Which regulation governs flagging soldiers who exceed body fat standards?

• A. AR 600-8-2
• B. AR 600-9
• C. AR 350-1
• D. AR 600-20

Answer: (A)

Flagging serves as an administrative safeguard to withhold favorable actions—such as promotions, school selection, assignments, or reenlistment—while a soldier addresses a deficiency like body fat. The regulation that lays out how flags are initiated, maintained, and cleared is AR 600-8-2, which covers Suspension of Favorable Actions (Flags). This means when a soldier exceeds body fat standards, a flag can be placed on their record to ensure they focus on remediation and only regain eligibility for those favorable actions once they meet the standard or complete the approved plan of action. Body fat standards themselves are managed under AR 600-9, but the flagging mechanism used in response to failing to meet those standards is governed by AR 600-8-2, making it the correct reference for this process.