True, after basic it had to be a "special occasion" before we ever saw any live rounds. Although the fundamentals were still there as far as firearm safety. The range was a controlled environment, carrying a loaded weapon on your person in public is a little different, especially from a legal...
All valid points, will not support mandatory training at all.
Do have one question, does military training count as firearms training? Or are you strictly speaking of concealed carry?
I have been scope shopping myself recently, it's a bit overwhelming all the options there are and some prices too. I am considering either a Nikon Monarch Or Leupold VX 2or 3, I hunted for years with a Tasco world class and killed many of deer and hogs with it, so you don't necessarily need high...