Military Service and Veteran Status

[DonFromTexas]

Hi all, I am brand new, so cut me some slack if these questions seem silly or are posted in the wrong section. I made a CHL application online yesterday and got my fingerprints done electronically this morning. I have three questions so far from all that and cannot find an answer in the archives.

1. Although I thought I carefully completed the online application, they charged me a "senior rate" of $73.62. On this forum and on some form on the CHL website, it appears there is a $25 fee for veterans! I served 20 years in the US Army, fought in VietNam etc, but apparently this made no difference, what did I do wrong?

2.. I had been told by others that I would not have to do the gun range firing stuff since I was a veteran. I found that in the CHL regulations, but then in another place it seem to imply that the service must have been within the last five years! Is this true? I can't quite believe that one can assume that 20 years of carrying a gun can be forgotten in 5 years, but maybe that is the rule. Can anyone clarify this for me?

3. I have had trouble finding an instructor. The Texas CHL site has a list of all instructors in Texas - but with absolutely no indication of what town they may be located in! I am way down in the lower Rio Grande Valley, and it would seem to be silly to have to call all of them to find one close. Is there a better way to find one?

[suthdj]

If I remember correctly they don't charge you a senior rate unless you select it did you select senior or vet?
Yes you need to qualify don't worry it is easy.
Someone else will chim in with an instructor to see.

[WildBill]

Welcome to the forum DonFromTexas.

You must put your birthdate on the application, so the computer can easily figure out if you are eligible for the senior discount.

The veteran fee is $25.00

https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/d ... hedule.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

e) In this subsection, "veteran" has the meaning assigned by Section 411.1951. The department shall include the designation "VETERAN" on the face of any original, duplicate, modified, or renewed license under this subchapter or on the reverse side of the license, as determined by the department, if the license is issued to a veteran who:

(1) requests the designation; and

(2) provides proof sufficient to the department of the veteran's military service and honorable discharge.

If believe that you have to supply a copy of your DD 214 to get this discount.

[The Annoyed Man]

In answer to your #3 question: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Concealed+Handgun+ ... nde+Valley

[joe817]

3. I have had trouble finding an instructor. The Texas CHL site has a list of all instructors in Texas - but with absolutely no indication of what town they may be located in! I am way down in the lower Rio Grande Valley, and it would seem to be silly to have to call all of them to find one close. Is there a better way to find one?

es

Hi Don, welcome to the forum and glad to have you with us!

To answer your 3rd question, please follow the link listed below. Note that I know nothing about this organization, nor do I endorse it, but they do list a whole lot of CHL instructors in their database. Doing a quick check, I think there are 4 or 5 in your area:

http://www.txchia.org/inst.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck to you, and hope to see you on the forum often!

[ELB]

I'm retired USAF, I got the veteran rate when that came into effect but I did have to submit proof. IIRC I gave them a non-certified copy of my DD-214.

I was still AD when I got my first CHL, and had an Expert pistol ribbon and a card to go with it, but I went ahead and did the shooting test anyway. It was easier to go with the flow, and I if I hadn't done the test, I would've had to stand around waiting for everyone else to shoot while our course certificates were being done. Figured I might as well shoot while I wait!

[Mel]

"Don From Texas" That's a familiar User Name. Does the term "Air Force One" have any significance to you?

You must submit a copy of your DD-214 to get "Veteran" status and rate. BTW, my DD 214 is so dim that it does not fax or scan very well.
I had to mail mine. Even with that, I got the plastic back in about a month.

Welcome to the forum!

[DonFromTexas]

Wow, you found me Mel! Yep, as a matter of fact I OWN Air Force One!

[oljames3]

Welcome, Don! And welcome home. I got the discount as I applied for my CHL in 2013, within one year of retiring from active duty. I did submit my DD 214. I renewed my DL and got the Veteran label. Now I have to wait for my CHL to expire so I can get the Veteran label on it, also. I opted for the DV license plates.

[o b juan]

Don; I live in Pharr I have held classes since it 1st started Sept. 95'

Just need a little Notice Les T

[Pawpaw]

If believe that you have to supply a copy of your DD 214 to get this discount.

If the OP was on active duty for 20 years, he should have a retired military ID card. When I renewed I took advantage of the discount by sending in a scan of my ID card (both sides). It was accepted without question.

[Keith B]

Welcome to the forum.

Just being in the military or a veteran does not automatically exempt you from the shooting qualification. Here is the requirement

GC §411.1881. EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION FOR CERTAIN PERSONS.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, a person may not
be required to complete the range instruction portion of a handgun proficiency
course to obtain a license issued under this subchapter if the person:
(1) is currently serving in or is honorably discharged from:
(A) the army, navy, air force, coast guard, or marine corps of the United
States or an auxiliary service or reserve unit of one of those branches of the
armed forces; or
(B) the Texas military forces, as defined by Section 437.001; and
(2) has, within the five years preceding the date of the person’s application
for the license, completed a course of training in handgun proficiency or
familiarization as part of the person’s service with the armed forces or Texas
military forces.

So, even if active or within 5 years of discharge you must produce a copy of your handgun range qualification documentation from the military to be exempt.

[DonFromTexas]

Thanks guys, all my questions were expertly answered, I have a local instructor found and am on my way now!

[bigity]

Provided DD214 and as for qualifying: I spent a total of 2 hours at the range in my entire USAF career (well, only 4 years) at a firing range.

OTOH, I outshot 2 sheriff's deputies at my CHL qualification (I'm not sure if I should be proud or terrified of that).

$25 bucks sure is alot nicer than $140.

[WildBill]

If believe that you have to supply a copy of your DD 214 to get this discount.

If the OP was on active duty for 20 years, he should have a retired military ID card. When I renewed I took advantage of the discount by sending in a scan of my ID card (both sides). It was accepted without question.

The regulation says that you need to supply proof so the retired military ID would be proof.