Is it true that Army issued glasses count as "eye pro" in certain situations?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 21:35:55 -0500

I've heard this throughout my Army career. I know that glasses don't meet the same specifications as APEL eyewear, but the issued glasses do have a higher durability than most civilian glasses. I've searched and I can't find any regulation on this. On a day to day basis, for example if the uniform put out is "ACH, FLC, eye pro, gloves" is there anything to back me up saying glasses count? Or that they don't?

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 28 at 2018 9:45 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 21:45:36 -0500

yes. anytime I had to qualify, military or civilian, I always used just my prescription eyeglasses. that includes the BC glasses issued in basic, check with the eye clinic

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2018 11:29 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 23:29:25 -0500

Here's a FAQ about prescription lenses from PEO. Technically, there's no difference between BCG and normal civilian lenses, only the APEL lenses are approved.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2018 12:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 00:40:19 -0500

Army issued eye protection meets certain International safety standards for ballistic eyewear. Army issued prescription lenses do not meet the requirements, in any way shape or form. Sometimes people's local policies may allow soldiers to wear glasses when there is no real threat of ballistic injury. For instance, a local policy might require soldiers to wear eye protection in the motor pool, or prescription lenses.
As for where you can find this in documentation, look to the a p e l website. It shows all of the army authorized ballistic eye protection, and explains what the rating is. Ballistic eye protection is stamped with a mark that says Z87.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 29 at 2018 5:13 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 05:13:59 -0500

It is my understanding that glasses are not eye pro. If you think about it most are issued or buy prescription lenses for Army issued eye pro prior to deployment. This is not to mention the fact that standard issued glasses do not cover the same facial structure required of eye pro. Thank you for your service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 29 at 2018 9:30 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 09:30:45 -0500

Military issue glasses are rumored to protect against procuration

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Nov 29 at 2018 9:36 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 09:36:20 -0500

I was always told that they do count, but I can't cite a regulation to that effect.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2018 12:01 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 00:01:02 -0500

Have you checked AR385-10, Army Safety Program?
While the frame of choice are more durable than civilian equivalent they are not ballistically rated.
The actual eye pro and the inserts are free and will actually protect your eyes, so I highly recommend them. Or better yet, look into the eye surgery. I think buying those machines are the best investments the Army ever made.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2018 12:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 00:39:50 -0500

Prescription glasses are not considered eye protection because they are not a Z87 series ballistic eye wear. Issued eye protection can be fitted with prescription lenses but you need to go to optometry to get them done.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2018 10:59 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 10:59:39 -0500

So I do remember in 2004 putting in for prescription Wiley-Xs in 1st ID so I guess the determination was they werent good enough although I was allowed to wear them in 3ID as eye pro.