Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, on the Clinical Guidance for Testoste
The U.S. Department of War announced mandatory testosterone screenings for Service members aged 30 and older to enhance military readiness, effective immediately.
The Department of War emphasized its commitment to maintaining a combat-ready force through the memorandum titled 'Health and Human Performance Optimization to Enhance Military Readiness,' issued by the Secretary of War on July 15, 2026. The directive mandates testosterone deficiency screenings for all Service members aged 30 and older during their Periodic Health Assessments, with optional screenings for those under 30. The policy aims to proactively address health factors that could impact warfighter performance and operational readiness.
On September 17, 2026, the Director of the Defense Health Agency released comprehensive clinical guidance to standardize screening and treatment pathways across the Military Departments and medical providers. The guidance, titled 'Clinical Practice Guideline: Testosterone Deficiency in the Male Service Member,' establishes uniform protocols for identifying and managing testosterone deficiency in male Service members.
The new clinical guidance assigns clear responsibilities for compliance and ensures consistent application of screening and treatment standards across the Defense Health Agency enterprise. By identifying suboptimal hormone levels early, the Department seeks to optimize individual performance and maintain peak operational readiness across the force.
The Department of War provided links to the memoranda outlining the policy, including the July 15, 2026, Secretary of War directive, the September 17, 2026, DHA clinical guidance, and the broader 'Warfighter Performance Optimization – Total Force Fitness' framework.