DA Form 5500 – If you’re a U.S. Army Soldier, commander, or unit administrator searching for DA Form 5500, you’ve come to the right place. This official worksheet is the primary tool used in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) to document and calculate male body fat percentage when Soldiers exceed height/weight screening standards. Updated in JUN 2023 (with ongoing policy refinements through 2026), the form now supports the one-site abdomen tape test, supplemental assessments, and high-performance exemptions.
Whether you need the latest DA Form 5500 PDF, step-by-step filling instructions, current body fat standards, or answers to common questions, this guide covers everything based on trusted official sources: AR 600-9, Army Directives 2023-08/2023-11, ALARACT 032/2025, and the Army Publishing Directorate (APD).
What Is DA Form 5500?
DA Form 5500 is officially titled Body Fat Content Worksheet (Male). It is prescribed by Army Regulation 600-9, The Army Body Composition Program (dated 16 July 2019, with multiple implementing directives).
The form records:
- Height and weight
- Circumference measurements
- Calculated body fat percentage
- Compliance status
- Supplemental assessment results (if used)
It applies only to male Soldiers. Female Soldiers use DA Form 5501.
Key update (effective 9 June 2024 per ALARACT 032/2025): The Army authorized only the one-site (abdomen) circumference-based tape method plus supplemental machine assessments. The legacy two-site (neck + abdomen) method is no longer the primary method, though the form still accommodates both for transition and reference.
Who Must Complete DA Form 5500?
- Any male Soldier who exceeds the height/weight table (screening table weight) in AR 600-9 Table B-1.
- Soldiers flagged under AR 600-8-2 for ABCP enrollment.
- Soldiers required to document body composition for schools, promotions, or retention packets (even if they meet standards in some cases).
- High performers may only need name, rank, height, and weight if exempt (see below).
Note for 2026: DoD-wide guidance effective 1 January 2026 emphasizes waist-to-height ratio (WHtR < 0.55) as a primary screening tool across services. Army ABCP continues to use the DA Form 5500 tape process during transition.
Current Army Body Fat Standards for Males (AR 600-9 Table B-2)
| Age Group | Maximum Allowable Body Fat % |
|---|---|
| 17–20 | 20% |
| 21–27 | 22% |
| 28–39 | 24% |
| 40 and older | 26% |
Soldiers exceeding these standards after the one-site tape test are enrolled in ABCP and must lose 3–8 lbs or 1% body fat per month.
High-Performance Exemption (No Tape Required)
Soldiers scoring 540 or higher on the ACFT (minimum 80 points per event) or the updated Army Fitness Test (AFT) threshold (465+ with 80+ per event per AD 2025-17) are exempt from body fat assessment. On the form, simply initial the exemption box and complete only name/rank/height/weight.
How to Download the Latest DA Form 5500 PDF (Official & Fillable)?
Always use official sources to ensure the current JUN 2023 (or subsequent APD) version:
- Primary link: recruiting.army.mil DA5500.pdf
- Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) – search “DA Form 5500”
- Unit S1 or Army Resilience ABCP page
Previous editions are obsolete. The JUN 2023 version includes the one-site calculator, supplemental fields, and ACFT exemption checkbox.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out DA Form 5500 (2026 Instructions)
Follow these exact steps from the form and AR 600-9 Appendix B. Measurements must be taken by a trained individual (different measurer for confirmation if first test fails).
One-Site Abdomen Tape Method (Primary Authorized Method)
- Prepare the Soldier: Stand straight, relaxed, feet together. No sucking in or leaning.
- Measure Abdomen: At the navel (belly button). Round down to nearest 0.50 inch. Take threemeasurements; average to nearest 0.50 inch.
- Record on Form:
- Name, Rank, Height (nearest 0.50 inch), Weight (nearest pound), Age.
- Average abdomen circumference.
- Calculate Body Fat (two options on the form):
- Use AR 600-9 Figure B-1 (abdomen circumference vs. weight chart), OR
- Formula: Body Fat % = –26.97 – (0.12 × weight in lbs) + (1.99 × abdomen circumference in inches).
- Supplemental Assessment (if requested and approved): Record results from DXA, InBody 770, or Bod Pod.
- Check Compliance:
- “Individual is in compliance” OR “Is not in compliance.”
- Recommended monthly weight loss (3–8 lbs or 1% body fat).
- Signatures: Prepared by (measurer), Approved by Supervisor, Dates.
Legacy Two-Site Method (for reference only): Add neck measurement (round up), subtract neck from abdomen for circumference value, then use height chart.
All measurements must be within 1 inch of each other or re-measure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong rounding rules (neck up, abdomen down).
- Taking measurements in the wrong order or not averaging properly.
- Failing to use a second measurer for confirmation tape.
- Not documenting the ACFT/AFT exemption when qualified.
- Using outdated form versions.
Supplemental Body Fat Assessments
If the tape test fails, Soldiers may request (commander approval) a machine-based assessment (DXA, InBody, Bod Pod). Results go directly on Page 2 of DA Form 5500.
Related Resources
- DA Form 5501 – Female version
- AR 600-9 full PDF – Army Publishing Directorate
- Army Resilience ABCP page – Official policy updates and calculators
- ACFT/AFT scoring – For exemption eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where can I get a blank DA Form 5500?
A: Download the official JUN 2023 PDF from recruiting.army.mil (link above). Never use third-party editable versions for official packets.
Q: Do I need DA Form 5500 if I meet height/weight standards?
A: Usually no—unless required by a specific packet or school.
Q: What happens if I fail the body fat test?
A: You are flagged, enrolled in ABCP, receive nutrition/fitness counseling, and must show progress or face administrative actions.
Q: Has the form changed in 2025–2026?
A: The JUN 2023 version remains current, incorporating all one-site and exemption updates. Monitor armypubs.army.mil for any new APD revisions.
Q: Can commanders waive the tape test?
A: Only via the high-performance exemption or exception-to-policy processes.
Stay Compliant and Mission-Ready
The DA Form 5500 is more than paperwork—it’s a tool that supports Soldier health, readiness, and career progression. Always reference the latest AR 600-9 implementing guidance and use official forms only.
Bookmark this page and check the Army Resilience ABCP site or your unit S1 for the most current policy. Questions? Consult your commander, master fitness trainer, or medical provider.
Official sources referenced:
- Army Publishing Directorate & recruiting.army.mil DA Form 5500 (JUN 2023)
- AR 600-9 (2019) with 2023–2025 directives and ALARACTs
- Army Resilience Directorate ABCP guidance
Need the PDF or help locating your unit’s ABCP resources? Start with the official recruiting.army.mil link above. Train hard, measure accurately, and stay Army Strong!