Here is something along that topic just a little different.
18.2-308, the Concealed Handgun law "5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services"
Those of us being military may most likely view this as our military ID. Which in VB does count for showing current military service, as I would assume it would everywhere else in VB. Well when applying for my CHP I was under the assumption that it would only be required for me to show my ID come to find out they required to have a photo copy of the ID. So, unknowing of the laws, I complied. My fault I know. Anyways after doing some researching I found this...
Title 18 US Code Part 1 Chapter 13 Section 701
"Whoever manufactures, sells, or possesses any badge, identification card, or other insignia, of the design prescribed by the head of any department or agency of the United States for use by any officer or employee thereof, or any colorable imitation thereof, or photographs, prints, or in any other manner makes or executes any engraving, photograph, print, or impression in the likeness of any such badge, identification card, or other insignia, or any colorable imitation thereof, except as authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both."
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/701
So given that information it sound like they are violating Federal Law by requiring the photo copying of Military ID's. If it is required in order for military to apply for the CHP without having to complete a course how are we supposed to apply?
Very interesting observation. After carefully reading the pertinent section of 18.2-308, it appears to me that the person who accepts the application will need to inspect the ID, and make note that it is valid for the person who reviews the application. The possible problem is that the judge who will sign the CHP may want to see it for him/herself. But the code clearly does not say that they may photocopy the ID, only that it must be "presented." This is confirmed by the fact that at the end, there is a list of which credentials may be photocopied (eta: and military ID is not on that list!)
See below, my emphasis added.
TFred
G. The court shall require proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun and the applicant may demonstrate such competence by one of the following, but no applicant shall be required to submit to any additional demonstration of competence, nor shall any proof of demonstrated competence expire:
1. Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a similar agency of another state;
2. Completing any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;
4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
5.
Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm
through participation in organized shooting competition or
current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;
6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;
7. Completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including an electronic, video, or on-line course, conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor;
8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or
9. Completing any other firearms training which the court deems adequate.
A photocopy of a
certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; an
affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a
copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this subsection.