Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations

Start Here If You Are New to Body Composition Reporting

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026, the Marine Corps replaced the height/weight body composition methodology with a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) framework. Every FITREP Reporting Senior submitting performance evaluations must follow specific Section A entries and select one of FIVE Section I directed comments. Section A Item 8.d (height) is entered as "000." Item 8.e (weight) is entered as "000." Item 8.f (body fat) is left BLANK for all Marines. The actual body composition status is captured through the directed comment in Section I. The five comments cover within standards, exceeded WHtR but within body fat (BIA or tape), exceeded both (adverse), reevaluation waiver granted, and BCP assignment waiver. The WHtR standard is less than 0.52 regardless of sex. Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026, MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A, MCBUL 6110MCBUL 6110, and MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

This page walks you through body composition reporting from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 framework and 1 January 2026 effective date
• Section A Item 8.d, 8.e, 8.f entry rules ("000" / "000" / blank)
• The five Section I directed comments
• The WHtR standard (less than 0.52)
• Body fat evaluation (BIA and multi-site tape test)
• Physical performance considerations (PFT/CFT 250+ and 285+ thresholds)
• BCP assignment and waiver framework
• Incomplete BIA assessment treatment
• EXMP cases (unchanged)

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26, MARADMIN 613/25MARADMIN 613/25, SECWAR Memo dated 18 December 2025, MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A with Admin CH-4, MCBUL 6110MCBUL 6110 with Admin CH-1, and MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

What Changed Effective 1 January 2026

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 2.

"Effective 1 January 2026, the current semiannual height and weight requirement will be replaced with a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) methodology. The body composition evaluation process will consist of WHtR and subsequent body fat evaluation for those who exceed the WHtR. Physical performance remains a consideration during body fat evaluation."

Why the Change

Per the SECWAR Memorandum dated 18 December 2025, weight is no longer used for body composition evaluation. The Marine Corps adopted WHtR as a health risk assessment.

What WHtR Is

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 2.a.

• Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is computed by dividing waist measurement by height measurement.
• WHtR is a HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT, NOT a direct measurement of body fat percentage.
• The Marine Corps WHtR standard is less than 0.52 regardless of sex.

Maximum Waist Measurement Table

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 6, the WHtR standard is operationalized through a maximum waist measurement table that accounts for rounding rules. A Marine 70 inches tall has a maximum waist of 36.0 inches. A Marine 72 inches tall has a maximum waist of 37.0 inches. Marines reference the table in MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 for their specific height.

Section A Entries

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g.

Item 8.d. Height

Enter "000."

Item 8.e. Weight

Enter "000."

Item 8.f. Body Fat

Leave BLANK for all Marines.

Why "000" and Blank

The MARADMIN replaces the height/weight reporting framework. The legacy fields are preserved in the FITREP form for system compatibility but are neutralized through the "000" / blank entries. The actual body composition status flows through the Section I directed comment.

What Reporting Officials Must Do

Every Reporting Senior submitting a FITREP on or after 1 January 2026.

1. Enter "000" in Section A Item 8.d.
2. Enter "000" in Section A Item 8.e.
3. Leave Section A Item 8.f blank.
4. Select the appropriate Section I directed comment based on the MRO's body composition status.

The Five Section I Directed Comments

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g, the Reporting Senior selects ONE of the following five directed comments based on the MRO's body composition status.

1. Within WHtR Standards

When the MRO is within the WHtR standard.

"Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8e: The MRO's current body composition evaluation is within standards."

This is the standard outcome for most Marines. No body fat evaluation required because the WHtR is within standards.

2. Exceeded WHtR But Within Body Fat (BIA or Tape)

When the MRO exceeds WHtR but is within body fat standards through the BIA or multi-site tape test, with the inclusion of physical performance considerations.

"Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8f: The MRO's current body composition evaluation is within standards."

The MRO exceeded the waist measurement test but cleared the body fat evaluation. The Marine remains within body composition standards. Not adverse.

3. Exceeded WHtR and Maximum Body Fat (Adverse)

When the MRO exceeds WHtR and the maximum allowable body fat standard and has not been granted a BCP assignment waiver, the report shall be rendered ADVERSE and the directed comment will read.

"Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8e and 8f: The MRO completed a body composition evaluation with a height measurement of XX.X inches and waist measurement of XX.X inches. The MRO's body fat percentage was XX percent using the multi-site tape test and XX.X percent using BIA. MRO is not within body composition standards."

This triggers all the procedural protections of an adverse FITREP. The Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports leaf covers the framework.

4. Reevaluation Waiver or Exemption

When the MRO has been granted a reevaluation waiver or exemption from conducting a body composition evaluation.

"Directed Comment Sect A, Item 8d-f: The MRO has been granted a body composition evaluation exemption / waiver in accordance with [this MARADMIN] or [MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A]."

Specify the source of the waiver (MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 transition waiver per paragraph 3.b, or MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A waiver).

5. BCP Assignment Waiver

When the MRO has been granted a BCP assignment waiver.

"Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8e and 8f: The MRO completed a body composition evaluation with a height measurement of XX.X inches and waist measurement of XX.X inches. The MRO's body fat percentage was XX percent using the multi-site tape test and XX.X percent using BIA. The MRO is outside of standards but has been granted a waiver."

The MRO's body composition is outside standards but a waiver protects the FITREP from adverse rendering.

WHtR Measurements

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.d.

Waist Measurement

• Measured at the navel, parallel to the deck.
• Use a self-tensioning taping device per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A.
• The evaluator must be the same sex as the Marine being evaluated.
• Measure twice for accuracy. Select the lower of the two measurements. Round down to the nearest 1/2 inch. Record the result.

Height Measurement

• Continue per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A with one exception. Measurements rounded down and recorded to the nearest 1/2 inch.

Multi-Site Tape Test

For body fat evaluation, the multi-site tape test continues per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A.

BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis)

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 2.b, the two authorized methods for measuring body fat percentage are.

• The current multi-site tape test.
• BIA.

When the unit has an approved BIA device readily accessible, the Marine may select either method for initial calculation of body fat percentage. Marines who exceed the initial method must be evaluated using the alternative method. Marines who exceed body fat standards by both the tape test and BIA shall be processed for the BCP.

BIA Replacement Schedule

Per paragraph 2.b.1, BIA devices will fully replace the tape test for measuring body fat percentage once Marine Corps-wide device fielding has been achieved.

Physical Performance Considerations

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 2.b.2.

285+ PFT and CFT

Marines who score 285 points or higher on the PFT and CFT are allowed up to.

• 26 percent body fat for males.
• 36 percent body fat for females.

Marines who exceed these respective body fat percentages will be processed for BCP regardless of PFT/CFT performance.

250+ PFT and CFT

Marines who score 250 points or higher on the PFT and CFT are allowed an additional 1 percent body fat to their respective maximum standard, not to exceed the maximums listed in paragraph 2.c.1.

Eligibility for Performance Considerations

Per paragraph 2.b.2.c, physical performance considerations are only applicable for Marines who have a 1st class (Class 1) PFT and CFT in the current semiannual period (no medical Class 5, partial Class 8, or deployment waiver Class 9).

If a Marine executes WHtR or body fat evaluation prior to the conduct of their fitness test or recording of a waiver/exemption for the semiannual period, the prior calendar year's score shall be used, as long as it meets the 1st class requirement.

BCP Assignment Framework

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.c.

When BCP Triggers

A Marine who exceeds body fat standards by BOTH the tape test and BIA is processed for the Marine Corps Body Composition Program (BCP).

BCP Reevaluation for Marines Assigned After 1 January 2026

Any Marine assigned to BCP on or after 1 January 2026 will be reevaluated at the unit's earliest convenience using WHtR.

• If within the WHtR standard. The BCP assignment will be deleted as erroneous.
• If outside the WHtR standard. The assignment continues per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A timelines.

BCP Assignments Signed Before 1 January 2026

Per paragraph 3.c.1. All BCP assignments signed prior to 1 January 2026 continue per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A timelines and will not be restarted or deleted as erroneous.

Incomplete BIA Assessment

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g.6.

When a BIA assessment is required and the unit has not completed the requirement prior to the end of the reporting occasion, the body composition evaluation is considered INCOMPLETE and may not be used on the fitness report.

In those cases, the Reporting Official provides a directed comment based on the LAST REPORTED OFFICIAL body composition evaluation.

This prevents incomplete evaluations from generating false adverse rendering.

EXMP Cases (Unchanged)

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g.7.

For fitness report purposes, EXMP (Exemption) cases remain unchanged from MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A.

Reevaluation of Marines Evaluated Between 1 January 2026 and MARADMIN Release

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.b.

Marines who completed a height/weight evaluation between 1 January 2026 and the release of this MARADMIN are required to be reevaluated using the revised evaluation process.

Waiver Option

Reevaluation waiver requests for individual Marines or units may be considered due to operational constraints. Waiver requests.

• Routed through the chain of command for endorsement by the first General Officer.
• Forwarded to the Deputy Commandant, Training and Education, for consideration.
• Unit waiver requests must include a by-name roster with each Marine's name and EDIPI.
• Submitted via Enterprise Task Management Software Solution (ETMS2) to "USMC TECOM."
• No later than 1 May 2026.

Records and Documentation

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.f.

No body composition measurements will be entered in Marine Corps information systems until system updates are complete. Additional notification and guidance will be published once systems are online.

Unit-Level Documentation

Per paragraph 3.f.1, units continue documenting waist, height, weight (in 2026), and body fat per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A and MCBUL 6110MCBUL 6110. The documentation is uploaded to the respective calendar event in the Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS) and retained at the unit level.

No body composition scoresheets will be submitted through the MCTIMS Unit Training Module until systems are updated.

How Reporting Officials Use This Page

Reporting Seniors writing FITREPs on or after 1 January 2026 use this page as the procedural reference for.

1. Confirming Section A Item 8 entries (000 / 000 / blank).
2. Selecting the correct Section I directed comment based on the MRO's body composition status.
3. Verifying the correct directed comment text.
4. Determining whether the report renders adverse (paragraph 3.g.3 only).
5. Coordinating with the unit S-1 PES Manager on questions.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What changed on 1 January 2026?

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26, the height/weight body composition methodology was replaced with the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) framework. Section A Item 8 entries are now "000" / "000" / blank. Section I carries the actual status through one of five directed comments.

What do I enter for height and weight in Section A?

"000" for both. Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g.

What do I enter for body fat in Section A?

Leave it BLANK for all Marines. Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g.

How do I know which Section I directed comment to use?

Based on the MRO's body composition status. Within WHtR (comment 1), exceeded WHtR but within body fat (comment 2), exceeded both without waiver (comment 3, ADVERSE), waiver/exemption (comment 4), BCP waiver (comment 5).

What is the WHtR standard?

Less than 0.52 regardless of sex. The maximum waist measurement table in MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 6 lists specific waist limits for each height (e.g., 70" tall = 36.0" max waist).

What if my Marine is in BCP?

If assigned on or after 1 January 2026, reevaluate using WHtR. If within standard, delete as erroneous. If outside, continue per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A. If assigned before 1 January 2026, continue per MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A timelines.

What if the BIA assessment is not complete by the end of the reporting period?

Per paragraph 3.g.6, treat the evaluation as incomplete. Use the last reported official body composition evaluation for the directed comment.

What about EXMP cases?

Unchanged from MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A per paragraph 3.g.7.

How does the body composition outcome render the FITREP adverse?

Only when the MRO exceeds WHtR AND the maximum allowable body fat standard AND has NOT been granted a BCP assignment waiver. This triggers comment 3 and adverse rendering per paragraph 3.g.3. The Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports leaf covers the procedural framework.

What about Marines who scored 285+ on PFT and CFT?

Per paragraph 2.b.2.a, allowed up to 26 percent body fat for males and 36 percent for females. Marines exceeding these will be processed for BCP regardless of PFT/CFT performance.

What if my Marine had a height/weight evaluation between 1 January and MARADMIN release?

Reevaluate using WHtR. Waiver requests through chain of command to first GO and forward to DC TE via ETMS2 to "USMC TECOM" no later than 1 May 2026.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Section I directed comment selection. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
• WHtR measurement procedure. Unit Force Fitness Officer or H&S coordinator.
• BIA device availability. Unit Force Fitness Officer.
• BCP assignment questions. Unit S-1 and the Body Composition Program manager.
• Reevaluation waiver requests. Through chain of command to first General Officer, then DC Training and Education via ETMS2.
• TECOM Force Fitness for body composition framework questions. tecom.forcefitness@usmc.mil or (703) 432-2285.
• HQMC PES escalation for FITREP-related issues. smb_hqmc_a-pes@usmc.mil or (703) 432-0514.
• Detailed instructions, training materials, and FAQs. https://www.fitness.marines.mil.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Performance Evaluation landing page lists all topics.
• Performance Evaluation Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• FITREP Sections and Marking covers Section A and Section I in the broader context.
• FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types covers report types where these comments apply.
• Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles covers RS responsibilities.
• Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports covers the adverse framework triggered by paragraph 3.g.3.
• FITREP Appeals (PERB Process) covers the appeal framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the WHtR framework and the new body composition reporting requirements.
• Admin at S-1 supports the PES Manager in selecting the correct directed comment for each FITREP.
• Commanders ensure unit body composition evaluations are conducted per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 and that Reporting Officials select the correct directed comments.

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026, body composition reporting on FITREPs uses the WHtR framework. Section A Item 8.d entered as "000," 8.e as "000," 8.f BLANK. One of FIVE Section I directed comments selected based on body composition status. WHtR standard less than 0.52 regardless of sex. BIA and multi-site tape test as authorized body fat evaluation methods. Physical performance considerations for 285+ and 250+ PFT/CFT scores. Reevaluation waiver via ETMS2 to USMC TECOM no later than 1 May 2026.