TexasCHLforum.com

I'm 19 going to college on an AFROTC scholarship. I'm contracted and have a military ID. Am I eligible to apply for a CHL here in Texas? I have no prior military background and my ID says US Air Force Reserve which gets me on base and allows me access to basic facilities. My rotc commander said I'm not active duty until I get commissioned and the CHL regs don't specify anything more specific than being a member of the reserves. Anybody know for sure what this means for me?

I assume then that you are considered "inactive reserve". If this is the case I would say no.
Curious, have you been sworn in by an officer?

I have been sworn in by an officer and I have a 4 year commitment after I commission.

I think you'll have to wait till you're 21.

reagan1up wrote:I have been sworn in by an officer and I have a 4 year commitment after I commission.

It's been many years, but as I recall when I enlisted I was sworn in and then placed on delayed enlistment (due to the specialty code I was guaranteed as part of my commitment). My 6 months on delayed enlistment counted toward my 4 years of inactive reserves. My total commitment was 8 years (4 active and 4 inactive). I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months.

Said all that to say, I believe your current status is inactive reserves which means you are not a honorably discharged veteran nor are you currently an active member of the armed forces. Given your age I would say you do not qualify. But I could be wrong.

So I wouldn't count myself as a "member" of the reserves (active or not) even though I have a Reserve ID?

jmra wrote: My 6 months on delayed enlistment counted toward my 4 years of inactive reserves. My total commitment was 8 years (4 active and 4 inactive). I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months.

I don't want to hijack the thread, and I hope I'm not misinterpreting your meaning, but I would say you are incorrect in your statement, "I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months." First, as it counted towards your total commitment, how could you not be a member of the military for that time. Second, total military time for pay counts ALL active, reserve, and inactive reserve time. So, if the inactive time means you were not a member of the military at that time, why would it count for total military time and for pay? I served as both enlisted and commissioned for 23 years, with periods of inactive reserve in between at various times, and all of that time counted as total military time. I have also been ordered to active duty several times during those inactive years, so how could I be ordered to active duty if I wasn't a member of the military while on inactive status? I can't change how you felt at the time, but you can bet that you could have been placed on active duty at any time in that first six months at the sole discretion of the military.

I can't say with a certainty what the OP's status is, but if he has been sworn in, and has a military ID card, he's in the military right now, IMHO. I'm not a military expert or a lawyer, so take my post with that in mind. The OP should consult the Air Force as to his military status.

G26ster wrote:

jmra wrote: My 6 months on delayed enlistment counted toward my 4 years of inactive reserves. My total commitment was 8 years (4 active and 4 inactive). I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months.

I don't want to hijack the thread, and I hope I'm not misinterpreting your meaning, but I would say you are incorrect in your statement, "I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months." First, as it counted towards your total commitment, how could you not be a member of the military for that time. Second, total military time for pay counts ALL active, reserve, and inactive reserve time. So, if the inactive time means you were not a member of the military at that time, why would it count for total military time and for pay? I served as both enlisted and commissioned for 23 years, with periods of inactive reserve in between at various times, and all of that time counted as total military time. I have also been ordered to active duty several times during those inactive years, so how could I be ordered to active duty if I wasn't a member of the military while on inactive status? I can't change how you felt at the time, but you can bet that you could have been placed on active duty at any time in that first six months at the sole discretion of the military.

I can't say with a certainty what the OP's status is, but if he has been sworn in, and has a military ID card, he's in the military right now, IMHO. I'm not a military expert or a lawyer, so take my post with that in mind. The OP should consult the Air Force as to his military status.

Yep, I should have worded it differently. What I meant was I hadn't actually done anything yet to serve my country so I didn't expect any benefits at that point in time for simply taking an oath.

reagan1up wrote:I'm 19 going to college on an AFROTC scholarship. I'm contracted and have a military ID. Am I eligible to apply for a CHL here in Texas? I have no prior military background and my ID says US Air Force Reserve which gets me on base and allows me access to basic facilities. My rotc commander said I'm not active duty until I get commissioned and the CHL regs don't specify anything more specific than being a member of the reserves. Anybody know for sure what this means for me?

From the DPS website:

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (unless active duty military) and must meet Federal qualifications to purchase a handgun.

You are not 21 and you are not active duty.

Edited to add: the above information came from the DPS FAQ page. I know that there is incorrect info on that page so I wouldn't take it as Gospel.
The actual regs do not state active duty when referencing the reserves, but I believe when it mentions the reserves which in your case would be AF, I believe they are referring to This.

"The Air Force Reserve is an exciting, vibrant part of the nation's defense. It offers similar benefits afforded to those on active duty, with one major addition: the benefit of time. Time to be with your family, time to work at your civilian career, and time to serve your country.
An ideal option for those who have never been in the military and want to participate without being on full-time active duty, the Reserve is also a great way for those in other branches of the military to continue their benefits. Those include educational and retirement programs; starting their civilian careers with the stability of a second paycheck; and continuing the camaraderie and adventure only available through the service.
Applicants without prior military service must be 17 to 34 years old (enlisted prior to 35th birthday), in good health, and of strong character. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a comprehensive written test, will help determine your eligibility. Those without prior military experience will go through Basic Military Training, an eight and a half week course that combines intensive physical conditioning, academic courses, and rigorous military training."

This would be active reserve, I believe you are an inactive reservist. Although you might be able to slip your application through, I do not believe that is the intent of the regs.

jmra wrote:

G26ster wrote:

jmra wrote: My 6 months on delayed enlistment counted toward my 4 years of inactive reserves. My total commitment was 8 years (4 active and 4 inactive). I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months.

I don't want to hijack the thread, and I hope I'm not misinterpreting your meaning, but I would say you are incorrect in your statement, "I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months." First, as it counted towards your total commitment, how could you not be a member of the military for that time. Second, total military time for pay counts ALL active, reserve, and inactive reserve time. So, if the inactive time means you were not a member of the military at that time, why would it count for total military time and for pay? I served as both enlisted and commissioned for 23 years, with periods of inactive reserve in between at various times, and all of that time counted as total military time. I have also been ordered to active duty several times during those inactive years, so how could I be ordered to active duty if I wasn't a member of the military while on inactive status? I can't change how you felt at the time, but you can bet that you could have been placed on active duty at any time in that first six months at the sole discretion of the military.

I can't say with a certainty what the OP's status is, but if he has been sworn in, and has a military ID card, he's in the military right now, IMHO. I'm not a military expert or a lawyer, so take my post with that in mind. The OP should consult the Air Force as to his military status.

Yep, I should have worded it differently. What I meant was I hadn't actually done anything yet to serve my country so I didn't expect any benefits at that point in time for simply taking an oath.

Thanks, and sorry I did misinterpret your meaning.

G26ster wrote:

jmra wrote:

G26ster wrote:

jmra wrote: My 6 months on delayed enlistment counted toward my 4 years of inactive reserves. My total commitment was 8 years (4 active and 4 inactive). I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months.

I don't want to hijack the thread, and I hope I'm not misinterpreting your meaning, but I would say you are incorrect in your statement, "I know that I would not have considered myself a member of the military during that six months." First, as it counted towards your total commitment, how could you not be a member of the military for that time. Second, total military time for pay counts ALL active, reserve, and inactive reserve time. So, if the inactive time means you were not a member of the military at that time, why would it count for total military time and for pay? I served as both enlisted and commissioned for 23 years, with periods of inactive reserve in between at various times, and all of that time counted as total military time. I have also been ordered to active duty several times during those inactive years, so how could I be ordered to active duty if I wasn't a member of the military while on inactive status? I can't change how you felt at the time, but you can bet that you could have been placed on active duty at any time in that first six months at the sole discretion of the military.

I can't say with a certainty what the OP's status is, but if he has been sworn in, and has a military ID card, he's in the military right now, IMHO. I'm not a military expert or a lawyer, so take my post with that in mind. The OP should consult the Air Force as to his military status.

Yep, I should have worded it differently. What I meant was I hadn't actually done anything yet to serve my country so I didn't expect any benefits at that point in time for simply taking an oath.

Thanks, and sorry I did misinterpret your meaning.

No problem. I should have done a better job of conveying my thoughts.

Thank you for your service.

reagan1up wrote:I'm 19 going to college on an AFROTC scholarship. I'm contracted and have a military ID. Am I eligible to apply for a CHL here in Texas? I have no prior military background and my ID says US Air Force Reserve which gets me on base and allows me access to basic facilities. My rotc commander said I'm not active duty until I get commissioned and the CHL regs don't specify anything more specific than being a member of the reserves. Anybody know for sure what this means for me?

Everybody is giving some pretty complex answers. From my perspective, I'd say it can't hurt to try. The worst they could say is "No" and you have to wait a couple more years.

OldCannon wrote:

reagan1up wrote:I'm 19 going to college on an AFROTC scholarship. I'm contracted and have a military ID. Am I eligible to apply for a CHL here in Texas? I have no prior military background and my ID says US Air Force Reserve which gets me on base and allows me access to basic facilities. My rotc commander said I'm not active duty until I get commissioned and the CHL regs don't specify anything more specific than being a member of the reserves. Anybody know for sure what this means for me?

Everybody is giving some pretty complex answers. From my perspective, I'd say it can't hurt to try. The worst they could say is "No" and you have to wait a couple more years.

Not much to lose. If he did qualify wouldn't he be exempt from the application fee? If so, no risk at all in trying.

jmra wrote: No problem. I should have done a better job of conveying my thoughts.

Thank you for your service.

Thanks, and thanks for yours too

I would call (or email) DPS and ask them. They're the ones that make the decision, anyway. Their contact info can be found here...

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/contact/default.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (select Concealed Handgun)