service members assigned to their units.
7. All military members are reminded that it is their duty
to remain in compliance with Coast Guard standards to ensure
a mission-ready workforce. Pregnant members remain exempt
from BCS per REF (A).
8. Commands/Supervisors are responsible to be aware of the
BC status of all military members and to assist members in
seeking medical/health and wellness resources that will allow
them to achieve compliance at the October 2021 BCS.
9. Policies and standards in REF (A) not specifically addressed
in this ACN, remain unchanged.
10. This message will be canceled on 01 October 2021.
11. POC: For medical screening questions, contact COMDT (CG-112)
at: HQS-BodyCompMedical@uscg.mil. For general policy questions
contact COMDT (CG-1331) at: HQS-BodyCompPolicy@uscg.mil or visit
the Body Composition website at:
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/military/Body-Composition-Program/.
12. Released by RADM J. M. Nunan, Assistant Commandant for
Human Resources (CG-1).
13. Internet release is authorized.