US Edition
Pentagon tightens rules on getting medical waivers to join the military
UNITED STATES, JUL 23 – The Pentagon disqualifies several medical conditions from waivers to maintain military readiness as only 23 percent of youth qualify without waivers, officials said.
- The Pentagon issued updated rules on July 22, 2025, restricting medical waivers for U.S. military enlistment to maintain readiness.
- The guidance followed earlier bans on transgender troops and removes waivers for heart failure, schizophrenia treatment, and paraphilic disorders.
- Waivers now require stricter criteria, listing conditions like missing limbs or organ failure, with some exceptions only granted by military secretaries.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted that serious health issues pose considerable dangers during combat, underscoring the critical need for maintaining soldier readiness.
- These updates seek to confirm that service members meet the necessary physical and mental standards for challenging assignments, with corresponding regulatory changes communicated to the appropriate authorities.
18 Articles
18 Articles
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New Pentagon rules limits medical waivers to join military
The Pentagon has issued new rules that would prevent people currently treated for schizophrenia, congestive heart failure, having a donated organ or some other issues from receiving a medical waiver to serve in the military, according to a new memo revealed Tuesday. The guidance, signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and dated July 11, updates the list…
Pentagon Tightens Medical Waiver Rules for Military Enlistment
The Pentagon has updated its rules, eliminating medical waivers for certain conditions like congestive heart failure, schizophrenia treatment, and paraphilic disorders. This decision is part of a broader review of medical waivers following the ban on transgender troops. It aims to ensure military personnel can perform their duties effectively.
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