Soldiers' Right to Carry

[Integrator]

A blurb on page 14 of the NRA's 1st Freedom Magazine states "The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is urging the Iowa state legislature not to exclude military service members from its new Right-to-Carry law."

I haven't seen any topics addressing this issue on the forum and am wondering what Texas law says about its veterans. Do we allow our veterans (Texas residents) stationed outside our state to apply for Texas CHL? Training requirements notwithstanding, do we allow them to apply?

[seamusTX]

Sure. Any resident of any state can apply for a Texas non-resident license. Military personnel who claim Texas residence can get a resident license (Government Code 411.173).

The only hang-up is that the CHL course must be conducted in Texas. Probably some military personnel would benefit from a Florida or other non-resident license, which doesn't require in-state testing and is cheaper anyway.

- Jim

[Integrator]

Thanks, Jim. Seems we ought to do something about that, though. But Texas law is what is studied in the class, so the course can't simply be about handling the weapon, can it? Thanks, again.

[seamusTX]

All the states that require a course, such as Texas and Utah, require the course to be taught by a state-certified instructor. As far as I know, Utah is the only one that allows their course to be taught outside the state.

Probably Texas law is not going to change because no one is pushing to change it; and it would be a pretty significant change.

Other states, such as Florida, require only a general handgun safety certification. Florida accepts some military qualifications. I don't know the details.

- Jim

[ex_dsmr]

Texas will also accept military range scores in lieu of the proficiency test.

[Bart]

They do the same for other "professionals" who get embarassed when "amateurs" outshoot them.

[sjfcontrol]

Texas will also accept military range scores in lieu of the proficiency test.

True, but the trouble it takes to document it is harder than taking the proficiency test itself. Besides, that's the "fun" part of the class!

[stroo]

My son-in-law is a Marine stationed at Fort Lajeune. He got his Texas CHL since he has maintained Texas residency. However, he can not carry in North Carolina because he is stationed there.

[maxlib]

Sure. Any resident of any state can apply for a Texas non-resident license. Military personnel who claim Texas residence can get a resident license (Government Code 411.173).

The only hang-up is that the CHL course must be conducted in Texas. Probably some military personnel would benefit from a Florida or other non-resident license, which doesn't require in-state testing and is cheaper anyway.

- Jim

I don't believe it is cheaper. Active duty and discharged within a year is free in Texas.

I submitted my application within a year and only paid for my photos and a heavily discounted class. About $32.00 plus postage.

Florida and Virginia both accept military proficiency in lieu of the CCW course. Some other states may as well.

[seamusTX]

I don't believe it is cheaper. Active duty and discharged within a year is free in Texas.

Yeah. I forgot about that.

- Jim

[cbr600]

My son-in-law is a Marine stationed at Fort Lajeune. He got his Texas CHL since he has maintained Texas residency. However, he can not carry in North Carolina because he is stationed there.

Source? I don't see that limitation in NCGS 14‑415.24.

[jamisjockey]

My son-in-law is a Marine stationed at Fort Lajeune. He got his Texas CHL since he has maintained Texas residency. However, he can not carry in North Carolina because he is stationed there.

Just a small and totally off topic correction for you.
"Camp" Lejeune. The Army has "Forts". Marine infantry bases are referred to as Camps. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Air stations are Marine Corps Air Stations.
Carry on!