This article is about ballistic spectacles that are on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL). This is a list of eye protection products tested and approved by the U.S. Army for use by its soldiers. APEL includes spectacles and goggles optimized for different situations.

 

Ballistic spectacles: purpose

  • Minimizes eye injuries to the Soldier during training and deployment.

  • Provides protection from fragmentation, ultraviolet light, and other potential eye hazards.

 

The Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) system helps ensure Soldiers are visually able to carry out their mission. Eye hazards exist in a variety of forms in both combat and training environments. They range from fragmenting munitions and other airborne debris, to invisible hazards such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

If unprotected, Soldiers are susceptible to short- or long-term effects on their vision, which in turn can compromise current and future mission effectiveness. MCEP helps preserve performance in both combat and training by reducing the risks associated with exposure to such hazards.

MCEP offers eye protection to Soldiers in a variety of sizes and styles. This gives Soldiers a choice in eye protection that best suits their needs.

 

Ballistic safety spectacles approved for the U.S. military

Prior to being placed on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL), MCEP eyewear first qualifies through rigorous testing. Ballistic fragmentation, optical quality, operational testing as prescribed in MIL-PRF-32432A and certification to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices are among the tests they undergo.

 

The following models of tactical spectacles are approved for combat and training use

 

The following models are approved for soldiers who need ballistic spectacles with corrective lenses:

 

Spectacles from the APEL on the Punisher website

ESS ballistic spectacles

ESS Crossbow with Clear Lens

ESS Crossbow with Clear Lens and Gasket

ESS Crossbow with Photochromic Lens


 

Revision ballistic spectacles

Revision Stingerhawk U.S. Military 3 Lenses Kit

Revision Stingerhawk with Smoke Lens

Revision Sawfly 3 Lenses Kit


 

Looking for other spectacle models? See the entire available assortment in the “Eyeglasses and Goggles”😎 section of our website


 

Data from the PEO Soldier website was used to create this article: https://www.peosoldier.army.mil/Equipment/Equipment-Portfolio/Project-Manager-Soldier-Survivability-Portfolio/Military-Combat-Eye-Protection-Spectacles/