MJRW,
Six years ago, when I first obtained my Virginia CCW, I provided the Fairfax County Court with a brief (approximately half a typed page) explanation of my firearms training and expertise along with my DD-214. Since, as indicated by Jack 98c/11b, most court personnel do not have the first clue re military training or duties, I felt this was a prudent approach. I recommend your friend amend his application with a similar statement. In addition, I suggest that virtually any honorably discharged or retired military member can easily make a case for adequate weapons training and familiarity (training and hands-on practice with the M-16 and the M-9, watch standing/sentry duties with the same, periodic weapons re-feminization and re-qualification, etc.).
In the event the permit is denied, the applicant has statutory right to meet with the Circuit Court judge. A BRIEF discussion – accompanied by clear, concise documentation – that: (1) highlights the law and the precedents re DD-214 use and (2) emphasizes the applicant’s qualifications (military weapons training PLUS good citizen, mature judgment, etc.) may well convince the judge that the Deputy Clerk who prepared the “vetting package†was unfamiliar with the law and cause a reversal in the initial determination. The judge will, in my opinion, be assessing the applicant’s aggregate stability and citizenship, not just weapons training. Therefore, decent dress, demeanor, articulateness, and so forth would be just as important as a strong, well-documented presentation.