U.S. National Guard soldiers patrol the newly renovated Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington.Image: keystone
July 15, 2026, 9:04 p.mJuly 15, 2026, 9:04 p.m
From the age of 30 onwards, the testosterone levels of soldiers in the USA will be tested. This will take place as part of an existing annual health examination, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced in a video on the X platform. 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 USA’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.
Hegseth wants to optimize “natural abilities”.
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 basis 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 did not meet the “male-level physical standards for combat positions”, did not shave or wanted to look professional, was time for a new position or a new profession. (sda/dpa)