(The Center Square) – The Department of War is mandating annual testosterone screening for every active-duty and reserve service member age 30 and older, a mandate affecting about 2 million troops. The Ddepartment declined to say how much the program will cost taxpayers or how it will determine whether the screening improves military readiness.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered the screening in a July 15 memo, citing research on "Operator Syndrome" among special operations forces as justification for expanding testosterone testing across the force. The Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness has until Aug. 15 to update formal policy. Service members under 30 can request the screening voluntarily.

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