US minister announces testosterone test for soldiers over 30

Military in the USA

US minister announces testosterone test for soldiers over 30

Pentagon chief Hegseth has often invoked discipline and fighting spirit in the military – now he wants to ensure the performance of his soldiers in other ways. What it’s all about.

From the age of 30, you should USA Soldiers’ testosterone levels will be tested in the future. This will take place as part of an existing annual health examination, the US Secretary of Defense announced Pete Hegseth in a video on platform X. The test is voluntary for soldiers under 30. Treatment is therefore recommended if a testosterone deficiency is detected, but is not mandatory.

Hegseth justified the measure by saying that the “individual fighter” will always be the US’s most important tactical advantage. He spoke of a “sacred duty” to preserve this advantage. Therefore, one must constantly look for new ways to optimize the performance and long-term health of soldiers, Hegseth concluded. According to him, the tests are intended to ensure that they have “the right testosterone levels” to perform at their best. In this context, the Pentagon chief pointed out that testosterone levels often naturally decline with increasing age.

Addressing the soldiers, Hegseth said: “This initiative is not about artificial enhancement, but about restoring and optimizing your natural abilities, (…) and ensuring that you have the biological foundation necessary to endure the fight.”

Since taking office, the Pentagon chief has been pushing for changes in his ministry, which the US government now calls the “War Department.” Hegseth repeatedly invokes a warrior ethos in the military – just like the ideal image of a traditionally male fighter.

Last year he announced new fitness standards. He emphasized at the time that anyone who didn’t meet the “male-level physical standards for combat positions”, didn’t shave or wanted to look professional, was time for a new position or a new profession.