R 221913Z Aug 22
MARADMIN 423/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/FORTHCOMING CHANGES TO THE BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM//
REF/A/DOC/CMC/16APR19//
NARR/REF A IS MARINE CORPS ORDER 6110.3A WITH CHANGE 1 MARINE CORPS BODY COMPOSITION AND MILITARY APPEARANCE PROGRAM//
POC/S.N. SOKOL/MAJ/TECOM HUMAN PERFORMANCE BRANCH/QUANTICO//EMAIL: STEPHANIE.SOKOL@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The purpose of this MARADMIN is to announce forthcoming changes to reference (a).
2.  In 2021 and 2022 Training and Education Command (TECOM), in collaboration with the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), conducted the most comprehensive study of Marine Corps body composition standards since the 1980s.  USARIEM is a recognized leader in this area of study and has been at the forefront of body composition research in the Department of Defense for many years.
3.  Background.  The study gathered information from a diverse group of 2,173 volunteers which included 1,435 male Marines (747 under 30 years old, 688 age 30 or over) and 738 female Marines (401 under 30 years old, 337 age 30 or over). Of the female volunteers, 196 were postpartum.  All volunteers underwent various body composition assessments via different methods of estimation.  Assessment data also included Marines’ physical fitness performance information.
4.  Effective 1 January 2023, the Marine Corps body fat standards will increase by 1% for female Marines.  This change optimizes the balance between health and performance while better aligning standards and recognizing gender-specific physiological differences.  Anticipated positive effects of this policy modification include increased physical readiness and a reduction of injuries.  The updated standards for female Marine age groups will be:
Age 17-25:  27%
Age 26-35:  28%
Age 36-45:  29% 
Age 46-51+:  30%
4.a.  Effective 1 January 2023, commanders will not formally assign Marines to the body composition program (BCP) or separate Marines for BCP failure unless body fat is estimated by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and validated by a unit representative.  The fielding plan for these technologically advanced modalities and detailed policy regarding their use will be released via separate correspondence.  In practice, for Marines beyond the height and weight standards, the circumference measurement technique (tape method) will serve as the initial screen for body fat estimation and DEXA or BIA will be employed as a secondary screen and validation required for BCP assignment or separation for BCP failure.
4.b.  Physical performance will remain an important factor in the body composition program.  The exemption from body composition standards for Marines with a 285 or higher on both the physical fitness test (PFT) and combat fitness test (CFT) remains unchanged.  The allowance of 1% additional body fat for Marines who score 250 on both the PFT and CFT also remains in effect.
5.  A Marine Corps Bulletin will be released prior to 1 October 2022 to codify these changes.
6.  TECOM will continue to assess the effectiveness of changes and evaluate necessity for any further modifications in partnership with USARIEM.
7.  Additional information on physical, mental, social, and spiritual fitness resources is available at https:(slash slash)www.fitness.marines.mil.
8.  For questions contact the Human Performance Branch at:  tecom.forcefitness@usmc.mil or the listed POC.
9.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
10.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Kevin M. Iiams, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//