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On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a new policy aimed at increasing testosterone levels for servicemembers — a move that has been discouraged by health experts.

In a social media post announcing the policy, Hegseth stated that the most “decisive tactical advantage” the U.S. military has “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,” the Defense Secretary stated. “To meet that commitment today, I’m authorizing a new screening program for testosterone deficiency for our service members, ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best.”

The new policy aims to provide, as part of yearly screening, mandatory testosterone level testing for servicemembers over the age of 30, with those under that age being allowed to request it. Hegseth emphasized that what happens next is up to the individual.

“If treatment is recommended, it’s entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy,” or TRT, he said.

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The High-T Department of War. pic.twitter.com/hlAUq3j2cD— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) July 15, 2026

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

But the overall message from Hegseth was clear: The military wants and is prioritizing higher testosterone levels in its soldiers.

“The modern battlefield is brutal and unrelenting. It requires and demands maximum psychological and mental readiness, and by addressing these health markers early, we’re keeping you on the leading edge of lethality and giving you the same level of support that you give this nation,” he said.

Hegseth noted that it is “well-established science that as we age, testosterone levels often naturally........

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