Its also only good for 6 years after your separation date. Its also up to the sheriff to determine whether or not your training in the military was extensive enough to allow you to get out of the chl class. I used mine to get my chl, but I was also a gunnersmate in the navy, certified line coach, certified range safety officer, and qualified as expert pistol and rifle. Sheriff told me that it was clear I was qualified to handle a pistol, but then he went through the laws in the manual with me. He was pretty set that he wanted me to make sure I understood what it said. My lawyer on the other hand isnt happy that I got mine that way. He still wants me to go through a CHL class.