Are orange lenses authorized in eye protection?

2016-03-09T09:52:06-05:00

I know that there is the APEL list. But What about orange lenses? Is that something that can be worn in uniform?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-03-09T10:11:38-05:00

I have seen Soldiers wear the orange (shooting) lenses. ODA/Operators like them for some reason, I think because they are cool looking. I know when I was in Iraq in 2006 there was a policy that made them unauthorized. It was because they do not allow vision in all color spectrums or something like that.

I tried a pair once and didn't care for them. I wear clear lenses only because 1) It's a pain in the ass to transition to limited visibility and 2) I like for people to see my eyes when I am talking to them. I think your words mean a lot more by the way you're looking at someone.

I will dig around and see if I can find anything on whether they are authorized.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-03-09T10:14:55-05:00

Back when I deployed the first time, orange lenses were not authorized. The reason at the time was that they made it hard to spot the long strands of copper wire often used in the construction of command-detomated IEDs. I don't know however if those rules were theatre specific, or Army wide. Most IEDs now are either remotely- or victim-detonated, so perhaps there is merit in changing that rule in the future. Regs do state that "sunglasses" must have gray, brown, or dark green; non-mirrored lenses. Considering thise two restrictions, and the "train as we fight" mantra of the modern Army, I would not expect most commanders to authorize such glasses at a range.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-03-09T10:21:02-05:00

AR 670-1 :
3–10. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses:
(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.

BUT:

(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 3–10a(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.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Mar 9 at 2016 7:19 PM

2016-03-09T19:19:22-05:00

The orange lenses should only be worn on cloudy or dark days. They enhance the light and will give you headaches if worn on a bright sunny day. As anyone who has tried to shoot with them.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 7:54 PM

2018-03-19T19:54:56-04:00

I was given a couple pairs of glasses years ago, maybe in 2010 or so. We were in RTC and they handed out maybe 40 groups of glasses to test out. Interchangable HD lenses of black, clear, bronze and copper. 2 Frames, one is thin on the ear piece for ACH use and the other thicker for normal wear. We were told to wear and tear them out. Give feedback.

As these were issued to us by the Army, aren't I allowed to wear these? Ive been in long enough to know it's based on interpretation and commander discretion. But speaking up to an E-7 former DS now Platoon Sergeant has me reluctant to share any back story. (He's the one that told me its black or clear only)