MARINE CORPS BODY COMPOSITION AND MILITARY APPEARANCE PROGRAM
ALMAR 033/08 and ALMAR 034/08 inform Marines of the changes to the Marine Corps Physical Fitness program and provide details about the development of the Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program (MCBMAP).
ALMAR 034/08 specifically addresses the BCP and MAP. Highlights of the ALMAR are:
-The new Marine Corps Order on Body Composition and Military Appearance severs the link between PT scores and personal appearance. It inserts a commander's assessment into the personal appearance evaluation process.
-Changes to the BCP and implementation of the MAP are effective immediately.
-USMC body composition standards are:
A. Male
AGE 17-26 18%
AGE 27-39 19%
AGE 40-45 20%
AGE 46+ 21%
B. Female
AGE 17-26 26%
AGE 27-39 27%
AGE 40-45 28%
AGE 46+ 29%
-Informal program. The Body Composition and Military Appearance programs represent a change to the existing program. Units will establish an informal phase, conducted normally by the XO for officers and the senior enlisted advisor for enlisted Marines.
-60-Day notification period. Marines initially determined by the unit to be out of standards will be issued an informal letter of concern by the XO or senior enlisted advisor and a measurable 60 action plan.
-60-Day cautionary period. If sufficient progress has not been made to remove the Marine from a supervised effort at the end of the notification period, a letter of caution will be issued. The letter will warn the Marine that if he does not meet the established standards over the following 60 days assignment to a formal unit program is inevitable.
-Formal or Body Composition Program. If Marines do not meet the established height-weight standards and/or allowable body fat % at the end of the informal unit program, they will immediately be placed on the Marine Corps Body Composition Program by the CO. A unit diary entry will be made formally assigning the Marine to the program and a counseling entry shall be made in the SRB. The commander will review the weight loss or reapportionment plan the Marine has been following during the previous 120 days for effectiveness and probable adjustment.
-Commanders Military Appearance Program. Because Marine come in all shapes and sizes, there is an imperative to ensure that the commander has a continuous say in the assignment of his Marines to programs dealing with body composition.
To maintain fairness and impartiality, Marines assigned to the Military Appearance Program will have the right to appeal their status to the next higher officer in the chain of command.
Marines should refer to and read ALMAR 034/08 for more information.
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