The military mandates specific testing protocols for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through policies set by the Department of Defense (DoD) and individual service branches. The primary objective of these health screenings is to support force readiness and public health by ensuring personnel are fit for duty and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases. These regulations establish a structured approach to prevent, detect, and treat infections.
Initial Screening During Military Accession
All individuals entering military service must undergo a comprehensive health screening process during accession. This initial testing establishes a baseline health record and prevents the entry of individuals with chronic infectious conditions that could impair deployability. Testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) is mandatory for all recruits.
Individuals testing positive for chronic HBV or HCV are generally ineligible for service. While HIV-positive individuals were previously separated, recent policy updates allow asymptomatic individuals with an undetectable viral load to potentially join.
Ongoing Surveillance Through Periodic Health Assessments
For active-duty service members, the Periodic Health Assessment (PHA) is the primary mechanism for ongoing health surveillance, including STI screening. Service members must complete the PHA annually to assess medical readiness, which includes reviewing health status, mental health, and updating required immunizations and screenings.
The only STI testing universally required throughout a service member’s career is HIV testing, generally mandated every two years (25 months for some components). This ensures continuous monitoring for HIV seroconversion within the force.
Screening for other common STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, during the annual PHA is risk-based. The DoD recommends annual screening for chlamydia in all sexually active female service members under 25 years of age. For others, screening is conducted based on individual risk factors, a clinical request, or symptoms, rather than being a universal requirement.
Situational and Symptom-Driven Testing
Testing for STIs also occurs outside of the routine PHA schedule, driven by specific events or clinical indications. Service members may be required to undergo testing prior to certain deployments or overseas assignments to meet operational requirements. This ensures personnel are medically fit and do not carry infections that could complicate their health in an austere environment.
Testing is immediately conducted if a service member presents with clinical symptoms suggesting an STI, such as unusual discharge or genital sores. Mandatory testing is also initiated during public health contact tracing if a service member is identified as a sexual partner of someone diagnosed with a reportable STI.
Service members can request a “confidence check,” which is a voluntary, non-symptom-driven screening available at any military health care facility. This option allows sexually active personnel to proactively manage their health. The testing typically covers:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV
- Syphilis
Medical Management and Duty Status
When a service member tests positive for an STI, a mandatory medical and public health protocol is initiated. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, and viral infections like HIV are managed with antiretroviral therapy. All diagnosed STI cases are reportable medical events to public health officials for tracking and contact tracing, which helps mitigate further spread.
A positive diagnosis does not typically result in separation, especially for treatable infections. The primary consideration is the impact on the service member’s deployability and duty status. For HIV-positive personnel who are asymptomatic and have an undetectable viral load, recent DoD policy states they will not face restrictions on deployability or ability to commission solely based on their status.
In all cases, a positive diagnosis requires a medical evaluation to determine fitness for continued service. The military aims to provide treatment and retain the service member whenever possible, ensuring eligibility is based on current medical readiness and ability to perform duties.