Will a separation be initiated because I failed my APFT and height/weight within 12 months of the ABC program?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 08:41:09 -0400

I failed my APFT & Height/weight yesterday morning. Long story short, my APFT I was not worried about just had a bad morning (the runs) but my height/weight is what’s worrying me. I was on the ABC program last year and got of it in November 2018. Well I know in the regulations it states that I can not be back on it within 12 months or else initiation to separate will begin.

What will actually happen?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2019 8:53 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 08:53:43 -0400

You know the reg so what's the question? Whether or not your unit follows through is a discussion between you and your commander.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2019 9:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:44:29 -0400

What will happen is the Commander has to initiate the Chapter. There is no room for maneuver on that. Now, that being said...if you bust your ass off and drop the weight and inches and make pass Ht/Wt again, the Commander does have the option to request the Chapter be rescinded.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2019 9:48 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:48:00 -0400

There is the regulation and there is reality. Reality is that units have different standards for this. Combat Realted MOS's like Infantry, Airborne, Air Assualt, Spec OPS etc. are usually much harder on their Soldiers when it comes to the APFT & Height/Weight...Take it from someone who has struggled through their entire career. The BLUF is the Command will initiate a separation, but this doesn't mean they will separate you. Most Commander's and 1SGs are reasonable and most will help you, BUT YOU MUST SHOW INITIATIVE and ACCOUNTABILITY....One short story, On my first day of Command I had two separation packets on my desk...both were for Chapter 18 (HT/WT Standards Chapter)...I didn't feel comfortable signing them until I got the historic information from the 1SG and their PSGs...after I had a talk with each of them...in this case the Soldiers were not motivated to succeed...and had been in the program for 18 months!!!! with little or no progress...One was a SGT and the other a SPC...I really didn't want to separate them, as MEDICs they did their jobs well but that wasn't enough to keep them...18 months is too long in my opinion...and Infantry Commander would separate after 2 months of non-compliance which is what the regulation states. I would never separate anyone that is making progress 3-8 LBS a month (was the reg during my time). Just be also aware that you are flagged during the time your in the program...as a PFC..you should do everything in your power to reach for SPC!!! So get it going! Don't whine, Don't Complain...Just do it! I would also get another Soldier or you 1ST Line Supervisor to help you out!. Good Luck!

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Jun 6 at 2019 12:26 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 12:26:10 -0400

The likelihood is you will be separated, unless you have physical problem (Arnold Swartznager in his prime would not have met the Army's height and weight standards. Pretty sure he would have this requirement waived-Any way I digressed.) You never mentioned how much over the standard you are. also failing APFT run is definitely not a positive sign. Perhaps if you hustle and are only marginally overweight, then get w/ your training NCO for fitness program, see a doctor for a weight loss program, and set objectives for yourself that you can present to your 1Sgt, then maybe he will go to bat for you just this once. Being overweight is not a desirable lifestyle You need to show character to yourself and the Army by changing your lifestyle, which in your case will be life long endeavor demonstrating lots of discipline and character.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 6 at 2019 12:31 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 12:31:34 -0400

You know what the Regs state but not all units follow it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2019 1:25 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 13:25:10 -0400

Thank you all for your responses! Don’t get me wrong I want out but not like This. I have a huge problem with stress eating. Always been a problem since my teenage years. Once I start, it’s impossible for me to just go straight cold turkey. Thank you all!

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jun 6 at 2019 3:03 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 15:03:19 -0400

Unless you are noticeably overweight, e.g. the SGM is talking to your 1SG about you, your commander has everything to say and do about it. When I was a company commander I had 2 warrant officers who were over the tape test. They both were professionals in every way, were essential to the mission, and were working aggressively towards losing their excess weight and inches. They both came to me and assured me that they would pass the tape test ASAP. Because they came to me with a plan to lose weight, were committed, and were professionals, the only action I took was to have them taped monthly to monitor their progress, which was part of their plan. The commander will work with you under the right circumstances. (BTW - The company's most senior warrant officer wanted me to be stiffer, follow the regulations and flag them both. I did not, and a good commander will not if you are professional, valuable, and have a plan to get the weight off.)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2019 4:36 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 16:36:39 -0400

Your leadership should counsel you on what they intend to do, by regulation they could bar you from reenlisting or initiate separation. Review AR 600-9 3-15 for further guidance. Good luck.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 17 at 2019 4:43 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 16:43:14 -0400

Yes that is the policy. Your commands hands are likely tied as well, if they cut you a break with no mitigating circumstance they set a precedence that is hard to recover from. Bottom line is that any other action by them is bending the rules, that puts them in the spotlight, not a good one.

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Jun 26 at 2019 8:57 PM

CPO Arthur Weinberger — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 20:57:59 -0400

Like the MSG says you know the regs.In the U.S. Army, Dieticians and nutritionists are available.
Speak to your Sergeant, most will work with you. If you get in shape; stay that way. Remember,
your mental and physical condition may save your life and or someone else.