The Pentagon announced new restrictions for medical waivers for military recruits, tightening health standards for those seeking to join the armed forces.
The updated guidance identifies certain medical conditions that can no longer be waived during the enlistment process. The policy change signals a shift toward stricter recruiting standards as military leaders prioritize force readiness.
Some conditions previously eligible for waivers now require approval from service secretaries, while others cannot be waived at all. The list of disqualifying and potentially disqualifying conditions can be found here.
Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell said the new rules aim “to ensure the readiness and high standards of … America’s fighting force.” The Department of Defense released a memorandum detailing which medical conditions now face waiver restrictions.
The memo directs personnel officials and service secretaries to update their regulations accordingly. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness will review these categories regularly and adjust guidance as needed.
“The Department remains committed to mission success by ensuring that the young Americans who serve are physically and mentally capable of performing their duties in the harshest conditions,” the statement read.
The timing of these stricter standards coincides with military branches’ efforts to meet their recruiting goals. The new guidance takes effect immediately as defense officials update their accession policies.