What happens after a soldier is enrolled in the ABCP and fails to make satisfactory progress for 2 consecutive months?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:31:35 -0500

I’ve read AR 600-9 and I’m still not perfectly clear. It says “ Approximately 30 days “ are supposed to pass between weigh-ins and/or tape, but it has only been 18 days since the last weigh-in. I feel that this isn’t fair and didn’t allow the soldier sufficient time to lose the weight or lose body fat percentage. Also it has been now 4 days since the soldier busted tape for the 2nd time in a row. Does the commander/ supervisor still have only 3 business days to counsel the soldier? Or is that only for the initial counseling when they are enrolled into the program? Also, the soldier is still within the first 6 months of being enrolled in the ABCP. Does this mean the soldier WILL be separated, or it will just be recommended that they are separated?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2019 4:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:21:33 -0500

The ABCP is the Commanders Program. If they so choose to initiate Chapter proceedings, then that is there call, especially since the guidance is 2 failed tapes in 12 month period or less and separation should be initiated. That being said, there needs to be an Initial Counseling and another counseling every time the SM gets HT/WT and taped. Whether the next measurements are positive or negative, there needs to be a counseling. And, the SM is to be afforded the opportunity to see a medical provider to determine if there is an un-diagnosed medical condition that is making the SM bust tape. Also, the SM is to attend a Nutrition Class conducted by a Nutritionist. All of this also must be documented in the counseling. Also, it is recommended that the SM lose 2.5 lbs per week (healthy/safe weight loss recommendation). 18 days is plenty of time to have lost weight and/or inches/percentage.

Also, the Commander recommends separation. There is a process to this. There is a good long list of requirements for the separation packet. The packet will be sent up the Chain to be reviewed by every level of command and their JAG reps.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 19 at 2019 7:10 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 19:10:06 -0500

What you think is fair is immaterial. The program is the Commanders choice to give a second chance. Similar to the UCMJ, they DO NOT have to use it or give second chances.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Dec 20 at 2019 10:57 AM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:57:52 -0500

As it is a commanders policy and not Army directive? They get flagged and chaptered out of the military.