Pete Hegseth is now requiring testosterone screenings for military members over 30

Pete Hegseth is now requiring testosterone screenings for military members over 30 Hegseth said in a video posted on X that the testing was about ‘ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Military service members over the age of 30 will be required to have testosterone level testing as part of their annual health assessments going forward, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday. Hegseth, who has implemented several mandates to enhance military fitness, said in a video posted on X that the testing was about “ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best.” The defense secretary explained that testosterone levels drop naturally as people get older, so the U.S. military wanted to give its members the option to take testosterone replacement therapy. “It’s not about artificial enhancement, it’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities,” Hegseth said. “Protecting your longevity and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight.” Service members under the age of 30 will also have the option to get tested, though it’s voluntary. Hegseth emphasized that those who are determined to be testosterone deficient will not be required to get medical treatment. “If treatment is recommended, it’s entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy,” he said. The Pentagon did not respond to questions about what research or academic studies underpinned the move, The Associated Press reported, and didn’t say if female troops would be able to be evaluated for estrogen-based therapy as they entered perimenopause. Testosterone testing is the latest requirement Hegseth has ordered the military to implement as part of his efforts to eliminate what he called “fat troops” and overhaul the image of the military to align with President Donald Trump’s agenda. Earlier this year, Hegseth unveiled a new Army Combat Field Test to ensure service members return “to the highest male standard.” Active-duty Air Force members are being required to submit their waist-to-height ratios by the end of the month for officials to evaluate “readiness and health of the force.” Last year, Hegseth ordered the Army to implement a “sex-neutral and age-normed” physical fitness test, after emphasizing that women service members would have to meet the same standards as men. Under his leadership, Hegseth has taken aggressive steps to return the military’s image to a male-dominated force. He has implemented stricter grooming standards and higher physical fitness standards. In September 2025, Hegseth called a meeting of the top military officials to berate them for being overweight or having overweight troops. "Frankly, it's tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops. Likewise, it's completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon," Hegseth said during the meeting. Hegseth also implemented stricter grooming standards after railing against “beardos” during the September meeting. The defense secretary was reportedly annoyed recently after visiting a Navy ship and seeing sailors with beards. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments