Description

The Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) 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. Prior to being placed on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL), MCEP eyewear first qualifies through rigorous testing. Ballistic fragmentation, optical quality, operational testing, 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.

Spectacles currently approved for use in military combat and training are:

• E-Tint CTRL MS1 (regular and large)
• ESS CrossBlade (regular and NARO)
• ESS Crossbow
• Oakley M-Frame Alpha
• Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 2.0
• Revision Sawfly (small, regular, and large)
• Revision ShadowStrike
• Revision StingerHawk (regular and large)
• Smith Optics Aegis (small and regular)
• Honeywell (UVEX) Genesis
• Honeywell (UVEX) XC
• Wiley X Vapor (small, medium, and large)

For Soldiers who require corrective lenses, six spectacles have approved the universal prescription lens carriers:

• E-Tint CTRL MS1 (regular and large)
• ESS CrossBlade (regular and NARO)
• ESS Crossbow
• Revision Sawfly
• Revision StingerHawk (regular and large)
• Smith Optics Aegis

Authorized spectacles listed on the APEL can be found on the Qualified Products List (QPL). All items have assigned National Stock Numbers (NSNs).

Soldiers can purchase them through normal supply channels. Service members who require a prescription may obtain the appropriate prescription lens carrier for their device through their garrison optometry clinic, deployed optometry clinic, or medical support section. Deployed soldiers may also obtain replacement prescription lenses through the G-Eyes website.