The War Department on Sept. 17 issued clinical guidance directing testosterone-deficiency screening for male service members age 30 and older.
The check is to be part of the periodic health assessment, entry physical or annual exam. It is described as a structured review of symptoms and risk factors, not a stand-alone research program. Men under 30 may be screened if they ask or if a clinician sees reason to look. Screening and treatment for female service members will come in a later companion document.
The policy follows Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s memorandum on health and human performance. Department language frames the effort as readiness: keeping troops able to train and deploy over a full career.
“While we invest heavily in our weapon systems, platforms and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter. We have a sacred duty to maintain that advantage, which is why we must constantly look for new ways to optimize your performance, your resilience and your long-term health,” Hegseth said.
“This initiative … is not about artificial enhancement; it’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight.”
The clinical practice guideline, “Testosterone Deficiency in the Male Service Member,” states: “All male service members aged 30 years and older will undergo screening for testosterone deficiency as a component of the periodic health assessment, upon entry to the military, or at annual physical examination. Screening consists of a structured symptom, and risk-factor assessment. Male service members under age 30 will be screened on request, or where clinical indicators are identified by the examining provider.”
The release does not set public treatment protocols or drug lists. Those details sit with military clinicians. Implementation will depend on how clinics staff the new step and how many patients move from a screening conversation to laboratory testing.