scope:

Purpose. The purpose of this pamphlet is to ensure military, civilian, and contract employees of the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR), and Army National Guard of the U.S. (ARNGUS) have the visual performance, optical devices, and ocular health necessary to perform their assigned activities in a safe and efficient manner.

This pamphlet applies to Department of the Army installations and activities worldwide. This includes U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserves, Army National Guard of the United States, and personnel of other Services attached to Army units. This also includes Department of the Army civilian employees and civilians under contract to the Department of the Army who performs tasks in eye hazardous jobs or areas, or who may be required to deploy. This pamphlet also addresses the visual environment of all workers. When required, exceptions may be made for military unique equipment, systems, and operations. Portions of this publication may not be applicable during mobilization or anytime the U.S. Army adopts a state of readiness for actual or imminent armed conflict. However, protective measures will be applied to prevent injury to the maximum extent possible in the theater of operations to preserve the fighting strength.

a. This pamphlet remains applicable to Department of the Army personnel deployed on either humanitarian or peacekeeping missions where the degree of readiness and maintenance of mission effectiveness depends on preventing eye injuries and maintaining visual efficiency. Safety provisions remain in place subject to the availability of protective equipment.

b. Portions of this pamphlet may not apply in theater of operation where hostile fire exists or is expected to exist:

(1) Illumination considerations will be within the constraints of available lighting sets, ambient lighting, and combat lighting discipline.

(2) If industrial safety eyewear is not immediately available in the deployment area, ballistic-laser protective spectacles, special protective eyewear cylindrical system, or military eye protection system when fielded are considered appropriate protection.