The Pentagon announced that it will begin measuring the testosterone levels of United States soldiers

“While we invest heavily in our weapons systems, platforms and equipment, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter. We have a sacred duty to maintain that advantage, so we must constantly seek new ways to optimize your performancetheir resilience and their long-term health,” Hegseth explained in a video broadcast on X.

“Today I authorize a new testosterone deficiency screening program for our soldiers, in order to guarantee that they have adequate levels of testosterone to operate at the maximum of their capacity,” the official reported. For soldiers over 30 years of age, the test is in addition to the exams that must be performed annually. In the case of those under 30, the test is optional.

“If treatment is recommended, testosterone replacement therapy is totally optional. “This initiative does not seek to artificially improve performance, but rather to restore and optimize their natural capabilities, protect their longevity and ensure that they have the biological basis necessary for combat,” he clarified.

Hegseth said the initiative has nothing to do with the “artificial breeding“, but with “restoring and optimizing their natural capabilities, protecting their longevity” and ensuring that soldiers have “the necessary biological basis” for the fight.

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and its insufficient presence in the body could cause fatigue, loss of sexual appetite, muscle mass and bone density, as well as mood swings, lack of concentration and a tendency towards depression and anxiety.

This new measure is part of Hegseth’s crusade to restore the “highest masculine standard” in an Army with new physical requirements for avoid “fat” and “bearded” soldiers.

Hegseth said caring for the long-term health of American soldiers means “ensuring they remain strong, resilient and capable, not only for their next deployment, but for the rest of their lives, so they can thrive long after they take off the uniform.”

The High-T Department of War. pic.twitter.com/hlAUq3j2cD

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) July 15, 2026

Since arriving at the former Department of Defense, the Fox News panelist recovered the name of the Department of War, demanded “male standards” for the Armed Forcescriticized the presence of women in its ranks and withdrew access to the majority of correspondents to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon chief’s announcement coincides with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to reduce some of the stigma associated with testosterone treatment.

In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked manufacturers to remove warnings that for years appeared on the labels of hormone replacement therapies for older men whose testosterone levels naturally decline with age.

According to data from the Department of Labor, only between 10% and 15% of the more than one million people classified as military personnel work in combat roles, with the vast majority operating in logistical support, administrative, health care, construction or repair jobs.