War Secretary Orders Mandatory Annual Testosterone Screening for Troops 30 and Older

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered mandatory annual testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve component service members age 30 and older, making hormone testing part of their Periodic Health Assessment while allowing younger troops to request screening. The July 15 memorandum says the screening requirement is effective immediately and directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to update policy by August 15. It also directs the military departments and the Defense Health Agency to align internal procedures, educate medical personnel and service members, and make testing available across the Military Health System. The order is not described in the memorandum as a requirement that new recruits “pass” a testosterone test before entering the military. It applies to current active-duty and reserve component personnel. Hegseth separately ordered a review in April 2025 of medical conditions that disqualify people from joining the mil...