If circumference measurement is not feasible, what is allowed?

• A. Alternatives may be used with medical authorization, but circumference measurement is the standard
• B. No alternatives exist
• C. Alternatives are used routinely without authorization
• D. BMI alone can replace circumference measurement in all cases

Answer: (A)

Circumference measurement is the standard method for assessing body fat under AR 600-9. When that measurement isn’t feasible, the regulation allows using alternative body-fat assessment methods, but only with medical authorization. This ensures an accurate, fair evaluation while accommodating medical limitations, rather than forcing an unavailable method. Alternatives aren’t used routinely without authorization, and BMI alone isn’t universally acceptable as a replacement in all cases; medical authorization is required and other validated methods are used as appropriate.