LETTER: Many permit holders trained

To the editor:

    I think the Captain’s statements are a little misleading. The fact of the matter is, requirements don’t reflect reality, whether you’re an officer or a civilian.

    While the Captain is correct when stating permit holders are not required to continue our training after receiving our permit, that doesn’t mean we don’t.  Not only do I shoot at the range and reload as a hobby, but I’m also a competitive shooter. Last time I checked, I was top five in the state in my division.

    “How good are they under stress? How good of a shot are they?” he asks. It’s a valid question, and one that deserves to be answered. Where to start? Maybe my two combat tours that spanned four countries? Surely those must count for something. How about my standing Expert Pistol Qualification Badge? I mean, I did earn it both left and right handed. How about my time as a small arms instructor? I train troops deploying to Afghanistan.

    The fact is, police aren’t the only ones with training, nor are they the only ones that should have training. If a citizen chooses to carry a weapon, they are doing so knowing full well what the legal and social implications are if they use (or threaten) deadly force. If you don’t have training, get some. Capt. Milne raises clear and valid concerns over who the “bad guy” might be. To a responding officer, the answer is going to be about as clear as mud.

    The only people who are going to have a definite, clear depiction of who the antagonist is are going to be the people present when the crap hits the fan.

    If you carry, do it right. Train, practice, and keep your secret a secret until there’s no doubt it’s needed. There’s no need to advertise, and I’d hate to make the newspaper folk nervous during class.

    It should also be noted that Utah is the only state in the entire country that REQUIRE public institutions of higher education to allow conceal carry. Food for thought.

Benson Munyan