The U.S. Army has specific regulations regarding the use of eyewear, including glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, to ensure that Soldiers maintain a professional appearance and receive adequate eye protection.
These standards are detailed in AR 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” and in the Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL).
The Army AR 670-1 regulation outlines guidance for army grooming, appearance, conduct, and specific requirements for uniforms, accessories, and equipment.
⚠️ UCMJ Enforcement Notice
Note: This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers. Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ.
a. Eyeglasses and Sunglasses Regulation
- Conservative civilian prescription eyeglasses are authorized for wear with all uniforms.
- Conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized for wear:
- In a garrison environment
- Except while indoors
- Soldiers who are required by medical authority to wear sunglasses (for reasons other than refractive error) may wear them, unless health or safety concerns apply.
- Commanders may authorize sunglasses in formations or field environments, as appropriate.
- Trendy designs
- Lenses or frames with:
- Conspicuous initials
- Designs
- Other adornments
- Extreme or trendy lens colors, including (but not limited to):
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
- Purple
- Bright green
- Orange
- Frames or lenses that are too large or too small, and detract from the appearance of the uniform
- Chains or ribbons attached to eyeglasses
- Eyeglasses worn on top of the head
- Eyeglasses hanging from restraints down the front of the uniform
✅ Eyeglass restraints (bands) are only authorized when required for safety purposes.
✅ Authorized Lens Colors:
- Traditional gray
- Traditional brown
- Traditional dark green
Protective Eyewear Regulation
To protect eye health, Soldiers must wear protective eyewear during:
- Specific training exercises
- Combat operations
- Other hazardous activities
The Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) lists approved eyewear that:
- Meets military ballistic standards
- Provides adequate eye protection
Soldiers are authorized to wear Army-issued ballistic spectacle eye protection, including those with lens colors or logos not compliant with AR 670–1, paragraph 3–10a(3), in garrison or field environments, unless otherwise directed by the chain of command.
b. Restrictions on Contact Lenses
- Tinted or colored contact lenses are not authorized for wear with the uniform.
- Exception: Opaque lenses prescribed for medical reasons (e.g., eye injuries) are permitted.
- Clear lenses that change the contour of the iris (e.g., decorative or cosmetic designs) are not authorized.
- Commanders may restrict contact lenses based on safety or mission requirements.
Tinted Glasses Regulation
- Tinted sunglasses are allowed but must be conservative and not look too out there.
- Mirrored lenses are not authorized.
Storage & Handling Restrictions
- Soldiers may not wear eyewear:
- On top of the head
- Around the neck
- Hanging from the uniform
- Glasses and sunglasses should be stored in the correct case when not in use.
Reminder
AR 670-1 eyewear regulations are subject to change over time, and there may be unit-specific variations.
Always consult the most current version of AR 670-1 and check with your chain of command regarding any specific requirements or restrictions.
The Purpose and Benefits of Glasses for Military and Police Personnel
If you look at photos of U.S. Soldiers, then most likely, already on the first page with images, you will come across fighters in dark glasses. Everyone who has worn sunglasses knows that looking through them in the outside world is not so convenient.
Why Do Soldiers Wear Sunglasses?
The question arises: Why do American Soldiers wear sunglasses, even when it’s cloudy outside?
It is evident, then, that couriers of democracy should look fashionable.
But seriously, the point is to protect the eyes and vision from external influences. Therefore, glasses are not only dark in color but also entirely transparent.
In addition, such glasses are in demand not only among the military.
In the West, wearing ballistic glasses is quite popular among police representatives.
But Why Is a Fashion Accessory Able to Protect?
Ballistic glasses are a lightweight, durable, protective optical system that allows you to keep your eyes relatively safe.
Most modern accessories can replace lenses in case of damage, and the optics are made of polycarbonate. However, the shackles and lens frames are most often made of nylon.
Characteristics of Ballistic Glasses
- Lightweight and durable
- Protective optical system
In addition to spare parts, the glasses always come with:
- A case
- A rag for wiping
- A composition against fogging
As a rule, two sets of lenses are in a set for the same glasses:
- Regular lenses
- Darkened lenses
Less often, there are also:
- Yellow anti-glare glasses
Benefits of Ballistic Glasses
While ballistic glasses cannot save you from a bullet, they can keep you safe from a small fragment, even when moving at high speed.
In this case, the glasses will most likely leave an injury on the face and break the Soldier’s nose, but the vision will remain intact.
Additionally:
- Ballistic glasses provide 100% protection from dust and ultraviolet light
- Soldiers use accessories with darkened lenses like any other sunglasses to protect themselves from direct sunlight and glare
Features of Ballistic Glasses
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lenses | Replaceable lenses |
| Optics | Made of polycarbonate |
| Shackles and Frames | Most often made of nylon |
Accessories Included with Ballistic Glasses
- Case
- Rag for wiping
- Anti-fogging composition
Lens Options for Ballistic Glasses
- Regular lenses
- Darkened lenses
- Yellow anti-glare lenses (less common)
Army Sunglasses Regulation (AR 670-1) 2025
In summary, Army sunglasses regulations prohibit trendy frames or frames with initials.
The lenses cannot have stylish colors, either.
AR 670-1 sunglasses regulation allows:
- Clear lenses
- Gray
- Brown
- Dark green
Sometimes, you can get away with wearing glasses with logos or maybe prohibited lens colors, but that’s only if the United States Army issues them.
Global Use
By the way, they wear protective glasses in one form or another not only in the U.S. Army;
Today, at least Special Forces use this accessory in almost all countries of the world.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a printable manual, reference handout, or training deck!
Army Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, and Contact Lens Regulation Summary 2025
1. Prescription Glasses
| Eyewear Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Glasses | Conservative, clear-lensed prescription glasses allowed in uniform |
| Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|
| Frames must be conservative in design and color; no logos or ornamentation | Must not detract from the uniform’s appearance |
2. Sunglasses
| Eyewear Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunglasses | Conservative, dark-lensed sunglasses allowed in uniform |
| Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|
| Not to be worn indoors unless medically prescribed | Must not interfere with duty performance |
3. Protective Eyewear
| Eyewear Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Protective Eyewear | Required during training, combat, or hazardous activities |
| Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|
| Must be on the APEL list and meet military ballistic standards | Army-issued protective eyewear is allowed even if not cosmetically compliant |
4. Tinted Glasses
| Eyewear Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tinted Glasses | Tinted sunglasses allowed if conservative |
| Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|
| No mirrored lenses; shouldn’t look “too out there” | Lens color must be appropriate and subdued |
5. General Eyewear Restrictions
| Eyewear Type | Description |
|---|---|
| General Restrictions | Applies to all eyewear |
| Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|
| Can’t be worn on head, around neck, or hanging from uniform | Store in the right case when not in use |
Let me know if you’d like these tables styled for a presentation, infographic, or printable guide!