Military eyeglasses, commonly known as “BCGs” or “Birth Control Glasses”, are a type of eyeglasses issued to military service members. The nickname “Birth Control Glasses” comes from the perception that the thick, large frames and lenses are unattractive. While originally intended just for vision correction, the glasses have become an iconic part of military culture and history.
What are BCGs?
BCGs, or Birth Control Glasses, refer to the basic eyeglasses provided to military service members who need vision correction. The glasses have very large, thick frames and lenses that sit close to the face. The style has changed little over the decades since they were first issued.
The BCG style was designed to be:
- Durable
- Cheap to produce and replace
- Easy to keep clean in the field
- One-size-fits-all with adjustable nose pads and temples
The chunky black plastic frames and large lens size offered protection and allowed for vision correction even with stronger prescriptions. Despite improvements in materials and technology, the basic design endures as the expected military eyeglass style.
When Were BCGs First Issued?
Military eyeglasses first appeared in significant numbers during WWII when millions of servicemen needed vision correction. The demand outstripped the supply of metal and resources needed for frames due to wartime rationing. Military officials opted for practical sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses made from material like plastic instead.
Eyeglasses were vital for allowing soldiers to accurately aim weapons and equipment. By WWII, the technology existed to grind corrective plastic lenses. The first government-issued “GI glasses” had round or octagonal shaped plastic frames. They resembled the pince-nez style popular in the 1920s and 30s.
The now classic BCG style emerged a bit later. Large rectangular lenses in a thick black frame provided both vision correction and protection. The glasses were basic, utilitarian, and inexpensive to produce.
Why Are BCGs Called “Birth Control Glasses”?
The nickname “Birth Control Glasses” or BCGs derives from the perception that the eyeglasses are so ugly they make the wearer unattractive. The thick frames and lenses obscure the face and distort features in an unflattering manner.
During wartime, fashion and attractiveness were not a priority. But for service members, donning Birth Control Glasses had an impact on self-image and confidence. The nickname arose implying that the glasses somehow instantly made the wearer less desirable.
The sexual and romantic impacts were exaggerated into the belief that wearing BCGs prevented intimacy, reproduction, and “birth control.” This notion embedded the nickname into military culture. Any service member assigned BCGs as a replacement for lost, broken, or outdated prescription glasses, grudgingly accepted their fate.
Other Nicknames for BCGs
Along with Birth Control Glasses, BCGs have picked up other nicknames over the years referencing their aesthetic impact:
- Coke Bottle Glasses – Referring to the thick lenses
- GI Glasses – GI meaning Government Issued
- RPS Glasses – RPS meaning Recruit Prevention Specs
- BFGs – BFG meaning Big Fucking Glasses
Different eras and military branches spawned additional nicknames, but “Birth Control Glasses” endures as the most widespread moniker.
BCG Characteristics
The standard military glasses share these physical characteristics:
Frames
- Rectangular, translucent black plastic frame
- Size roughly 50 mm wide by 38 mm tall
- Adjustable nose pads and temples for fit
- Durable enough for years of wear
- Matte finish to avoid light glare
Lenses
- Impact and scratch resistant plastic
- Clear or tinted depending on vision needs
- Thick style that sits close to the eyes
- Prescription matched to service member’s vision
- Large enough for stronger corrections
The components combine to produce eyewear that is functional above all. But the resulting look is bulky, stark, and unattractive to most wearers.
One-Size-Fits-All
Another signature BCG feature is the one-size-fits-all adjustable design. The glasses are issued in a single size with features to customize the fit:
- Adjustable nose pads for width
- Arms and temples adjust inward and outward
- Smaller nose bridge sizes available
- Can accommodate a range of sizes and prescriptions
This streamlined approach reduced production demands and allowed inventories to be standardized. But thefit is admittedly not bespoke. Glasses may pinch, sit askew, or require frequent adjustments.
Are BCGs Still Issued to Military Members Today?
Yes, BCGs are still issued today to service members requiring vision correction. Military eyeglass labs produce the iconic glasses along with newer, more stylish options. Active duty members must pay for any upgrades personally. But all can obtain their standard BCG glasses for free.
Not every base stocks BCGs, so they may be ordered and take time to fulfill. And the labs prioritize active duty members first. But the classic Birth Control Glasses live on as a prescription option.
The enduring style means modern BCGs are virtually identical to those first introduced in WWII. The simple black plastic frames have proven cost effective and indestructible over the decades. Upgrades in materials make lenses shatterproof and scratch resistant. But overall, the design remains largely unchanged.
BCGs in Other Militaries
The basic BCG style spread beyond just the US armed forces. Many allied nations produced similar military eyeglasses for their troops through the 20th century. Styles vary somewhat in shape and size. But the prominent rectangular plastic frames persisted worldwide.
When coalition forces unite, BCG wearers can easily identify their shared experience. The iconic glasses mark the wearer as a member of the military fraternity.
BCG Culture and Lore
The frumpy reputation of BCGs sparked a culture all its own within the military. Lore and humor helped ease the blow to vanity when new recruits were assigned glasses. Shared rites of passage bonded BCG wearers. And nifty workarounds mitigated the unattractive look.
Initiation and Hazing
Being assigned BCGs is somewhat of a military initiation or hazing ritual. Especially for new recruits, donning government glasses carries stigma. Wearers must brave the jeers and mockery that may come their way.
Within some units, official or informal ceremonies commemorate the moment. A common prank is to swap out a soldier’s usual glasses and replace them with BCGs instead. The soldier may be teased until producing their original glasses. It’s a way of welcoming them to the BCG club.
Fashion and Photography
Military members seek ways to soften the bold BCG look. Smaller sizes, dimensionally colored lenses, or wire temples add subtle style. BCGs photograph poorly due to glare and distortion. Wearers learn to tilt their chin or remove the glasses for portraits.
Still, BCGs have permeated military fashion and photography. Certain poses like a salute while wearing BCGs are staples. Modern vintage-look frames pay homage to the classic style. BCGs lend authenticity to military-inspired fashion.
Vision Standards and Waivers
The military sets general vision standards that service members must meet. But not everyone can attain 20/20 eyesight naturally or through correction. Waivers allow some flexibility for those exceeding limits.
BCGs factor into the equation since stronger prescriptions mean thicker lenses. Thick glasses interfere with gas mask use and eye protection. Some hope to avoid the BCG look by seeking LASIK surgery. For better or worse, BCGs are tied to the quest for perfect military vision.
After Service Use
BCGs have a life after initial issue. Some military members continue using the glasses as civilians. And the glasses find new purposes in the hands of collectors, reenactors, and artists.
Veteran Use
Some military members opt to keep wearing BCG style glasses once discharged. If they have an established prescription and like the fit, it makes sense to continue. And if they wish to maintain a military bearing, the iconic glasses support that image.
Seeing a veteran sporting BCGs instantly conveys their service history. The style has become so ubiquitous that the glasses don’t necessarily label the wearer as prior military. But for veterans, the familiar frames carry personal meaning and connection to their service.
Collecting and Reenacting
As iconic military items, BCGs appeal to collectors of militaria and war memorabilia. Vintage pairs from WWII or the Cold War era can be valued finds. Reenactors also seek real or reproduction BCGs to complement living history uniforms.
The glasses lend authenticity and details to military collections and reenactments. Collectors and history buffs appreciate their links to the past.
Art and Fashion
Artists and designers incorporate real or faux BCGs into their military-inspired works. The glasses are a recognizable prop representing war, medicine, and optics. BCGs also influence military-themed fashion looks.
As a familiar cultural touchstone, BCGs inject military aura through their symbolism and history. They add a real or imagined narrative and backstory. The glasses provide metaphor, irony, or commentary depending on the context.
Conclusion
Military eyeglasses fill a basic function but took on outsized meaning. The nicknames, lore, and rituals surrounding BCGs reveal the complex role vision and image play for service members. Necessity bred the unattractive but utilitarian style. Yet through shared hardship came bonding.
The embedded military culture around BCGs speaks to relationships forged in service. Service members unwillingly marked with “Birth Control Glasses” ultimately embraced the experience together. And today BCGs remain an enduring symbol for the global armed forces and veterans community. Their look and legacy withstand the tests of combat, culture, and time.