Posted on Jul 30, 2019
Is wearing eyeglasses on top of head allowed while in uniform?
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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.
Posted in these groups: 
DA Pam 670-1
Leadership
DA Pam 670-1 Leadership
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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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.”
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.”
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SSG Elyzabeth Cromer
At the Shoppette in uniform, if the lieutenant was wearing his sun glasses on the back of his head on would think he was inside the Shoppette at the time in question, that makes this an easy answer; AR 670-1 does not allow the wear of sunglasses indoors, period. No exceptions are listed, not in garrison, on your head, hanging on your uniform, not in formation, Tuesday afternoons, leap year, nothing, nada, no exceptions, put them in your pocket, carry them in your hand, or leave them in the car.
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SSG Elyzabeth Cromer
SSG Elyzabeth Cromer Correction to my previous post, "one would think" not "on would think". Apologies for any confusion caused by the typo.
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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.
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.
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CSM William Everroad
AR 670-1 tells you can can stow your headgear when indoors, but only in a cargo pocket and folded in such a way that does not create the appearance of bulk. (promotion board question btw) That level of detail was left off from the sunglass section because some reg writers don't feel the need anymore to spell out every misapplication and loophole.
But a reasonable person would interpret "professional appearance" to mean don't look like a bag of garbage soup.
Collectively, we have lost the true meaning of "highest standards of professionalism" in our search for the white space between the black letters in the regulation.
But a reasonable person would interpret "professional appearance" to mean don't look like a bag of garbage soup.
Collectively, we have lost the true meaning of "highest standards of professionalism" in our search for the white space between the black letters in the regulation.
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you, CSM. Yeah, I found it odd that it wasn't mentioned in the AR version I read.
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SSG Brian G.
It's a common sense thing. There are a lot of things that are left out of regulations because it really is not needed ie stipulation that underwear shall only be worn on the lower body, beneath the duty uniform, that laces shall be worn in a certain fashion, or that a SM shall not look down the business end of a weapon.
These are things that should have been instilled in the SM from the word go but obviously were not. A failure of leadership and training professionals as well as a failure of this particular 2LT.
These are things that should have been instilled in the SM from the word go but obviously were not. A failure of leadership and training professionals as well as a failure of this particular 2LT.
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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.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
Understood. I always told my Soldiers and leaders to speak respectfully and iterate the infraction. If the violator turned belligerent, disrespectful ir rude they were to bring me there name. Not many things I could not correct at any level. This usually resulted in a more empowered Soldier/leader as well. The more we walk by the infraction the faster we create new standards. Thank you for your service CSMCSM William Everroad
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CSM William Everroad
CSM Darieus ZaGara - I use that saying all the time! "If you let standards slide, you create a new standard and gradually a new Army" Leaders are at fault for any perception of declining discipline in a unit, IMO.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
I wish that many more would employ that mentality. I have heard and said that for decades, unfortunately often falling on deaf ears. SFC Brad P.
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