U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth departs after participating in an event with National Guard soldiers at Meridian Hill Park in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 2, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mandated testosterone screening for all active-duty service members 30 years and older as part of their annual health assessments.
In a video posted on social media, Hegseth explained the initiative is essential to keeping troops on the "leading edge of lethality."
"It's about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities," he argued.
"The High-T Department of War," wrote Hegseth on X Wednesday afternoon.
Service members under 30 may voluntarily request the test, while those over 30 have no choice, reports Newsweek.
Testosterone replacement therapy remains optional if deficiencies are found.
The mandate represents the latest in Hegseth's series of body-focused military reforms, including mandatory daily physical training, according to the U.S. Army. In addition to imposing male-only standards for combat roles and enforcing strict no-beard policies, CNN reported.
The beard mandate has drawn scrutiny for potentially affecting Black servicemembers who suffer from razor bumps, a condition affecting an estimated 60 percent of Black men, according to Stars and Stripes.
"We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world," Hegseth explained, "and this program delivers on that obligation."
Watch the video below.