This is something I have always been on the fence about with regard to GA gun laws.
On one hand, sure it makes sense that a person in the military would have at least some exposure to firearms, and also have a somewhat higher level of discipline than a comparable civilian counterpart.
On the other hand, I was in the Army for 6 years (the majority of it in GA) and knew quite a few people from all different services that I wouldn't trust to carry a firearm. I also think having a blanket exemption like this allows for too many people that want to carry a pistol because they think it is "cool" or "badass." COD syndrome.
My opinion is that we should allow for the exemption of having to apply for the GFL, but require that the person get authorization from their commanding officer (in writing) and carry that on their person in lieu of a GFL. This would give at least one additional level of oversight, where the unit commander could make a judgment call as to whether or not that soldier/sailor/marine/airman is capable and qualified to handle and carry a firearm.
Here is the law in its current form:
Now, keep in mind that the law exempts ALL military personnel, from any branch, whether they are active duty, reserve, or national guard. It offers them exemptions from section 126-127.2, which control where and when you can carry. So, a military person could be allowed to carry at church, in the courthouse, etc.
It does NOT exempt them from the requirements of obtaining a GFL (sane, rational, no controlled substances, no felonies, etc), they just get a waiver for having to actually obtain the license.
On one hand, sure it makes sense that a person in the military would have at least some exposure to firearms, and also have a somewhat higher level of discipline than a comparable civilian counterpart.
On the other hand, I was in the Army for 6 years (the majority of it in GA) and knew quite a few people from all different services that I wouldn't trust to carry a firearm. I also think having a blanket exemption like this allows for too many people that want to carry a pistol because they think it is "cool" or "badass." COD syndrome.
My opinion is that we should allow for the exemption of having to apply for the GFL, but require that the person get authorization from their commanding officer (in writing) and carry that on their person in lieu of a GFL. This would give at least one additional level of oversight, where the unit commander could make a judgment call as to whether or not that soldier/sailor/marine/airman is capable and qualified to handle and carry a firearm.
Here is the law in its current form:
Now, keep in mind that the law exempts ALL military personnel, from any branch, whether they are active duty, reserve, or national guard. It offers them exemptions from section 126-127.2, which control where and when you can carry. So, a military person could be allowed to carry at church, in the courthouse, etc.
It does NOT exempt them from the requirements of obtaining a GFL (sane, rational, no controlled substances, no felonies, etc), they just get a waiver for having to actually obtain the license.
