DoD to require testosterone screenings for 30+ troops

The U.S. Department of Defense will begin annual testosterone deficiency screenings for all active-duty service members aged 30 and older, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The new policy, framed as a medical readiness initiative, will make the screening a mandatory part of the periodic health assessment for that age group.

In a video announcement, Hegseth stated the program aims to ensure service members have the biological foundation to operate at their best. He described the modern battlefield as brutal and unrelenting, requiring maximum psychological and mental readiness. The goal, he said, is to keep troops on the leading edge of lethality by addressing health markers early. Service members under 30 will have the option to volunteer for the screening.

If a deficiency is identified, medical professionals may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), but officials emphasized that accepting any treatment would remain entirely voluntary for the service member. Hegseth stressed the initiative is not about artificial enhancement but about restoring and optimizing natural capabilities to protect longevity and sustain fighting effectiveness.