When you're in the heat of combat, your vision can mean the difference between life and death. That's why militaries take eyewear so seriously. Military glasses, also known as military eyewear, aren't just another piece of gear—they're a critical component of a soldier's protective equipment and combat effectiveness. In this article, you'll discover the unique advantages of military eyewear, how it differs from civilian options, and the rigorous testing process it undergoes. You'll also learn proper care techniques to keep your glasses battle-ready and explore how this specialized eyewear performs in various combat scenarios. Understanding the importance of military glasses could save your sight—and your life—on the battlefield.
What are the Military Glasses Called? - Overview of common names and types
Ballistic Eyewear: The Foundation of Military Eye Protection
Military glasses, commonly known as ballistic eyewear, are designed to provide optimal protection against small projectiles and fragments in combat situations. These specialized glasses must meet rigorous safety standards, including the U.S. military standard MIL-PRF-31013, which ensures they can withstand high-velocity impacts.
Types of Military Eyewear
The military employs various types of protective eyewear, each serving specific purposes:
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Spectacles: Examples include the ESS Crossblade, Oakley M-Frame Alpha, and Revision Sawfly. These offer daily wear protection and are often compatible with prescription inserts.
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Goggles: Such as the Revision Desert Locust and Wiley X Spear, provide full-coverage protection in extreme conditions.
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Sunglasses: Models like the Revision Speed Demon offer both ballistic protection and sun glare reduction.
Advanced Features
Modern military eyewear often incorporates cutting-edge technology. For instance, some models feature rapid light adaptive capabilities, allowing for quick adjustment to changing light conditions. Additionally, permanent anti-fog coatings ensure clear vision in all environments, a crucial feature for military operations.
What Glasses are Allowed in the Military? - Regulations and requirements
The U.S. military has specific guidelines for eyewear to ensure optimal performance and maintain a professional appearance. According to AR 670-1, eyeglasses or sunglasses worn by military personnel must adhere to certain regulations.
Frame and Lens Restrictions
Frames should be conservative in appearance, without conspicuous initials, designs, or adornments. Authorized frame colors include silver/grey, black, navy blue, brown, gold, clear, or translucent. The size of frames and lenses should not detract from the uniform appearance.
Lens colors must be traditional shades of gray, brown, or dark green. Extreme or trendy colors like red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, or orange are not authorized. For prescription glasses, lenses must be clear, with transitional lenses also permitted.
Additional Considerations
Retainer straps for both prescription glasses and sunglasses are allowed for safety purposes but must be black in color. When not in use, glasses should not be worn on top of the head or hung around the neck.
Tinted contact lenses are authorized but must be a natural color such as blue, green, or brown. Proper care and maintenance of eyewear is emphasized to maintain a professional military appearance.
Testing and Certification for Army Eyewear - Rigorous standards and processes
Stringent Military Standards
Army eyewear undergoes rigorous testing to meet exacting military standards. The Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) system is designed to minimize eye injuries during training and deployment. Before being approved, MCEP eyewear must pass stringent tests for ballistic fragmentation, optical quality, and operational performance as prescribed in MIL-PRF-32432A.
International Certification
In addition to U.S. military standards, army eyewear often adheres to international standards such as the STANAG standard used by NATO countries. These standards ensure protection against fragmentation, shrapnel, and high-velocity projectiles, as well as resistance to environmental hazards like UV radiation and sand.
Comprehensive Protection Testing
Army eyewear is tested to withstand extreme conditions. Ballistic eyewear meeting military standards can stop 22-caliber projectiles traveling at speeds of 195-200 m/s or more. Additionally, it must provide 100% protection from dust, ultraviolet light, and small, high-speed fragments. This comprehensive testing ensures optimal eye protection in dangerous combat environments, helping maintain soldiers' vision and mission effectiveness.
Effectiveness of Army Glasses in Combat - Protection in various situations
Ballistic Protection
Army glasses are designed to offer superior protection in combat situations. These glasses must meet stringent ballistic standards such as MIL-PRF-31013 and MIL-DTL-43511D. This means they can withstand high-velocity impacts, providing 5-7 times greater protection than standard safety glasses. In combat, this level of protection is crucial for safeguarding soldiers' eyes against flying debris, shrapnel, and other potential hazards.
Enhanced Visual Performance
Military eyewear incorporates advanced technologies to enhance visual performance in various combat situations. Features like anti-fog coatings, UV protection, and HD Polarization help reduce glare and improve visual clarity. Some models even include proprietary lens tints optimized for better color rendering and detail perception. These enhancements can significantly improve a soldier's accuracy and overall performance in the field.
Versatility in Combat Environments
Army glasses are designed to be effective in diverse combat scenarios. They provide protection against multiple hazards, including fragmentation, UV light, laser hazards, wind, and sand. This versatility ensures that soldiers' vision remains protected and clear, whether they're operating in desert conditions, urban environments, or any other challenging combat situation. The ability to maintain visual acuity across various environments is critical for mission success and overall combat effectiveness.
Proper Care for Army Eyewear - Cleaning tips and maintenance
Cleaning Techniques
Maintaining your army-issued eyewear is crucial for optimal performance and protection. To clean your lenses, use a diluted solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Gently wash the lenses, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to air dry. For quick touch-ups in the field, utilize specialized anti-fog cloths, which can be reused multiple times and help prevent fogging during intense activities.
Storage and Handling
When not in use, store your eyewear in a protective case to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid leaving them exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Handle your glasses with care, always using both hands to remove or put them on to maintain proper alignment.
Regular Inspections
Conduct frequent inspections of your eyewear to identify any signs of wear or damage. Check for loose screws, cracks in the frame, or scratches on the lenses. If you notice any issues, report them immediately to ensure timely replacements or repairs. Remember, properly maintained eyewear is essential for clear vision and safety in combat situations.
Getting Prescription Army Glasses - Options for vision correction
Standard Issue and Custom Options
Active duty service members, including activated Guard and Reserve, have several options for prescription eyewear. According to TRICARE, these individuals can receive one standard issue pair of glasses, one standard issue pair of sunglasses, and one pair of glasses of their choice from their military optometry clinic. For those not near a military facility, glasses can be ordered from the Navy Ophthalmic Readiness Activity Yorktown.
Vision Coverage for Other Military Personnel
Non-activated Guard and Reserve members can have their unit order glasses from the Navy Ophthalmic Readiness Activity Yorktown. Retired service members also have the option to order glasses from this facility. For other TRICARE beneficiaries, coverage for glasses is limited to specific medical conditions.
Advanced Vision Correction Options
The Department of Defense's Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program offers various vision correction procedures, including PRK, LASIK, and SMILE. These surgeries can correct nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness, enabling nearly 95% of patients to achieve 20/20 vision or better. This program has allowed many individuals to qualify for specialized military careers that require excellent uncorrected vision.
Conclusion
As you have learned, Army authorized eyewear offers unparalleled protection and performance for military personnel. The rigorous testing and certification process ensures that these glasses meet the highest standards for combat situations. By understanding the key differences between military and civilian protective eyewear, you can appreciate the advanced features that set Army glasses apart. Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your eyewear and maintain its effectiveness. Whether you are facing sandstorms, shrapnel, or ballistic threats, you can trust that Army authorized glasses will safeguard your vision and enhance your combat readiness. Invest in your safety and operational success by choosing eyewear specifically designed for the demands of military service.