In Black Hawk Down, Sgt. Pilla (Danny Hoch) impersonates Cpt. Steele (Jason Isaacs) saying, “Take those sunglasses off, soldier. Delta wants to wear Oakleys, that’s their business. I don’t wanna see them on you again. Hooah?” Today, you’d be hard-pressed to walk around a military base without seeing Oakleys. How did the brand become so dominant in the military? Let’s take a look.
![marine oakley military](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oakley-Marine-Iraq.jpeg?strip=all&quality=95)
Like so many other successful companies, Oakley started in a garage. In 1975, with just a $300 initial investment, James Jannard began selling motorcycle grips. The proprietary material he used was unlike any other before it and provided exceptional traction, especially when wet. Registered as Unobtainium®, it was the first material patent for the company and is still used for Oakley temple tips and nose pads to prevent the eyewear from falling off of a wearer’s face.
![airman at bagram airfield](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oakley-Gascan-Airman-Afghanistan.jpeg?strip=all&quality=95)
In the 1980s, the company expanded to goggles and the Oakley name became more recognizable in the world of sports. The iconic Oakley M Frame hit the market in 1989 and introduced the company’s High Definition Optics® technology. With three points of contact, one on each temple and the nose bridge, the M Frame was both comfortable and stable and was adopted in many sports. The separation of the frame’s arms from the head provided space for helmet straps and Oakley M Frames became especially popular amongst cyclists.
![oakley military airman](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oakley-M-Frame-2.0-Airman-Afghanistan.jpeg?strip=all&quality=95)
With the adoption of its iconic “O” logo, Oakley’s brand recognition grew through the 1990s and early 2000s. Oakleys appeared on-screen in movies like Black Hawk Down and Mission: Impossible II, making them must-have eyewear for the general public. Although they weren’t designed specifically for tactical use, the eye coverage offered by M Frames made them a popular choice with SWAT units and military operators (when they were allowed).
![oakley military green beret](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oakley-M-Frame-3.0-Tan-Clear-Green-Beret.jpeg?strip=all&quality=95)
The use of Oakleys in the military really took off with the introduction of the ballistic-rated M Frame 2.0 in 2006. Not intended to replace the regular M Frame, the 2.0 was designed specifically for military use and surpassed ANSI Z87.1 Industrial Standards for high-mass and high-velocity impact protection. In addition to its durability, stability and comfort, the M Frame lenses can be quickly changed from clear to tinted depending on the user’s needs.
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/41_LqlEbF50/hqdefault.jpg)
With the Global War on Terror in full swing, the military emphasized the use of eye protection and the M Frame 2.0 was included in the Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List. In 2012, military feedback on the 2.0 led to the development of the M Frame 3.0. Using thinner, curved arms and removing the Unobtainium® earsocks, the 3.0 allows for more comfortable wear under helmet straps and communication equipment while remaining stable on the face. The latest M Frame Alpha builds on the thinner profile of the 3.0 while making lens changes easier.
![oakley military EOD](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oakley-Flak-EOD-Airman.jpeg?strip=all&quality=95)
The M Frame 2.0, 3.0 and Alpha models are all Army-approved eyewear. However, Oakley’s reputation for durability and performance led to other models being worn by service members. The Flak line, especially with its Asian fit, is a popular alternative that fits some wearers more comfortably than the larger M Frames. Although ESS, Honeywell, Revision and Wiley X also produce Army-approved eyewear, Oakley’s brand recognition makes it a top choice for troops both in the field and in the barracks.
Feature Image: U.S. Army