With Veterans Day upon us, it’s hard for me not to think of my Father. He was a dedicated career Army officer that spent 27 years leading soldiers. And most likely the reason I decided to join the Army as well. Although I wasn’t drafted like he was, my journey started at Ft. Benning as I moved through Basic, AIT, Airborne and Ranger Indoc. Upon completion, I elected to be assigned to 2/75 Ranger at the same Fort my father commanded a Battalion. Fort Lewis, now known as Joint Base Lewis McChord. Those were some of the most challenging years of my life. However, 2/75, along with my father, molded me into the person I am today.

From my time in the 90’s to present, Oakley has long been a supporter of the military. Providing soldiers with cutting-edge eye protection and saving countless eyeballs from catastrophic damage on the battlefield and training grounds. “Eyes and Ears” Something I now bark at my kids before we get started at the shooting range. Old habits don’t die. And you should always wear a suitable pair of eye protection while shooting. Especially if those shades are sporting your team colors. When I say “team” I mean Armed Forces Branch. Whether you’re in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, Oakley has your team colors. The new Armed Forces Drop Point is here just in time for Veterans Day.

Prizm Drop Point Specifications courtesy of oakley.com

• • Medium high wrap rectangular lens shape with optimized peripheral vision and side protection
  • Unobtainium® nosepads increase grip with perspiration for a no slip grip
  • Three-Point Fit holds lenses in precise optical alignment while eliminating pressure points
  • Plutonite® Lenses offer top UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
  • O Matter™ stress-resistant frame material is both lightweight and durable for all-day comfort and protection
  • Prizm™ is a revolution in lens optics built on decades of color science research. Prizm™ lenses provide unprecedented control of light transmission resulting in colors precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility.

Oakleys Drop Point sports a casual all-day type of frame. The medium rectangular lens shape is suitable for work, play or sports. The Armed Forces Collection takes it a couple steps above the standard Drop Point. Adding colors that match the colorway of the various branches of service. Mine are obviously Army themed sporting a matte OD green frame. With a subtle hint of color on the ends of the temples. Black and Tan. How fitting. The Coasties get a matte cool gray frame with their red and blue stripes on the temple. The Navy gets an anchor logo on the inside of the matte navy blue frames. While the Marines get matte black frames with red and gold accents. Much like their signature dress uniforms. Finally, the Air Force shades are matte dark gray with a stars ‘n stripes logo on the inside of the temple.

Prizm Lens

Aside from the unique graphics and colors found on the O-Matter frames. Oakley includes the coveted Prizm lens technology on all Armed Forces Collection glasses. From Oakley.com ~ Prizm™ is a revolution in lens optics built on decades of color science research. Prizm™ lenses provide unprecedented control of light transmission resulting in colors precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility. The Prizm lenses can be tuned for various conditions or activities. I own a golf specific pair of Oakleys that enhance the green/white contrast to better view a golf ball. As well as a pair of Prizm shades specific to cycling. Yet the Armed Forces Collection gets the versatile Prizm Black lenses which is suited for all occasions.

Whether you’re a Veteran or a civilian, you can still support your favorite Branch of Service with a pair of Oakleys from this collection. Or better yet, send them as a gift to a loved one still serving in the military. Oakley has always been a staple among the guys I served with. Especially when they customized a pair just for the 75th Ranger Regiment. And for that, I salute you.