“Shave or else” was the message from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to service members last year, and it could apply to those who suffer from skin conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae or eczema. Last year, the Pentagon announced that medical waivers would be issued for only a year, during which time personnel could address the underlying medical issues that “keep them from meeting the standard.”
After that point, “commanders will initiate separation of those who still require a shaving waiver after more than one year of undergoing medical treatment.”
Last month, Secretary Hegseth signed a memorandum that directed a comprehensive review of medical conditions that could disqualify individuals from joining the United States military. The “Review of Medical Conditions Disqualifying for Accession into the Military” outlines medical standards for enlistment, appointment, or induction, and notes that waivers are currently permitted for conditions such as schizophrenia, paraphilic disorders, congestive heart failure, and chronic oxygen use.
However, such conditions are now a barrier to service.
Hegseth commended individuals’ desire to serve, but stated that such conditions are incompatible with the U.S. military, as they could compromise mission success and the safety of other service members.
“Applicants for military service … must be physically and mentally able to perform their duties under the harshest of conditions without risk to themselves or others,” Hegseth explained in a video message.
The decision comes even as the branches of the U.S. military have had to increase the usage of waivers in recent years to meet recruiting goals.
The Department explained that the U.S. Navy had issued approximately 15,900 medical waivers in 2022, a significant increase from prior years. “The surge, partly due to the health record system flagging more issues, has raised concerns about readiness.”
Hegseth defended the decision to rein in the use of waivers, suggesting it will result in a more lethal fighting force.
“High standards equal lethality,” Hegseth explained. He added that under President Donald Trump, “we’ve … seen a huge surge of Americans who want to join … a military with high, clear standards.”
New Policy: Conditions Unlikely to be Waived
Effective May 4, the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM), working in collaboration with the service recruiting partners, implemented the new “Conditions Unlikely to be Waived” (CUW) policy. It stops processing for applicants with one or more of 28 medical conditions.
The goal is for USMEPCOM and recruiters to put more focus on applicants who are likely to qualify for future service.
“This is a shift in order,” explained Army Col. Megan McKinnon, USMEPCOM command surgeon. “Instead of doing complete processing and then handing it to the waiver authority, we’ve created a trigger on the front end for these specific conditions that requires additional Service sign off, because all Services agreed that they are unlikely to be waived on the back end.”
The list of conditions includes:
- Active Cancer, or cancer that is in remission for less than one year.
- Heart/Cardiovascular Conditions, including current congestive heart failure, any replacement of a heart valve, or a history of heart attack (myocardial infarction).
- Neurological Disorders, which can include multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and neurodegenerative disorders affecting the brain or muscles.
- Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Diabetes, including Type I or Type II diabetes mellitus.
- Severe Allergies, such as peanut allergies.
- Blood Disorders, including Sickle cell disease.
- Mental Health Conditions: Bipolar disorder (I or II), a history of two or more suicide attempts, or conditions requiring anti-psychotic or mood-stabilizing medication (e.g., lithium) within the previous year.
- Physical/Structural Conditions, including cochlear implants, a pacemaker/defibrillator, or a current ostomy (gastrointestinal or urinary).
- Other Chronic Conditions, such as epilepsy, narcolepsy, or a history of cystic fibrosis.
- Skin/Musculoskeletal: Eczema or psoriasis requiring medication within a year, knee ligament rupture (within the last year), or stress fractures (within six months).
- Vision/Appendage Loss: Absence of a hand or foot, or lack of vision in one or both eyes.
Streamlining the Recruiting Process
USMEPCOM further explained that by identifying these CUW conditions before applicants reach the medical floor during the recruiting process, resources can be better directed to eligible applicants. Moreover, it is meant to reduce the workload for service waiver authorities.
“In an environment where resources are limited, USMEPCOM must focus on policy changes and technical solutions that increase our operational efficiency,” said Navy Capt. Christopher Carmichael, USMEPCOM Western Sector commander. “CUW improves operational efficiency by both relieving pressure on USMEPCOM’s center of gravity, our people, and ensuring that the focus is placed on the applicants that qualify to serve.”
This also builds on Hegseth’s July 2025 memo that identified 13 conditions ineligible for a service waiver and 13 conditions that required the service secretary to approve a waiver.
