Posted on Apr 26, 2016
Is APEL eyewear the only authorized sunglasses in Army uniform even while in garrison?
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Is it true that there is a new regulation stating APEL eyewear is the only authorized sunglasses while in uniform even in garrison, and this regulation supersedes AR 670-1? If so, what is the regulation?
AR 670-1 dated 10 APR 2015 paragraph 3-10 seems to address the difference between sunglasses and protective eyewear, as it states the following:
(3) Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy or have lenses or frames with conspicuous initials, designs, or other adornments are not authorized for wear. Soldiers may not wear lenses with extreme or trendy colors, which include, but are not limited to, red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, or orange. Lens colors must be traditional gray, brown, or dark green shades. Personnel will not wear lenses or frames that are so large or so small that they detract from the appearance of the uniform. Personnel will not attach chains or ribbons to eyeglasses. Eyeglass restraints (to include bands) are authorized when required for safety purposes. Personnel will not hang eyeglasses or eyeglass cases on the uniform and may not let glasses hang from eyeglass restraints down the front of the uniform. Glasses may not be worn on top of the head at any time.
(4) Soldiers are authorized to wear ballistic spectacle eye protection issued by the Army, including lens colors or logos that do not comply with paragraph 3–10 a (3), above, in garrison or field environments unless otherwise directed by their chain of command. See the Army Combat Readiness Center for a list of currently approved protective eyewear.
AR 670-1 dated 10 APR 2015 paragraph 3-10 seems to address the difference between sunglasses and protective eyewear, as it states the following:
(3) Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy or have lenses or frames with conspicuous initials, designs, or other adornments are not authorized for wear. Soldiers may not wear lenses with extreme or trendy colors, which include, but are not limited to, red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, or orange. Lens colors must be traditional gray, brown, or dark green shades. Personnel will not wear lenses or frames that are so large or so small that they detract from the appearance of the uniform. Personnel will not attach chains or ribbons to eyeglasses. Eyeglass restraints (to include bands) are authorized when required for safety purposes. Personnel will not hang eyeglasses or eyeglass cases on the uniform and may not let glasses hang from eyeglass restraints down the front of the uniform. Glasses may not be worn on top of the head at any time.
(4) Soldiers are authorized to wear ballistic spectacle eye protection issued by the Army, including lens colors or logos that do not comply with paragraph 3–10 a (3), above, in garrison or field environments unless otherwise directed by their chain of command. See the Army Combat Readiness Center for a list of currently approved protective eyewear.
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
Speaking of eyewear, I have finally reached the age where my eyesight has required long distance correcting. How do reserve and guard forces obtain APEL inserts and mask inserts? (I have heard that mask inserts will not be prepared unless Mobilized, but I have not been able to verify that).
Can I take a civilian prescription to a (fairly) nearby medical center and have the lenses filled there, or do I need to somehow make use of LHI?
I have weapons qual later this summer and would like to have something in place by then. Although I am pretty sure we are using alternate course "C" targets (paper), and if this is the case, I won't be affected by my distance vision, but I still need to get the corrective lenses.
Can I take a civilian prescription to a (fairly) nearby medical center and have the lenses filled there, or do I need to somehow make use of LHI?
I have weapons qual later this summer and would like to have something in place by then. Although I am pretty sure we are using alternate course "C" targets (paper), and if this is the case, I won't be affected by my distance vision, but I still need to get the corrective lenses.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
Eye inserts in the reserves...right up there with unicorns. They will take your information from now until the end of time, and you most likely won't see a set unless you are deploying.
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1SG (Join to see)
CW3 Kevin Storm I will have to pay for my own Rx protective eyewear if I want a chance at doing decent on IWQ
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1st Lt Mary James
CW3 Kevin Storm
Not the case with the Reserve Units I served in as a medic and later as a nurse. As part of the annual physicals we checked to see if the person had correct and current prescription eyewear as well as inserts. Inserts were ordered at that time if they were lacking (wartime readiness). If you wait until deployment, the glasses will not reach you in time to be of any use so it makes sense to get them in advance. But I guess those practices vary with unit. By the way, I still have my prescription gas mask inserts stored with my rank insignia and name tags.
Not the case with the Reserve Units I served in as a medic and later as a nurse. As part of the annual physicals we checked to see if the person had correct and current prescription eyewear as well as inserts. Inserts were ordered at that time if they were lacking (wartime readiness). If you wait until deployment, the glasses will not reach you in time to be of any use so it makes sense to get them in advance. But I guess those practices vary with unit. By the way, I still have my prescription gas mask inserts stored with my rank insignia and name tags.
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Suspended Profile
One of the most embarrassing NCO tantrums I’ve ever seen was a schoolhouse 1SG berating a student SFC over his “stylish” prescription eyeglasses. They were all black, of average size, but the 1SG refused to concede that rectangular lenses were not a fad and thus unauthorized.
CPT Brad Wilson
The BCG’s made for me at the MOB station (Ft Bliss) were wire frames black and rectangular. They also had a more round option
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Oh gosh I am placing my regular glasses on my head to read off cell a lot lately.
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