Is APEL eyewear the only authorized sunglasses in Army uniform even while in garrison?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 14:26:23 -0400

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2016 2:28 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 02:28:35 -0400

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.

Response by Ken Kraetzer made Aug 14 at 2019 8:18 PM

Ken Kraetzer — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:18:44 -0400

Oh gosh I am placing my regular glasses on my head to read off cell a lot lately.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2020 10:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 10:02:31 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Kevin Childers made Oct 16 at 2023 9:07 AM

SFC Kevin Childers — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:07:27 -0400

If the CG, his deputy (2 & 1 Stars, respectively) & the CSM have their eye glasses, can't see this ending well. Have to sacrifice a 2LT to correct it.