Pentagon makes testosterone testing mandatory for male service members 30 and older

The US Pentagon issued guidelines Friday resuming mandatory testosterone screening for male service members aged 30 and older, a policy Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in July.

• The Pentagon on Friday issued official directives making testosterone testing mandatory for male service members aged 30 and above, initially exempting women while female clinical guidance is reviewed.
• The new guidelines follow a September pause for updates and apply during periodic health assessments and annual evaluations, with younger members able to request testing.
• Hegseth announced the screening in July, saying it would identify potential testosterone deficiency and enable soldiers to operate at their "absolute best."
• In a Pentagon release, Hegseth said the policy is about restoring and optimising natural capabilities and ensuring the "biological foundation required to sustain the fight."