The most popular sunglasses amongst Secret Service agents are Oakley, Revo, and Maui Jim. While the United States Secret Service doesn’t regulate the sunglasses that agents wear, they are expected to be subtle designs. And plenty of brands offer discounts to get these agents to wear their sunglasses!
For example, Oakley offers its Standard Issue program to serve these members. And it’s no surprise since Oakley is a long-time supporter of service members, including U.S. military, government, police officers, EMS, firefighters, and the Secret Service.
What is Oakley Standard Issue?
Oakley Standard Issue creates combat-ready eyewear for security professionals and offers great discounts to its members. The brand invests in the latest technology to create high-performance, safe, and comfortable eyewear for service members. So it’s no wonder Oakley is an all-time favorite brand for first responders and Secret Service agents.
Do Secret Service Agents Get Free Sunglasses?
No, secret service agents don’t get free sunglasses. They have to purchase their shades just like everyone else. But they do receive discounts on sunglasses through select programs (like Oakley SI), as we mentioned above.
There is also no ‘special’ kind of sunglasses specifically designed for agents. This is the same for FBI agents. Instead, Secret Service agents use the same criteria as everyone else when choosing their sunglasses. For example, an agent would consider UV protection, polarization, lens quality, and comfort features when shopping for sunglasses. An agent’s experience with a specific brand may also play into the purchase decision.
Naturally, due to their work, Secret Service agents may prefer special features like impact-resistant frames, ballistic-rated lens materials, and shockproof frames.
Why do Secret Service Agents wear Sunglasses?
Secret Service agents mainly wear sunglasses for the same reason as everyone else. The sunglasses help keep the sun out of their eyes so they can see clearly. And it’s easy to understand why agents need to see clearly!
Sunglasses help protect their eyes from harsh sunlight and glare on a sunny day. And besides protection from excess sunlight, sunglasses also help to protect the agent’s eyes from strong wind or dust.
There are other practical reasons why agents wear sunglasses. Specifically, dark sunglasses help to conceal the agent’s eyes. This way, crowds of people and potential threats can’t tell where the agent is looking. This concealment is critical for observing crowds without giving away the exact location of the agent’s focus and attention.
Do they wear sunglasses inside?
There’s no requirement for Secret Service agents to wear sunglasses inside or outside. So most agents prefer not to wear sunglasses inside for practical reasons. A wire earpiece and sunglasses inside might fit the image of a secret service agent. But, agents are more focused on being able to see than looking cool.
Indoors, dark lenses reduce visual acuity, making it difficult to spot suspicious behavior in crowds or surroundings. Agents need to be on guard at all times, so wearing sunglasses inside is counterproductive.
Dark glasses can also cause eye fatigue in low-light conditions. In turn, the wearer could suffer from effects such as headaches, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Again, these symptoms would make it difficult for an agent to perform their duties effectively.
Finally, Secret Service agents like to blend into the crowd. It’s hard to miss someone who’s part of the detail, given the hallmark wire earpiece and stern look. But agents still do their best to blend in. It’s one of the reasons Secret Service agents don’t have a set uniform. Instead, they may wear suits or tuxedos in formal environments or shorts and tee shirts on the beach.
Can Secret Service Agents wear Prescription Eyewear?
No, Secret Service agents are not allowed to wear prescription glasses. Similar to military branches, agents must have perfect vision to qualify for protective duties. But you can still qualify if you have your vision corrected through LASIK surgery or contact lenses.
Have a Question?
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