WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that he is rolling out a new screening program for “testosterone deficiency” among troops, calling it necessary to allow them to operate at their “absolute best.” The screenings will be conducted annually as part of service members’ required medical screenings for those 30 and older, he said. Troops under 30 can volunteer to be tested. In a video on social media, Hegseth said receiving testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary.

Hegseth said soldiers would have the option of receiving testosterone replacement therapy, if it’s recommended.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the screening will be mandatory for soldiers above a certain age.

Pentagon would not offer specific conditions or diseases that were being targeted