ALCOAST 272/26 - SEP 2026 OCTOBER 2026 BODY COMPOSITION STANDARD (BCS) SCREENING EXPECTATIONS

R 011835Z SEP 26  MID120041494550U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 272/26
SSIC 1020
SUBJ: OCTOBER 2026 BODY COMPOSITION STANDARD (BCS) SCREENING
EXPECTATIONS
A. Physical Readiness Program (PRP), COMDTINST 6100.1
B. Body Composition Standards Program, COMDTINST 1020.8I
1. Purpose. With the launch of the Physical Readiness Program (PRP)
and REF (A), the boat crew physical fitness test is no longer an
option for semi-annual body composition standard (BCS) compliance
screening.
2. Background and Policy. Between October 2023 and April 2026, the
Coast Guard conducted a "beta test" to allow certain units to use
the boat crew physical fitness test as a first option for completing
semi-annual BCS requirements in an effort to reduce administrative
obligations on those units.
    a. In accordance with REF (A) and forthcoming updates to REF (B),
no communities will be exempt from semi-annual BCS screening in
OCT 2026.
    b. All Service members must comply with the tiered BCS screening
process in accordance with REF (B) and listed here:
        (1) Maximum Allowable Weight (MAW). First, all eligible
members must be screened via MAW standards.
        (2) Maximum Allowable Body Fat (MABF). Eligible members who
are noncompliant with MAW must then be measured for MABF.
        (3) Maximum Abdominal Circumference (AC). Eligible members who
are noncompliant with MABF must then be measured for AC.
        (4) Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Eligible members who are
noncompliant with AC must then be measured using PRP PFT standards
found in REF (A).
3. Additional BCS Changes and Information.
    a. BCS PFT Changes. Members who are eligible to take the
PFT for BCS compliance must score an overall average of "5" to
achieve BCS compliance via the PFT.
    b. Completion of the PFT for the PRP prior to completion of the
required BCS screening order does not count toward OCT 2026
semi-annual BCS compliance.
    c. Waist to Height Ratio (WtHR). Members can expect more
information concerning the Coast Guard's review of WtHR measurements
for future BCS screenings. WtHR measurements will not be used for
OCT 2026.
4. Resources.
    a. Members in need of weight management counseling must seek
guidance from their Primary Care Manager (PCM) for support and/or
treatment.
    b. Members in need of resources to assist with athletic
performance should discuss options with their local Physical
Readiness Leader (PRL) and/or join the USCG Strength and
Readiness - Community of Support Teams Channel using the link below:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser.)

https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/l/team/19%3Adod%3A6Kmye8Hzwaufc_bV
N0l3pAwN7m0XifrVEYPvZiMtBVI1%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId
=68c0bb97-663b-458a-96f7-66ec24615ed5&tenantId=369ba0d5-02cb-4d2f
-94fd-9212cc24b78c

5. POCs.
    a. For medical screening questions, contact the Health Care
Service Center (HCSC) at HQS-BodyCompMedical@uscg.mil.
    b. For policy questions, contact the Office of Military Personnel
Policy, (CG-WMM-2) at HQS-SMB-BodyCompPolicy@uscg.mil.
6. RADM Tiffany G. Danko, Assistant Commandant for Workforce
Management (CG-WM), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.