Is wearing eyeglasses on top of head allowed while in uniform?

2019-07-30T17:09:36-04:00

Saw a 2LT at the shoppette in uniform wearing authorized Oakley sunglasses on the back of his head. Wanted to correct him, but dont recall seeing anything in AR670-1 pertaining to this issue. Only states that we cannot wear our glasses around our neck while on a chain.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 30 at 2019 5:16 PM

2019-07-30T17:16:22-04:00

That is a negative. While in uniform, you are to present a professional look. That is in AR 670-1, and having sunglasses on the back of the head is not professional.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 30 at 2019 5:22 PM

2019-07-30T17:22:31-04:00

That's a really interesting question, though I quite honestly don't have a clue...once, while I'd been at USAF OTS, just before I'd finished, I'd been walking around with my family, showing them Medina Annex at Lackland, a couple of other OTs walked by, one of them was wearing sunglasses, despite the Commandant expressly forbidding them for OTs, only the faculty could wear them, that was the only time I ever had to give another OT a demerit, the whole time I was there...I just figured you'd get a kick outta the story, at any rate...it was genuinely a good question, though, as I'd said...as i'd said, I honestly don't have a clue, though....

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 30 at 2019 5:27 PM

2019-07-30T17:27:12-04:00

670-1; 3-10 (3):
"...Glasses may not be worn on top of the head at any time."

Is this "top of the head"? I don't know but if I'm an NCO and trying to maintain a professional appearance, I'd say "yes."

Response by Capt Michael Wilford made Jul 30 at 2019 5:27 PM

2019-07-30T17:27:35-04:00

Wear of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses
December 21, 2018

a. Wear of eyeglasses and sunglasses.

(1) Conservative civilian prescription eyeglasses are authorized for wear with all uniforms.

(2) Conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized for wear when in a garrison environment, except when in formation and while indoors. Individuals who are required by medical authority to wear sunglasses for medical reasons other than refractive error may wear them, except when health or safety considerations apply. Soldiers may not wear sunglasses in the field, unless required by the commander for safety reasons in high- glare, field environments.

(3) Restrictions on eyeglasses and sunglasses. Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy, or have lenses or frames with 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, bands, or ribbons to eyeglasses. Eyeglass restraints are authorized only 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.

b. Restrictions on contact lenses. Tinted or colored contact lenses are not authorized for wear with the uniform. The only exception is for opaque lenses that are prescribed medically for eye injuries. Additionally, clear lenses that have designs on them that change the contour of the iris are not authorized for wear with the uniform.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 30 at 2019 5:28 PM

2019-07-30T17:28:06-04:00

From AR 670-1: “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.” No mention of a prohibition against wearing them on the back of the neck.
However, AR 670-1 also states “Soldiers have an individual responsibility for ensuring their appearance reflects the highest level of professionalism. Leaders, at all levels, have a responsibility for implementing and applying the standards contained in this regulation to ensure the best interests of the Army, including our shared traditions and customs.” And “Soldiers will present a professional image at all times and will continue to set the example in military presence, both on and off duty.”
A Soldier should deem the alternative wear of glasses on the back of the neck unprofessional, if not, at the very least a leader should and take the opportunity to accept the responsibility for applying the standard of professionalism.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 30 at 2019 6:00 PM

2019-07-30T18:00:36-04:00

The Ar states what to wear, if it is not stated it is unauthorized. These type things are common sense. Next time get his or her name speak with your CSM and that will be that. When approached with respect most will thank you. This appears to be a case of habit, something someone does out of uniform and does so instinctively. Thank you for your service. Remember infractions are usually incidental and without malice.

Response by SFC Tim Mosher made Jul 30 at 2019 6:17 PM

2019-07-30T18:17:31-04:00

Conduct unbecoming of good order and discipline. Light him up.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 30 at 2019 6:32 PM

2019-07-30T18:32:05-04:00

AR 670-1 It's fairly plain and in black and white.
"Glasses may not be worn on top of the head at any time"
This literally means that if the glasses are not in place and protecting the soldiers eyes as designed then they must not be on his or her head. Period. This is tacky, unprofessional and quite frankly rather civilian.

There are two acceptable modes here for the sunglasses. Over your eyes or in a cargo pocket neatly folded. Anything else out of regs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2019 6:38 PM

2019-07-30T18:38:59-04:00

Here’s what you do. From about 10 ft away, just yell, “hey PVT, get those sunglasses off the back of your head!”
And when he turns around half in disbelief, simply state, “sorry sir, you were looking like a PVT with those sunglasses. Please see 670-1, ch3.”

Response by SFC Tim Mosher made Jul 30 at 2019 9:13 PM

2019-07-30T21:13:00-04:00

Okay, light him up dependong on your rank...SSG and below leaders may say something like "You know LT, when you wear your glasses like that, it makes my stupid privates think they can too..."
SPC and below non leader may say "Excuse me sir, where did you get those glasses? Cuz I want to cruz around in violation too..."
PSG and up - "LT! What the hell is on your head!? You look like you're trying to be a Barbie Convertible driver! Holy crap, now I've seen it all. My guys are gonna have ta call you Lieutenant Barbie. I won't put up with that. You should take those off or we're all hosed..." Shake head and walk away.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-07-30T21:21:48-04:00

Probably should have corrected him. It’s no different than wearing your head gear backwards. Saying nothing co-signs to the behavior. When someone finally does correct him, he’s going to challenge them because numerous people seen it but didn’t feel it was their place to correct it.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jul 30 at 2019 10:34 PM

2019-07-30T22:34:18-04:00

This does not appear to appropriate address the functional purpose of wearing and utilizing sunglasses.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jul 31 at 2019 12:53 AM

2019-07-31T00:53:22-04:00

This is the silly part of the Military... focus instead about a Possible Iran conflict...I live near a Marine base and it's been constant Artillery bombardments for days and nights .....even Sun Morning.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jul 31 at 2019 4:31 PM

2019-07-31T16:31:33-04:00

I was told once in a loud and clear manner to take those Sun glasses off my f***ing head!
I did so post haste. Next time, I will answer with, there is no regulation for that order GySgt!
Hopefully, I will not be PT'ed and throw up, or die.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2019 1:19 AM

2019-08-01T01:19:13-04:00

"If Delta wants to wear Oakleys, that's their business...I don't wanna see them on again, hooah..?"

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Aug 1 at 2019 10:24 PM

2019-08-01T22:24:28-04:00

Stupid question

Response by PFC Kayla Dasse made Aug 2 at 2019 5:34 AM

2019-08-02T05:34:35-04:00

they cannot, falls under the same concept as not being allowed to wear them around the neck

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Aug 3 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-08-03T14:58:14-04:00

He was wrong plus a 2nd LT. still in ROTC mentally

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Aug 13 at 2019 1:40 PM

2019-08-13T13:40:57-04:00

My opinion wear them correctly or put the away

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 25 at 2020 1:12 AM

2020-05-25T01:12:36-04:00

No. As with every item of clothing in uniform - Wear it right or don't wear it.

Response by 1SG Alexis Ruiz made Feb 24 at 2021 7:30 AM

2021-02-24T07:30:19-05:00

Here is the way,
Good __________Sir/Ma'am, are we are we authorized to wear sunglasses on th he back of your head like Guy Fieri and not Top Gun.

Conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized for wear when in a garrison environment, except while indoors. Individuals who are required by medical authority to wear sunglasses for medical reasons, other than refractive error, may wear them, except when health or safety considerations apply. Commanders may authorize sunglasses in formations or field environments, as appropriate.

(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.

#4 opened the door up for soldiers as long as their Commanders allow. The key to it all is wearing ballistic approved sunglasses.